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7 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before You Sign

June 15, 2026 · 5 min read · Liberty General Construction
Roofer working on a roofline in the Portland, OR area

Your roof is one of the biggest investments in your home, and the contractor you choose matters as much as the materials. A good roofer answers all of these without hesitation. If someone dodges them, keep looking.

1. Are you licensed and insured in my state?

In Oregon, ask for the CCB number; in Washington, the contractor registration. Confirm liability insurance and workers' comp too. (Liberty is Oregon CCB #242343 and WA #LIBERGC785MK, fully insured.) If someone is hurt on an uninsured job, the liability can land on you.

2. Will the same crew do my whole project?

Some companies sell the job and sub it to whoever is cheapest that week. Ask whether the crew is in-house and uniformed, and who your point of contact will be start to finish.

3. What does your warranty cover, and does it transfer?

There are two warranties: the manufacturer's on materials and the contractor's on workmanship. Ask how long the workmanship warranty lasts and whether it transfers if you sell. (Ours is 5 years and fully transferable.)

4. Can I get a detailed, written estimate?

A real estimate itemizes materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, and timeline. Vague one-number quotes leave room for surprise charges.

Liberty in-house crew installing shingles on a Pacific Northwest roof
Our own in-house crew on the job — the same team from start to finish, not day-labor subs.

5. How do you handle unexpected damage?

Rotted decking is common once the old roof comes off. A trustworthy roofer stops, shows you, and gets approval before adding cost.

6. Do you pull permits?

Roof replacements usually require a permit. A contractor who suggests skipping it to save time is cutting a corner that can cost you at resale or with insurance.

7. Can I see recent local work and reviews?

Ask for photos of recent jobs and their Google reviews. Local, verifiable work beats a glossy brochure every time.

At Liberty General Construction, we are happy to answer every one of these before you commit. Free inspection, honest answers, and work backed in writing.

Need a roof, siding, gutter, or window estimate in the Pacific Northwest?

Liberty General Construction offers free, no-pressure inspections and written estimates — backed by our 5-year transferable warranty.

Get a Free Estimate   Call 503-560-7513

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