The right roofing contractor is licensed, insured, uses named-brand materials, pulls permits, and will put everything in writing. Ask the same questions of every bidder. If a contractor skips questions or pressures you to sign fast, walk away.

We are going to say something that might surprise you. Homer Roofing is not the right fit for every job. We are not the cheapest option in Weber, Davis, or Salt Lake counties. We do not do every type of roofing project. And if you are in a situation where a different contractor is genuinely the better choice, we would rather tell you that upfront than win a job we should not have.

That is not a sales line. It is how we think about this business.

Why Choosing the Wrong Roofer Is a Bigger Problem Than Most Homeowners Realize

A bad roof replacement is not like a bad haircut. You cannot just fix it in a few weeks.

A roofing job done wrong can fail quietly for months or years before you see the damage. By then, you may be dealing with rotted decking, mold in the attic, and interior water damage that dwarfs the original cost of the roof.

And in most cases, the contractor who did the work is either gone or not picking up the phone.

The 10 Questions to Ask Every Roofing Contractor

1. Are you licensed and insured?

This is not optional. Utah requires roofing contractors to hold a valid contractor’s license. Ask for the license number and verify it at the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) website. Ask for a certificate of insurance before work starts.

2. What exact materials are you installing?

Vague answers are a red flag. A good contractor will tell you the exact brand, product line, and specifications of every major component going on your roof.

3. Who will actually be doing the work?

Some contractors use their own trained crews. Others subcontract every job. You have a right to know who will be on your property and whether they are covered under the contractor’s insurance.

4. Will you pull a permit?

Most cities in Utah require a permit for a full roof replacement. A contractor who tells you a permit is not needed is either uninformed or cutting corners.

5. Is this a full tear-off or a layover?

A layover install puts new shingles on top of old ones. It is cheaper upfront and not recommended for most homes. Ask directly whether the quote includes removing all existing shingles.

6. How do you handle decking damage?

A contractor cannot always see the full condition of the decking until the old shingles come off. Ask how decking damage is handled and whether it is priced per sheet.

7. What warranty comes with the job?

Ask for both warranties in writing: the manufacturer warranty and the workmanship warranty. Not every contractor can offer the same warranty coverage on the same shingles.

8. Can you provide references?

A contractor with a solid local reputation should be able to name recent customers willing to talk.

9. What is the timeline and how do you communicate during the job?

Get an estimated start date and a realistic project timeline in writing.

10. What is not included in this quote?

Every quote has exclusions. The question is whether they are spelled out or buried.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Demands full payment upfront
  • Shows up at your door after a storm offering “today only” deals
  • Does not have a physical business address
  • Pressures you to decide immediately
  • Offers to pay your insurance deductible (this is insurance fraud)
  • Has significantly lower bids than everyone else

Where Homer Roofing Fits and Where We Might Not

We said at the start that we are not the right fit for every job.

Where we do well: Full asphalt shingle roof replacements on residential homes in Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake counties. Hail and wind damage claims. GAF product installations where extended warranty coverage matters.

Where we may not be the best fit: Jobs requiring tile roofing. Projects where the absolute lowest bid is the only priority.

Homer Roofing has been serving Northern Utah since 2003. We are a GAF Master Elite contractor. We offer free inspections with no obligation.