Choosing the wrong roofer can leave you with more leaks than peace of mind and a bigger repair bill. We’ve seen Sydney homeowners stressed by hidden costs, sloppy work, and contractors who vanish mid-project.
Finding a roofer isn’t just about who answers the phone first; it’s about trust, skill, and real local experience. Too often, we hear stories of rushed jobs, insurance confusion, or timelines that stretch for months. That’s why knowing the right questions to ask a roofing contractor before you hire them can make all the difference, helping you avoid costly mistakes and ensuring your roof is in the hands of a true professional.
At TomKat Roofing, we help Sydney property owners make confident choices backed by licensed crews who know this city’s roofs.
We’ll guide you with the right questions so your property stays protected, dry, and built to last.
Key Credentials to Confirm Before Hiring
Verify business licence and insurance
Before anyone touches your roof, make sure they’ve got the paperwork that proves they can. Ask for the roofing contractor license and their contractor licence number – it tells you they’re legally allowed to work in Sydney. At TomKat Roofing, we’re completely licensed and insured, including up-to-date public liability and workers’ compensation cover, so your home and our workers are protected the entire time.
Ask about qualifications and certifications
Don’t rely on just a friendly handshake – ask about professional roofing certifications that show a roofer’s training is backed by solid credentials. We hold qualifications recognised across NSW, including safety certifications and asbestos awareness, so you’re not left guessing on skill. Our teams regularly update their knowledge to stay ahead of industry standards.
Gauge contractor’s experience
Experience often means fewer mistakes and smoother projects. We’ve been on Sydney roofs for over 20 years, from tile roofs in the Inner West to metal systems on commercial buildings in Wetherill Park. Ask how long they’ve dealt with your roof type – ours cover everything from heritage tile challenges to large-scale metal installations.
Questions to Understand Roofing Process and Timeline
Clarify the process of roof installation or replacement
Every roof project is different – some need full replacements, others re-roofing over the existing structure. We walk every client through our process, from site prep to safety barriers and mitigation of noise or debris. You’ll get photos before and after, so you’ll see what was done and why.
Discuss scheduling and project length
Timing matters – especially with Sydney weather. Most of our roof replacements are finished in 3 to 7 days. We always confirm a clear start date and notify you early of any weather delays. Our clients love our consistency, and we’ve built our reputation by sticking to our word.
Understand property protection measures
No one wants damaged garden beds or broken windows. We lay protective sheeting, use catch boards, and keep every jobsite tidier than we found it. At TomKat Roofing, safety is stitched into our process, from barrier setups to certified harness systems for our crew.
Assess Estimates, Pricing, and Contracts
Request a detailed written estimate
Surprises are good for birthdays, not roofing bills. Our free quotes come with itemised breakdowns showing every nail and tile cost upfront. We avoid hidden charges by walking you line-by-line through the estimate before work begins, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Review contract terms carefully
Before any work starts, make sure the contract covers deposits, payment timing, and how to resolve issues if they arise. Our contracts are easy to read and transparent. If you cancel, we will talk through your options. If there’s a concern mid-project, we sort it without fuss.
Explore available payment options
Big projects can squeeze the budget. That’s why we offer flexible payment options through finance partners. We explain late payment policies clearly upfront, so there’s less stress. Our clients often tell us the process is faster and simpler than they expected.
Warranty, Maintenance, and Aftercare
Ask about workmanship and material warranties
Warranties bring peace of mind long after the last roof sheet goes up. We offer a 2-year workmanship warranty and a 5-year warranty for new builds or replacements. If something’s not right, just give us a call – our team handles all the warranty claims quickly and without drama.
Clarify post-installation services
Once the roof’s done, you shouldn’t be left with a mess. We handle all the cleanup – no nails in the lawn, no piles of old roofing. And if touch-ups are needed post-install, we prioritise those quickly. It’s all part of our commitment from start to finish.
Get maintenance guidance
Regular upkeep extends your roof’s life and can prevent pricey repairs. We’ll guide you with simple maintenance checks to do and schedules to follow. Following our care routine helps you keep your warranty valid and your roof in great shape for years.
