The “2026 Roofer Interview” Script
Hiring a roofer is like hiring a surgeon for your house. If you choose the wrong one, the “surgery” might look okay on the outside, but the internal bleeding (leaks/rot) will cost you thousands later.
In Central Illinois, we have seen a massive rise in “Storm Chasers”—out-of-state crews that knock on doors after a hail storm, take your deposit, and vanish.
To protect your home and your wallet, do not sign a contract until you have asked these 15 questions.
Phase 1: The “Legitimacy” Check
These questions weed out the scams immediately.
1. “What is your full legal business name and physical address?”
Why ask: A PO Box or a UPS Store address is a red flag. You want a local roofer with a brick-and-mortar office in Peoria or the surrounding area. If they don’t have a building, they might not be here next year to honor your warranty.
2. “Can I see your Illinois Roofing License?”
Why ask: In Illinois, it is a crime to roof without a state license. Ask to see the physical card and check the number against the IDPR database.
3. “Can you email me a Certificate of Insurance (COI) today?”
Why ask: Don’t just take their word for it. You need to see proof of General Liability AND Workers’ Compensation. If a worker falls off your roof and the company doesn’t have Workers’ Comp, you could be sued for their medical bills.
4. “Are you a local company or a ‘Storm Chaser’?”
Why ask: Storm chasers travel from state to state following bad weather. They often do rush jobs and leave town. Always hire a company with local roots and local phone numbers.
Phase 2: The “Insurance & Money” Check
Crucial for 2026 insurance claims.
5. “Are you a Licensed Public Adjuster?”
Why ask: This is the SNS Roofing difference. Most roofers can “read” an insurance estimate, but they legally cannot negotiate it for you. A Public Adjuster is licensed by the state to fight the insurance company on your behalf to get the full payout you deserve.
6. “Will you cover my deductible?”
Why ask: This is a trick question. It is illegal for a roofer to pay your deductible. If a contractor offers to “waive” or “absorb” your deductible, they are committing insurance fraud. If they will cheat the insurance company, they will cheat you too.
7. “Do you offer financing?”
Why ask: A new roof in 2026 can cost $15,000+. A reputable contractor should have established relationships with banks to offer you monthly payment plans.
Phase 3: The “Workmanship” Check
Ensuring the roof doesn’t leak.
8. “Who is actually doing the work?”
Why ask: Does the company have its own employees, or do they sub-contract everything to the lowest bidder? You want to know who will be walking on your property.
9. “How do you protect my landscaping and driveway?”
Why ask: A 30-square tear-off creates 8,000 lbs of debris. A professional crew will use plywood to protect your driveway from dumpsters and tarps to catch falling nails before they hit your hydrangeas.
10. “What is your ‘Magnet Sweep’ protocol?”
Why ask: Roofing nails are notorious for ending up in tires. Ask how many times they sweep the yard with magnets. (At SNS, we do it multiple times).
11. “Do you install a complete system or just shingles?”
Why ask: A roof is more than just the top layer. Ask about the Ice & Water Shield, the synthetic underlayment, and the starter strips. If they aren’t using these components, they are cutting corners.
Phase 4: The “Warranty” Check
The piece of paper that matters most.
12. “Is the warranty from you or the manufacturer?”
Why ask: Manufacturer warranties cover the shingles. Workmanship warranties cover the installation. You need both.
13. “What happens if I sell my house?”
Why ask: A transferable warranty is a huge selling point for real estate. Ensure the warranty can be passed to the next owner.
14. “How do you handle rotted decking?”
Why ask: This is the most common “surprise charge.” A good contractor will tell you the price per sheet of plywood upfront so you aren’t shocked if they find rot.
15. “Can you provide local references from the last 6 months?”
Why ask: Don’t look at references from 5 years ago. You want to know how they are performing now.
Don’t Be Afraid to Interrogate
A quality contractor will be happy to answer these questions. A shady one will get defensive.
At SNS Roofing, we pride ourselves on total transparency. We encourage you to ask us all 15 questions. Contact us today to schedule your interview and free roof inspection.
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