The Hiring Process — 6 Steps
Hiring a roofing contractor in Renfrew County requires careful verification because Ontario does not have a provincial licensing system for roofers. The following six-step process will help you select a qualified, insured contractor and avoid common pitfalls.
Step 1: Check if a Permit Is Required
Before contacting any contractor, determine whether your local municipality in Renfrew County requires a building permit for the planned work. Full re-roofing typically requires a permit in Pembroke, Petawawa, Renfrew, Arnprior, Deep River, and most of the United Townships. Minor repairs generally do not. Contact your municipal building department directly to confirm. A reputable contractor will know the permit requirements in their service area and should include permit fees in the quote. If a contractor suggests doing work without a permit when one is required, consider that a significant red flag.
Step 2: Verify Contractor Insurance and WSIB
Ontario roofing contractors must carry WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage. Request a WSIB clearance certificate and verify it using the WSIB clearance database online. This certificate confirms the contractor is in good standing and making required payments. Without it, you could be held liable for workplace injuries on your property.
Also request a certificate of liability insurance showing a minimum of $2 million coverage. Ask to be named as an additional insured or to receive notice of cancellation. This protects you if the contractor damages your property (e.g., drops a ladder through a window) or causes injury to a third party.
Step 3: Get Three Written Quotes with Identical Scope
Obtain at least three written quotations. The critical step is ensuring each quote covers the same scope of work. Provide each contractor with the same specification sheet for accurate comparison. Key items to compare across quotes:
- Same shingle brand, model, colour, and weight per square
- Same underlayment type and number of layers
- Same ice and water shield coverage (eaves only, valleys only, or full deck)
- Same flashing replacement scope
- Same ventilation scope (existing ridge vent, new ridge vent, added soffit vents)
- Same tear-off plan (remove all layers versus single layer)
- Same clean-up and disposal terms
- Same warranty terms
Do not automatically choose the lowest quote. A quote that is significantly lower than others may indicate missing scope items, inferior materials, or inadequate insurance.
Step 4: Review Material Specifications
Materials specified in the quote should be detailed, not vague. A good quote specifies:
- Shingles: Brand, model line, colour, and weight per square (e.g., "BP Mystique CoolPlus, Charcoal, 320 lb per square")
- Underlayment: Type (synthetic preferred in Renfrew County for UV stability), brand, and weight or grade
- Ice and water shield: Brand and coverage extent (eaves only, valleys, or full deck)
- Ventilation: Ridge vent brand and size, soffit vent type
- Flashing: Material type (aluminum, steel, or copper), gauge, and color
- Drip edge: Material and profile
Vague specifications such as "premium shingles" or "standard underlayment" are not acceptable. If a contractor cannot or will not specify the exact products, it is difficult to compare quotes or hold them accountable for material quality.
Step 5: Confirm Cleanup and Disposal Scope
Roofing projects generate significant debris. Ensure the quote clearly includes:
- Complete tear-off and removal of all existing roofing materials
- Magnetic sweep of the entire property for dropped nails (critical for protecting vehicles, pets, and children)
- Removal of all packaging, shingle scraps, and debris from the site
- Final cleanup of gutters (debris from tear-off often falls into gutters)
- Dumpster rental or disposal fees (or confirmation they are included)
If cleanup terms are not explicitly stated, ask for them to be added in writing before signing. Post-job cleanup disputes are one of the most common homeowner complaints after roofing projects.
Step 6: Obtain Written Warranty Documentation
Two types of warranty apply to a roof replacement:
Manufacturer material warranty: Covers defects in the shingles themselves. Architectural shingle warranties typically range from 25 to 50 years, with a non-prorated period (usually 10–15 years) followed by a prorated period. The warranty is registered with the manufacturer using the homeowner’s name and address. Confirm that the contractor will register the warranty after installation and provide you with the registration certificate.
Contractor workmanship warranty: Covers installation defects. A standard workmanship warranty is 2 years, but reputable Renfrew County contractors typically offer 5–10 years. This warranty should be in writing on the contractor’s letterhead, specifying what is covered (e.g., leaks due to improper installation), the duration, and the claims process.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
| Question | Good Answer | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Can you provide a WSIB clearance certificate? | Promptly provides current certificate | "I'm a sole proprietor, I don't need it" (incorrect — all roofing contractors need WSIB) |
| What is your liability insurance coverage? | $2 million minimum, provides certificate | "I'm fully insured" (vague), or cannot provide proof |
| How long have you been operating in Renfrew County? | 5+ years, can provide local references | New business with no local references, out-of-town crew |
| Will you obtain the building permit? | Yes, includes permit fee in quote | "You don't need a permit" or "we'll work without one" |
| Do you use subcontractors for any part of the job? | No, or yes with named subs and insurance verification | Vague about who will actually do the work |
| What is your workmanship warranty? | 5–10 years, provided in writing | Verbal only, or "we stand behind our work" (no specifics) |
| Can I see examples of completed Renfrew County projects? | Provides photos or addresses of recent local work | Shows only portfolio photos from outside the area |
| What is your payment schedule? | Deposit + progress payments + final payment on completion | Asks for large deposit (over 30–40%) or full payment upfront |
Red Flags — When to Walk Away
| Red Flag | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Door-to-door solicitation offering a deal "because your neighbours got one" | Storm-chaser tactic common after hail events; contractor may be uninsured and gone within months |
| Requires large cash deposit before starting | Deposits over 30–40% are unusual; cash-only requests prevent traceability |
| Pressure to sign immediately ("price goes up tomorrow") | Legitimate contractors provide quotes valid for 30–90 days |
| Cannot provide proof of WSIB or liability insurance | You could be held liable for workplace injuries or property damage |
| Quote is vague (no brand names, no material specs) | Impossible to compare quotes or enforce quality standards |
| Out-of-area licence plates or temporary phone number | Typical of storm chasers who move from region to region after severe weather |
| Offers to do work without a required permit | Violates Ontario Building Code; you bear the risk of fines and unapproved work |
| Unusually low quote (30%+ below others) | Often indicates missing scope, low-quality materials, or inadequate insurance |
What a Proper Completed Job Includes
After the work is finished, verify the following before making final payment:
- All old roofing materials removed from the property
- Magnetic nail sweep completed; no nails visible in driveway, lawn, or flower beds
- Gutters cleaned of debris from the tear-off
- New shingles neatly installed with straight courses and consistent exposure
- Ridge and hip caps properly aligned with no exposed fasteners
- All flashings securely installed and sealed
- No visible damage to siding, windows, or landscaping
- Interior attic is clean and shows no new leaks after first significant rain
- Manufacturer warranty registration certificate delivered
- Workmanship warranty document delivered in writing
- Final invoice matches the quote with no unexplained additional charges
Additional Resources
Refer to these related guides on this site for more information:
- Cost Guide — Detailed pricing ranges for Renfrew County roofing projects
- Regulations Guide — Ontario Building Code and municipal permit information
- Roof Installation & Replacement — Material comparisons and installation process
- Roof Repairs & Maintenance — Identifying repair needs and seasonal maintenance