Roofing Company Near Me: 11 Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Don't get burned by a bad contractor. Here is your checklist for hiring a roofer in Western North Carolina.
If you searched “roofing company near me,” you are likely looking for more than just a price. You are looking for trust. In Western North Carolina, that decision matters more than in other places. Your roof has to fight wind-driven rain in Brevard, heavy snow loads in Maggie Valley, and brutal freeze-thaw cycles in Asheville that expose weak workmanship fast.
The best way to avoid a bad install, surprise costs, or warranty headaches is to interview your roofer like you would an employee.
Quick Checklist: The 11 Questions If you are in a rush, scan this list. If a roofer can't answer "Yes" to these, walk away.
Are you licensed in NC?
Do you carry General Liability & Workers' Comp?
Will you provide a Lien Waiver? (Critical)
Who supervises the crew?
How do you handle hidden rot?
Is the warranty transferrable?
Will you inspect ventilation?
Do you have specific experience with my roof type?
How do you protect my property?
What is your bad weather protocol?
Can you show me a recent local project?
1. Are you licensed in North Carolina, and can you prove it?
A legitimate roofing company should be able to explain their licensing status immediately.
What to ask for: Proof of authorization to operate in NC and confirmation they pull local permits when required.
The Red Flag: If they say "Permits aren't necessary," be careful. While simple repairs might not need them, re-roofing often does.
2. Do you carry General Liability and Workers’ Compensation?
This is the most important safety question on the list.
General Liability: Protects your home if they drop a ladder on your car or burn your house down.
Workers' Comp: Protects you from lawsuits if a worker falls off your roof.
The Reality: If a contractor is uninsured (or "under-insured") and gets hurt on your property, you could be liable for their medical bills. Always ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) sent directly from their agent.
3. Will you provide a Lien Waiver upon final payment?
Most homeowners have never heard of this, but it is vital. If a roofing contractor takes your money but fails to pay their material supplier for the shingles or metal, that supplier can legally place a Mechanic's Lien on your home. This can happen even if you paid the roofer in full!
The True North Standard: We pay our suppliers on time, every time. We are happy to provide a signed Lien Waiver upon final payment. This proves all materials are paid for and your property is free and clear.
4. Who will actually be on my roof?
Some companies simply "sell" the job and then subcontract it to the lowest bidder without supervision.
Ask: "Who is the on-site supervisor? Will a Project Manager be inspecting the quality during the install?"
Why it matters: You need someone accountable on-site to ensure nailing patterns are correct and flashing is watertight.
5. How will you handle hidden damage (Rotten Decking)?
In humid areas like Sylva and Lake Toxaway, it is common to find rotten plywood decking once we tear off the old shingles. You shouldn't be held hostage by a surprise bill mid-project.
Ask: "What is your 'per sheet' price for replacing decking?"
The Goal: Get this price in writing in your initial estimate. A trustworthy contractor documents the rot with photos before replacing it so you see exactly what you are paying for.
6. Is your workmanship warranty transferrable?
Manufacturer warranties cover the material. Workmanship warranties cover the installer's skill.
Ask: "If I sell my home in 5 years, does the warranty pass to the new buyer?"
Why it matters: A transferrable warranty is a massive selling point for real estate in Western NC.
7. How do you handle ventilation and Ice Dams?
A roof is a system that needs to breathe. In high-elevation towns like Waynesville and Balsam, improper ventilation leads to Ice Dams. This is where melting snow refreezes at the eaves and backs water up under your shingles.
Ask: "Will you be installing Ice & Water Shield? How far up the roof deck?"
Mountain Code: Standard code is often not enough for our altitude. We often install leak barriers 6+ feet up the eaves to prevent ice dam leaks.
8. Are you experienced with the roof type I want?
Installing Standing Seam Metal is totally different than installing Asphalt Shingles.
Ask: "Do you install snap-lock or mechanical seam? How do you detail chimneys on metal roofs?"
The Reality: Hiring a "shingle guy" to install a metal roof is a recipe for leaks. Ensure they have a dedicated metal crew.
Learn more: See our Metal Roofing Options
9. How do you protect my property?
Roofing is messy. Thousands of pounds of old material will be coming off your house.
Ask: "Do you use plywood to protect garage doors and AC units? Do you use a magnetic sweep for nails?"
The True North Difference: We treat your property like our own. We use specialized "catch-all" netting and magnetic sweeps to ensure your driveway and flower beds are safe for your kids and pets.
10. What is your bad weather protocol?
Weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains changes in minutes.
Ask: "Do you tarp the roof daily? What happens if a pop-up storm hits mid-tear-off?"
The Answer: A professional crew constantly monitors radar and never tears off more than they can dry-in that same day.
11. Can you provide local references?
Local experience matters because our terrain is difficult. A crew used to flat suburban driveways might not know how to stage materials on a steep gravel switchback in Hendersonville or Scaly Mountain.
Ask: "Can I see photos of a recent project in my neighborhood?"
Ready for a Real Inspection?
If you want honest answers to all these questions, plus a detailed digital report of your roof’s condition, start with us. We provide transparent assessments, photo documentation, and clear recommendations.
