Imagine it’s just two days after a hailstorm, and a uniformed person knocks on your door, offering a free roof inspection. He might have a professional truck, the confidence of a salesperson, and the company might even say it’s licensed or insured. Even so, that doesn’t prove he’s an established local contractor.
The safest option in this situation is to ask questions that require proof. None of the questions below require a simple yes or no; they ask for documents, registration, or details the homeowner can verify before signing a contract or paying a deposit.
1. What’s Your Prepaid Contractor License Number?
In Alberta, roofing contractors who demand money before the work is finalized may require a prepaid contracting license. Checking their license makes it easy to verify whether the company is operating legally. Alberta also provides a business license search that shows the legal business name, license type, address, and whether the business is currently licensed.
A red flag appears when the salesperson avoids the question or says a license is unnecessary because the company is not “door-to-door.”
2. Which Municipal Business License Do You Hold?
Be certain to ask the exact legal name under which the company is registered and the municipal business license it holds. The name given to you and the name on the contract should match.
Watch out for a trade name that doesn’t match the legal company name. For example, if the contract, invoice, truck, and license all show different names, ask why before signing anything.
3. Can I Have Your Current WCB Clearance Letter?
WCB clearance letter shows whether the contractor has WCB coverage and whether the account is in good standing. It also identifies the industry the company is covered in. This makes it one of the most important documents to check.
If the contractor does not have proper coverage, the person hiring them may be responsible for premiums or other exposures. Therefore, check the document before the work begins, during the contract, or before making the final payment.
4. Can I See Your Current Insurance Certificate?
Ask the salesperson for the current insurance certificate showing liability and property-damage coverage. Don’t simply accept a “yes.” Alberta’s consumer guidance recommends that homeowners check whether contractors have proper insurance before the work begins.
Established roofing companies typically carry at least $2 million in liability coverage. Beyond the numbers, the most important factor is whether the policy currently belongs to the company doing the work. So, check the company’s name, policy dates, and expiry date.
Don’t accept an old photo of the certificate on the phone or a policy that expires before the work is completed.
5. Which Manufacturer Certification Do You Hold, and Can You Show it in the Manufacturer’s Contractor Locator?
A logo on the website or truck can be easily added, but a listing on the manufacturer’s own contractor database can’t be faked. So ask the salesperson which manufacturer programs their company is currently in. Common programs include GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed ShingleMaster, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, and IKO contractor program.
Once the contractor gives you a name, ask him to show the listing on the manufacturer’s own website. This step confirms whether the certification is current. While certification doesn’t guarantee perfect work, it lets you verify the company’s claims.
6. What’s Your Physical Address Here, and How Long Have You Operated at It?
A physical address matters because problems may appear months after the roofing work is done, and the homeowner needs to know where the company can be found.
After getting a business address, make sure to check it. An established roofing contractor doesn’t hesitate to show you where the business operates and how long it has been there.
Alberta advises homeowners to be cautious of roofing contractors that simply provide a post office box or answering service. Make sure to look up the address or drive past it. Also, ask how long the company has operated under the same name.
7. Is the Crew Your Employees or Subcontractors, and Are the Subs Covered by WCB?
The company selling the roof might not necessarily be installing it. Some businesses use their own employees or bring in subcontractors when work increases. So ask whether the crew includes employees or subcontractors. If they use subcontractors, ask for their WCB information as well. Note that a contractor’s clearance does not approve the subcontractor’s right coverage. WCB Alberta recommends checking contractors and subcontractors before the job, during it, and again before the payment.
8. What Exactly Does Your Workmanship Warranty Cover, in Writing, and Is It Transferable?
A lifetime warranty isn’t just enough validation. A workmanship warranty should state how many years the contractor covers the installation and what problems are addressed. It should clearly explain whether the labor is covered, whether the coverage decreases over time, and whether the warranty transfers to a new owner if the house is sold.
Moreover, ask who will hold the warranty if the roofing company closes. This shows the difference between the contractor’s own promises and manufacturer-backed warranty programs. Before you let the person in, get the warranty in writing and read the conditions thoroughly.
9. How Do You Handle the Insurance Claim and My Deductible?
Lastly, ask the contractor to explain how their insurance claims work and what happens to your deductible. The numbers in the contract should match the real cost of the work. Watch out for any suggestion to hide, reduce, or build in the deductible by tweaking the invoice. Homeowners are responsible for the deductible required under their insurance policy, so check anything uncertain or unclear thoroughly before signing.
Moreover, be cautious about uninvited post-storm sales visits. Alberta has strict rules for direct sales and prepaid contracts made from a contractor’s normal place of business. Remember: don’t sign anything under pressure, and read every insurance detail in the contract.
Your Five-Minute Verification Stack
Before hiring anyone, search the contractors through Service Alberta’s business license search or WCB-Alberta clearance information. Check municipal business information where available, confirm the company’s legal name, look for a relevant manufacturer contractor directory, and review independent complaint or business records.
These verifications are quicker than resolving roofing disputes later. Moreover, each verification brings you closer to identifying the company, whether required coverage exists, and whether the claims match public records.
If You Already Signed
Even after signing the contract, don’t assume you are stuck. Under Alberta consumer-protection rules, prepaid contracts that are agreed to, solicited, or signed at your home can be canceled within 10 days after receiving the copy of your contract.
Send the cancellation in writing and keep a copy. If you have already paid the money or the contractor refuses to cooperate, contact Service Alberta’s Consumer Contact Center.
If the project is connected to an insurance claim, do contact the insurer before allowing the project to start or making any further payments. The best thing is to verify first, then sign.