Evaluating Reputation and Reliability
By the time a roofer pulls into your driveway, the most important decisions have already been made. What you asked, how they answered, and the gut feeling they left you with — that’s what truly sets the tone.
If those early questions to ask a roofing contractor didn’t give you clear, honest answers, hiring gets riskier than it needs to be. A solid roof starts with clarity, not confusion. And knowing exactly what to ask up front makes all the difference.
At TomKat Roofing, we believe every strong roof begins with the right conversations. Start with our guide on the key questions to ask a roofing contractor — and let us take it from there.
Don’t just take promises – see the proof. We’re happy to share recent local projects you can drive by. Our reviews speak volumes, too; clients praise our punctuality, honesty, and clear communication. We’ve been trusted by hundreds of Sydney families for over two decades.
Request references and testimonials
Hearing from others helps you know what to expect. We’ll connect you with past clients willing to share their experience – like Danielle, who praised our efficiency in finishing a commercial project, or Samuel, who appreciated our late-night emergency repair during a storm.
Investigate the company's history and stability
TomKat Roofing isn’t a fly-by-night outfit. We’ve spent 20+ years building trust in Sydney. With award wins like the 2024 Australian Small Business Roofing Champions and an expanding services team, our track record gives you certainty we’ll be here years down the road too.
Understanding the People Behind the Job
Clarify who will be working on your roof
You deserve to know who’s on your roof. Our projects are handled by our trusted in-house team, not random subcontractors. They’re fully trained, criminal record checked, and experienced with everything from tile repairs to large warehouse builds across NSW.
Review safety practices onsite
We work high, but we never cut corners. All team members are height safety certified, wear full harnesses, and install proper safety barriers. Our safety systems meet Australian AS/NZS standards – one more reason clients trust us with family homes and commercial properties alike.
Know the crew’s size and supervisor involvement
Bigger jobs don’t mean longer delays when done right. We assign the right number of workers daily and always have a supervisor on-site. Clients get direct contact so they’re never in the dark. This helps streamline work and ensures every detail is double-checked.
Preparing for Potential Issues
Understand how surprises are managed
Sometimes deeper problems come up mid-job – like rotted wood or damaged frames. If that happens, we stop, show you clear photos, and talk through solutions before costs increase. We never proceed without your go-ahead, ensuring no financial shocks later.
Learn damage control and cleanup plans
Your home shouldn’t suffer from the work. We cover driveways, protect garden beds, and remove debris daily. Roofing waste is taken offsite and tasks like gutter clearing or skylight checking are included when needed. We leave your property cleaner than we found it.
Clarify remedy options for poor workmanship
We stand by our work, but if something isn’t finished right, we’ll return to fix it – fast. You’ll always know who to call, and we won’t pass the buck. Our team handles all after-care internally with timelines clearly explained from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they provide emergency repair services?
Yes, we provide emergency repairs. We’ve even responded at 9pm on Saturdays for urgent leaks and storm damage.
What are signs of a questionable contractor?
No licence, no local references, vague quotes, or pressure for upfront cash – those are big red flags. Avoid them.
How long should a new roof last?
If installed right, 20 years or more. With our quality materials and maintenance support, many of our roofs last even longer.
How do they handle tight deadlines or project delays?
We plan well and scale crew size to meet tight timelines. Weather delays? We will keep you posted immediately with adjusted plans.
Trust Begins Long Before the First Shingle Is Nailed
By the time a roofer pulls into your driveway, the most important decisions have already been made. What you asked, how they answered, and the gut feeling they left you with, that’s what truly sets the tone.
If those early questions to ask a roofing contractor didn’t give you clear, honest answers, hiring gets riskier than it needs to be. A solid roof starts with clarity, not confusion. And knowing exactly what to ask up front makes all the difference.
At TomKat Roofing, we believe every strong roof begins with the right conversations. Begin with our guide to key questions for a roofing contractor, and let us take it from there.
Get your questions answered – book your free roof inspection today
