How to Hire a Roofer in Ontario: A Homeowner Checklist

Describe the job before you shop for a contractor

Start with the problem, not the company name. Write down whether you need leak diagnosis, a focused repair, a full replacement or a material change. Include the approximate roof size if known, home height, visible damage, leak history, skylights or chimneys and your timing.

This makes it easier to tell whether a contractor regularly does the kind of work you need. It also produces better estimates because the conversation begins with the same scope.

Check that the contractor is set up for roofing work

Ontario's official roofing guidance tells homeowners to think about worker safety and work-at-heights requirements. Roofing is not a trade where a bargain price is useful if the crew cannot perform the work safely.

Ask who will actually be on site, whether subcontractors are used, what insurance and workplace-safety arrangements apply, and who is responsible for property protection and cleanup.

• Ask for recent references for similar roofing work.
• Confirm the business name and contact details that will appear on the contract.
• Ask who supervises the crew and who you contact if the scope changes.
• Discuss protection for landscaping, siding, eaves, driveways and neighbouring property.

Get the estimate in writing

Ontario's consumer guidance says homeowners should obtain written estimates and make sure the estimate becomes part of the contract. A useful estimate is not just a total. It should identify the work, materials and major included costs.

HomeSelect's model sends a request to one selected local contractor where coverage is available. That does not prevent you from independently seeking other estimates if you want to compare the market; Ontario's own guidance recommends getting at least three written estimates.

Compare the same scope

A $14,000 quote with full tear-off, new underlayment, flashing work, disposal and cleanup is not directly comparable with a $12,000 number that leaves several of those items unclear. Normalize the scope before you normalize the price.

Use the written contract as the final version of the deal

Ontario says home-renovation and roofing contracts over $50 must be in writing. The agreement should identify the business, work, materials, price, payment terms, schedule, warranties, cleanup and other promised details.

If you sign a qualifying direct agreement in your home, Ontario's guidance describes a 10-calendar-day cooling-off period. Because contract rights depend on the transaction, read the current provincial guidance before relying on a cancellation right.

• Full business name, address and contact information.
• Detailed scope and materials.
• Start/completion expectations and how delays are handled.
• Deposit and payment schedule.
• Change-order process for additional work.
• Warranty terms and cleanup responsibilities.

Keep deposits proportionate and keep a paper trail

Ontario consumer guidance recommends keeping down payments to a minimum and says it recommends no more than 10%. It also warns homeowners not to pay the full contract amount before the work is complete.

Keep the estimate, signed agreement, invoices, receipts, change orders and material/warranty information together. If something changes mid-project, put the change and price impact in writing before the extra work proceeds whenever possible.

Treat urgency as a reason to be clearer, not looser

A leak can create pressure to act quickly, but urgency does not make vague paperwork safer. If temporary protection is needed, distinguish that emergency work from the final replacement scope. A legitimate contractor should be able to explain what is urgent now and what can wait for a proper written decision.

Ask for evidence that matches the exact job

References are more useful when the prior project resembles yours. If you have a steep two-storey roof with several valleys, a reference for a simple bungalow tells you less about crew setup, access and detail work. Ask for one or two recent examples with similar material, complexity or neighbourhood conditions.

Photos can help, but they are not a substitute for a written scope. A polished gallery proves that a company has completed attractive work; it does not tell you what is included in your estimate, how changes are handled or who is responsible if something goes wrong.

Separate contractor selection from sales pressure

A roofing decision can involve a large amount of money, so give yourself enough time to read the estimate and agreement. Be cautious when a discount depends on signing immediately, when the scope is vague, or when a salesperson wants a large payment before materials or work are scheduled.

Ontario consumer guidance specifically warns about high-pressure renovation scams and large upfront payments. Even when the company is legitimate, a homeowner should understand the contract before authorizing work. If a term is important to the sale — product line, warranty, start window, cleanup or payment milestone — ask for it in writing.