After every hailstorm along the Wasatch Front, a wave of door-knockers hits Utah neighborhoods. Some are legitimate local contractors. Many are not. Choosing the wrong roofer can mean a voided warranty, a failed inspection, or a company that doesn't exist when you need them six months later.
This guide gives you 9 specific things to verify before signing a roofing contract in Utah. Not vague advice — actual checkpoints you can work through in an afternoon.
9 Things to Check Before Hiring a Utah Roofer
Verify Their Utah DOPL License
Utah requires roofing contractors to hold a valid license through the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). The license types that cover roofing are S200 (General Building Contractor) and S210 (Residential Building Contractor). Go to dopl.utah.gov, search by company name, and confirm the license is active — not expired, suspended, or revoked. If they can't produce a license number, the conversation is over.
Confirm Insurance — Both Kinds
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing general liability (protects your property if something goes wrong during the job) and workers' compensation (protects you if a worker is injured on your property). This is non-negotiable. If a worker falls off your roof and the contractor doesn't carry workers' comp, your homeowner's insurance — and potentially your personal assets — could be on the hook. Ask for the certificate. Call the insurance company to verify it's current. Legitimate contractors hand this over without hesitation.
Read Their Google Reviews — Especially the Bad Ones
Look for a minimum of 4.5 stars with at least 20 reviews. But the star count isn't what matters most. Read the 1-star and 2-star reviews. Every company gets a bad review eventually — what matters is how they respond. A company that responds professionally and tries to resolve the issue is one you can trust. A company that gets defensive, blames the customer, or doesn't respond at all is showing you how they'll treat you when something goes wrong.
Demand a Detailed Written Estimate
A legitimate roofing estimate isn't a single number on a napkin. It should specify: full tear-off or overlay, the exact shingle brand and product line, underlayment type (synthetic vs. felt), ice-and-water shield placement, drip edge installation, flashing scope, ridge vent type, pipe boot replacement, number of plywood sheets included for decking repair, and cleanup/haul-away. If the estimate just says "replace roof — $12,000" with no line items, you can't compare it to anything and you don't know what you're getting.
Understand Both Warranties
Every roof job has two warranties: the manufacturer's material warranty (covers defective shingles — 25 to 50 years depending on the product) and the contractor's workmanship warranty (covers installation errors — typically 2 to 10 years). The material warranty only applies if the shingles are installed to the manufacturer's specifications. If the contractor cuts corners on installation, the manufacturer can deny the claim. Ask specifically: "What does your workmanship warranty cover, for how long, and what's the process if I have an issue?"
Ask Who Actually Does the Work
Some roofing companies use their own W-2 employees. Others subcontract every job to different crews. Direct employees generally mean more accountability, consistent training, and a company that stands behind the work. Subcontracted crews aren't necessarily bad, but ask: "Will the crew that shows up on my roof be your employees, or a subcontractor?" And if it's a subcontractor, verify they also carry insurance.
Verify They're Actually Local
After a major hailstorm, out-of-state contractors flood into Utah. They rent a temporary office, knock on doors, underbid local companies, do the work, and leave. When your roof starts leaking 8 months later and you call the warranty number, it's disconnected. Check: do they have a permanent physical address in Utah (not a P.O. box)? How long have they been operating in the state? Are they listed on Utah's contractor directory? A DOPL search will show the address on file.
Get at Least 3 Bids
Three bids minimum gives you a realistic range for your specific roof. If all three come in between $14,000 and $17,000 and a fourth bid comes in at $9,000, that fourth company is cutting something — materials, labor quality, insurance, or scope. Compare line items, not just totals. The most expensive bid isn't always the best, and the cheapest is almost never the best value over the life of the roof. See our roof replacement cost guide for more on what drives pricing in Utah.
Watch for Red Flags
Walk away if you see any of these:
- They want you to sign a contract the same day they knock on your door
- They ask for more than 10-15% deposit upfront (or full payment before work begins)
- They pressure you to file an insurance claim before inspecting the roof
- They offer to "cover your deductible" (this is insurance fraud in Utah)
- They can't produce a DOPL license number or insurance certificate
- Their Google presence is thin — few reviews, no photos, generic website
- They give you a verbal estimate instead of a written one
What About Insurance Jobs?
If your roof was damaged by hail, wind, or another weather event, the process is different from a standard replacement. A reputable contractor will:
- Inspect your roof first and tell you honestly whether the damage is storm-related or age-related
- Document the damage with photos and measurements
- Only recommend filing a claim if the damage genuinely qualifies
- Coordinate with your insurance adjuster during the inspection
- Never pressure you to sign before your claim is approved
Be especially wary of any contractor who wants you to sign a "contingency agreement" before your claim is filed. This locks you into using them even if you're not satisfied with their estimate or approach. See our insurance claims page for more detail on how the process should work.
The Simplest Test
Ask the contractor: "If I decide not to move forward after the inspection, do I owe you anything?" A reputable company will say no — because a free inspection is exactly that. If they hesitate, add conditions, or mention a "trip fee," keep looking.
How Frame Roofing Utah Measures Up
We wrote this guide knowing every point applies to us too. Here's where we stand:
- Licensed: Active Utah DOPL license — verify at dopl.utah.gov
- Insured: Full general liability and workers' compensation
- Reviews: 5.0 stars on Google with verified customer reviews
- Local: Based in Heber City, serving 40+ Utah communities across the Wasatch Front
- Transparent estimates: Detailed written estimates with material specs, warranty terms, and scope of work
- Free inspections: No obligation, no pressure, no trip fee. If your roof doesn't need work, we'll tell you
Sources & References
- • Utah DOPL Contractor License Search — Verify any Utah roofing contractor's license status, classification (S200/S210), and disciplinary history
- • NRCA Consumer Guide to Hiring a Roofing Contractor — National Roofing Contractors Association best practices for homeowners
- • FTC Guide to Hiring a Contractor — Federal Trade Commission consumer protection guidelines for home improvement contracts
- • BBB Tips for Hiring a Roofer — Better Business Bureau red flags and vetting checklist
- • Utah Insurance Department Consumer Resources — Homeowners insurance rights, claim procedures, and contractor fraud reporting