6 Things to Ask and Look For When Hiring a Roofer

Knowing what to look for when hiring a roofer helps Vancouver and Portland homeowners avoid costly mistakes and choose with confidence. The right contractor carries verified licensing, insurance, manufacturer certifications, and a clear written scope. After serving homeowners across both metro areas with warranty-backed roofing services, RedBird Roofing can confidently answer every question on this list.

You've got three estimates on the table, hundreds of dollars apart. That gap almost always traces back to something specific: a missing license, a skipped permit, or a certification they don't actually hold. Here's what to check before you sign:

1. Check Their License and Insurance First

In Washington, roofing contractors must register with the Department of Labor and Industries and carry liability insurance and workers' compensation. Oregon requires the same through the Construction Contractors Board. Ask for current certificates. Verbal confirmation isn't enough. 

An uninsured roofer injured on your property becomes your financial problem, and a crew that damages your gutters or siding needs to cover that. RedBird Roofing is licensed and insured in both states.

2. Ask About Certifications. They're Not All Equal.

There's a real difference between a contractor who installs shingles and one certified by the manufacturer to do it correctly. Certification programs like Malarkey's tiers require documented training, and the top tier unlocks enhanced warranty coverage non-certified roofers can't offer. 

RedBird holds Malarkey Emerald Pro certification, which means our installations offer wind resistance up to 130–140 mph per Malarkey's published specifications. We also provide a 25-year labor warranty.

3. Look at Warranty Terms, Not Just the Price

A low estimate with a one-year labor warranty is a different product than one backed by 25 years of labor coverage. If the cheaper install fails at year four, those savings disappear. It’s worth asking two questions: What's the labor warranty term? Is the manufacturer warranty enhanced through certification, or standard coverage off the shelf? Also confirm whether it's transferable because transferability adds real resale value.

4. Get the Scope of Work in Writing

Verbal agreements about what's included don't hold up once the job starts. A written scope should name materials by product and grade, specify tear-off vs. overlay, address ventilation, and cover cleanup. Vague line items like "roofing materials" or "labor and installation" are red flags. A contractor confident in their process will spell out exactly what they're doing without hesitation.

5. Read Reviews But Know What to Look For

Star ratings give a directional signal; the content tells you more. Look for patterns: does the crew show up on time, protect landscaping, walk homeowners through the finished job? Or does communication go quiet after the deposit clears? Real customer reviews from Vancouver and Portland families show consistent themes across hundreds of jobs. Check multiple platforms.  Our RedBird Roofing reviews reflect consistency that's hard to fake.

6. Ask Who's Actually Doing the Work

Some contractors sell the job and hand it off to a subcontractor you've never met. Ask directly: is the crew in-house or subcontracted? Also confirm whether permits are being pulled. In Washington and Oregon, permits are typically required for full replacements, though requirements vary by jurisdiction. Your contractor should know what applies in your area. Skipping them can complicate insurance claims and future resale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Verify a Roofing Contractor's License in Washington or Oregon?

Washington contractors can be verified through the Department of Labor and Industries’ contractor verification service. Oregon contractors are registered with the Construction Contractors Board. Both searches are free and show current license status, insurance coverage, and any disciplinary history. Check these resources before signing any contract.

Is the Lowest Bid Usually a Warning Sign When Hiring a Roofer?

A significantly lower bid often reflects something missing—thinner underlayment, a shorter labor warranty, uncertified installation, or skipped permits. Ask each contractor to explain what their price covers before comparing numbers. RedBird Roofing provides itemized written estimates so Vancouver and Portland homeowners can compare proposals on equal terms.

What's the Difference Between a Manufacturer Warranty and a Labor Warranty?

A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves—shingles that crack or fail prematurely under normal conditions. A labor warranty covers installation workmanship. If the roof leaks because of how it was installed, the contractor is responsible. Both matter, and labor warranty terms vary widely between contractors.

Work With a Roofer Who Can Answer All of These

Any contractor worth hiring answers these six questions without hesitation. RedBird Roofing does—and puts it all in writing.



RedBird Roofing serves homeowners in Vancouver, Ridgefield, Portland, Beaverton, and surrounding communities in Washington and Oregon. Get a free estimate or call (360) 605-3127.