How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Connecticut: 10 Critical Questions to Ask

Choosing the right roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a Connecticut homeowner. A quality roof protects your home for decades, while a poor installation can lead to costly repairs, voided warranties, and safety issues. This guide provides 10 critical questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor in Connecticut.

Why Contractor Selection Matters

The roofing industry attracts both highly skilled professionals and unscrupulous operators. In Connecticut, where severe weather demands quality installation, choosing the wrong contractor can result in:

• Premature roof failure
• Voided manufacturer warranties
• Insurance claim denials
• Safety hazards
• Legal disputes

10 Critical Questions to Ask

1. Are You Licensed and Insured in Connecticut?

Why It Matters: Connecticut requires roofing contractors to be licensed and carry adequate insurance.

What to Verify:

• Connecticut Home Improvement Contractor License
• General liability insurance (minimum $500,000)
• Workers' compensation insurance
• Request certificate of insurance directly from insurer

Red Flag: Contractors who can't provide immediate proof of licensing and insurance.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business in Connecticut?

Why It Matters: Established local contractors have reputations to protect and are more likely to honor warranties.

What to Look For:

• Minimum 5 years in business
• Physical Connecticut address (not just PO box)
• Local references
• Better Business Bureau rating

Red Flag: Out-of-state contractors who appear after major storms ("storm chasers").

3. Are You a GAF Master Elite Contractor?

Why It Matters: GAF Master Elite certification is awarded to only 2% of roofing contractors who meet stringent standards.

Benefits:

• Factory-certified training
• Enhanced warranty options (Golden Pledge®)
• Proven track record
• Financial stability verification

Red Flag: Contractors who claim certification but can't provide proof.

4. Can You Provide Local References?

Why It Matters: Recent local references allow you to verify quality and customer satisfaction.

What to Request:

• Minimum 5 recent Connecticut references
• Permission to visit completed projects
• Contact information for homeowners

Follow Up: Actually call references and ask about:

• Quality of work
• Timeliness
• Communication
• Cleanup
• Any issues and how they were resolved

Red Flag: Reluctance to provide references or only offering references from years ago.

5. What's Included in Your Written Estimate?

Why It Matters: Detailed estimates prevent surprise costs and ensure all necessary work is included.

Should Include:

• Itemized material costs (brand, type, color)
• Labor costs
• Removal and disposal fees
• Permits and inspections
• Warranty details
• Project timeline
• Payment schedule

Red Flag: Vague estimates, requests for full payment upfront, or significant price changes after signing.

6. How Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?

Why It Matters: Connecticut municipalities require permits for roof replacements. Proper permitting ensures code compliance.

Contractor Should:

• Obtain all necessary permits
• Schedule required inspections
• Provide copies of permits and inspection reports
• Ensure work meets Connecticut building codes

Red Flag: Contractors who suggest skipping permits to "save money."

7. What Warranties Do You Offer?

Why It Matters: Comprehensive warranties protect your investment.

Types of Warranties:

• Manufacturer's warranty: Material defects
• Workmanship warranty: Installation errors
• System warranty: Complete roofing system

What to Verify:

• Warranty duration (look for 25+ years workmanship)
• What's covered and excluded
• Transferability
• Registration requirements

Red Flag: Contractors offering only manufacturer's warranty with minimal workmanship coverage.

8. What's Your Safety Record?

Why It Matters: Roofing is dangerous work. Contractors with poor safety records put workers and your property at risk.

What to Ask:

• OSHA compliance
• Safety training programs
• Recent safety violations
• Workers' compensation claims history

Red Flag: Dismissive attitude toward safety or inability to provide safety information.

9. How Do You Protect My Property During Work?

Why It Matters: Roofing generates significant debris and can damage landscaping, vehicles, and structures.

Contractor Should:

• Cover landscaping with tarps
• Use magnetic sweeps for nails
• Protect driveways and walkways
• Provide dumpster or debris removal
• Conduct thorough cleanup

Red Flag: No clear plan for property protection and cleanup.

10. What's Your Payment Schedule?

Why It Matters: Reasonable payment terms protect both parties.

Standard Schedule:

• Small deposit (10-20%) to secure materials
• Progress payments tied to milestones
• Final payment (10-20%) upon completion and inspection

Red Flag: Requests for full payment upfront, cash-only payments, or pressure to pay before work is complete.

Additional Warning Signs

Storm Chasers

• Out-of-state contractors appearing after major storms
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Offers to waive insurance deductibles
• No local address or references

Unlicensed Operators

• Can't provide license or insurance proof
• Significantly lower bids than competitors
• Suggests working "off the books"
• No written contract

Poor Business Practices

• Vague or incomplete contracts
• Unwillingness to answer questions
• No physical business location
• Negative online reviews

Making Your Decision

After interviewing multiple contractors:

1. Compare estimates (get at least 3)
2. Check references thoroughly
3. Verify credentials independently
4. Review contracts carefully
5. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is

Conclusion

Choosing a roofing contractor in Connecticut requires due diligence, but asking these 10 critical questions will help you identify quality professionals. For the best protection, choose a GAF Master Elite contractor like Restoration Control who can provide enhanced warranties, proven expertise, and local accountability.

Ready to work with Connecticut's trusted GAF Master Elite contractor? Contact Restoration Control at (833) 380-7378 for a free consultation and detailed estimate.