GTA roofer interview: 12 questions to ask before signing
Written by Marc D., GCT Expert Analyst · Updated April 2026 · 3 min read
Asking the right questions before you sign eliminates 80% of GTA roofing risk. Here are the 12 questions every Toronto and GTA homeowner should ask.
Direct answer
The 12 questions below replace 90% of the due-diligence checklist a Toronto homeowner needs before signing a roofing contract. Ask them in person, write down the answers, and refuse to sign anything the same day.
The 12 questions
1. What is your WSIB clearance number?
The contractor should provide it without hesitation. Verify it on the WSIB eServices portal before the meeting ends.
2. What is your commercial general liability limit?
$2M is the GTA minimum. $5M for any condo, semi-detached, or row-house adjacency.
3. What is your legal business name registered with Ontario?
Must match the WSIB clearance, the HST number and the quote exactly.
4. Will the crew that shows up on day 1 be your direct employees?
If subcontracted: name of the subcontractor, their WSIB number, their insurance.
5. Exactly what shingle (or membrane) brand, model and colour do you propose?
"30-year quality" is not an answer. Demand: manufacturer, model, colour, manufacturer warranty term.
6. How much ice-and-water shield will you install, and where?
Minimum 3 ft up from every eave, all valleys, all penetrations, all sidewall transitions. Insist on this in writing.
7. How will you handle damaged deck sheathing?
Good answer: "X sheets of 1/2" or 5/8" plywood included; beyond that, $X per sheet, photographed before replacement."
8. What is your ventilation calculation for my roof?
The Ontario Building Code requires 1 sq ft of net free vent area per 300 sq ft of insulated ceiling, split intake/exhaust. Vague answer = walk.
9. Do you pull the City of Toronto permit, or is that on me?
For like-for-like shingle replacement a permit is usually not required, but verify with Toronto Building for your specific scope.
10. What is your deposit policy?
Maximum 10% on signing, 40% on material delivery, balance on completion + 10% holdback for 30 days. Anything else is a yellow flag.
11. What written warranties will I receive on completion?
Two documents: manufacturer warranty registration + a separate written installation warranty (5 to 15 years) signed by the company on letterhead.
12. Can you give me 3 recent references from the same neighbourhood?
Not 3 generic Google reviews — three callable phone numbers from jobs within 5 km, completed in the last 18 months.
Scoring the answers
| Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 11–12 confident answers | Strong candidate — request a written quote |
| 8–10 | Reasonable — get a second quote and compare |
| 5–7 | Weak — likely missing core compliance |
| 0–4 | Walk away |
Bonus: 3 questions that catch evasive contractors
- "Which line on this quote would change first if I asked for a $1,000 reduction?" — A real contractor explains scope trade-offs; a scammer cuts deposit/cash demands.
- "What is your protocol if it rains mid-tear-off?" — Good answers mention temporary tarping and contracts that prohibit deck exposure overnight.
- "Will you photograph the deck after tear-off and send it to me before re-covering?" — Photos protect both parties; refusal is a red flag.
FAQ — Hiring a GTA roofer
How many quotes should I get in the GTA?
Three minimum. Five if the roof is over $20,000 or if structural / deck issues are likely.
Can I negotiate on price?
Negotiate on scope additions (extra ice & water, premium ridge vent) at the same price — not on the contractor's margin.
Should I get the quote in writing before the visit ends?
No. Quality contractors deliver a written quote within 48–72 hours after a roof measurement, not on the spot.
Received a roofing quote?
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