Written by Five Star Roofing | Published on July 2025
Before hiring any roofing contractor in NSW, QLD, or ACT, you should ask at least 10 specific questions covering licensing, insurance, warranties, materials, and timelines. Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons homeowners end up with poor workmanship, unexpected costs, or roofs that fail within a few years.
This guide covers every important question to ask, what a good answer looks like, and a few red flags to watch out for. Whether you are dealing with storm damage in Brisbane, a leaking roof in Sydney, or a full re-roof in Canberra, these questions apply across the board.
Verify Licensing and Insurance Before Anything Else
The very first thing you should confirm is that your contractor holds the correct licence for roofing work in your state or territory. In NSW, roofing contractors must hold a contractor licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. In QLD, they need a QBCC licence. In the ACT, licensing is managed through Access Canberra.
Ask to see the licence number and verify it directly on the relevant government website. This takes less than five minutes and protects you from unlicensed operators who have no legal accountability.
Beyond licensing, ask these insurance-related questions:
- Do you hold public liability insurance, and what is the cover amount?
- Do your workers hold workers compensation insurance?
- Can you provide a certificate of currency before work begins?
- Are subcontractors covered under your policy or do they carry their own?
A reputable contractor will hand over these documents without hesitation. If they stall or make excuses, that is a clear warning sign. Five Star Roofing carries full public liability and workers compensation cover across all states we operate in.
Compare Quotes Using This Question Framework
Getting multiple quotes is standard advice, but most homeowners do not know how to compare them properly. A lower price does not always mean better value, and a higher price does not guarantee quality. The questions you ask during the quoting stage make all the difference.
Use this table to guide your conversations with each contractor you speak to:
| Question to Ask | What a Good Answer Looks Like | Red Flag Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Is this a fixed-price quote? | Yes, with a written contract | Verbal estimate only, no paperwork |
| What is and is not included? | Detailed line-item breakdown | Vague lump sum with no detail |
| Are removal and disposal included? | Yes, clearly stated in quote | Hidden fee added later |
| What happens if extra damage is found? | Written variation process explained | No process, price just increases |
| What is the payment schedule? | Deposit then progress payments | Full payment required upfront |
Never pay the full amount before work begins. A reasonable deposit is typically 10 to 20 percent, with the remainder paid on completion or at agreed milestones.
Ask About Materials, Brands, and Product Warranties
The materials used on your roof directly affect its lifespan, performance, and resale value. You have every right to ask what brand and grade of product is being used, not just the generic material type.
For example, Colorbond steel roofing from BlueScope is a well-known Australian product with strong performance in coastal NSW conditions and the heat of QLD summers. Concrete and terracotta tiles from brands like Monier and Bristile are common on existing homes in Sydney and Canberra. Knowing what is going in helps you research the product independently.
Ask the following questions about materials:
- What brand of roofing material do you use, and why?
- Does the manufacturer offer a product warranty, and how long is it?
- What underlay or sarking do you use beneath the roof surface?
- Are the materials suitable for my local climate and council requirements?
- Will you provide product data sheets or specifications in writing?
In bushfire-prone areas of NSW and QLD, materials must meet specific BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings under the National Construction Code. Always confirm your contractor knows and complies with these requirements for your property.
Understand Workmanship Warranties and Liability
Product warranties cover the material itself, but a workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation. These are two separate things, and both matter. A roof can fail not because the material is defective but because it was installed incorrectly.
Ask every contractor these questions about their workmanship guarantee:
- How long is your workmanship warranty?
- What does it cover specifically, including leaks, flashing, and fixings?
- Is the warranty in writing and included in the contract?
- What is your process if a problem appears after the job is done?
- Will the same team that installs the roof be responsible for any warranty repairs?
A standard workmanship warranty from a credible roofing company in Australia typically runs between 5 and 10 years. Some established companies offer longer periods. Five Star Roofing backs all completed work with a written workmanship guarantee, so you are covered if anything goes wrong after installation.
Be cautious of contractors who offer no warranty or only a vague verbal promise. In NSW and QLD, statutory warranties apply to residential building work under the Home Building Act and the QBCC Act, but written guarantees give you clearer and faster recourse.
Compare Timelines and Project Management Expectations
Roofing projects can range from a single day for minor repairs to two or three weeks for full re-roofing on a large home. Understanding the timeline upfront helps you plan around the work and sets clear expectations for both parties.
| Job Type | Typical Duration | Key Factors That Affect Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Leak repair (minor) | Half day to 1 day | Access, roof pitch, material availability |
| Gutter replacement | 1 to 2 days | Home size, corner complexity, material |
| Partial re-roofing | 2 to 5 days | Extent of damage, weather, crew size |
| Full re-roof (average home) | 5 to 14 days | Roof size, material type, pitch, scaffolding |
| Storm damage restoration | Varies widely | Insurance approvals, material lead times |
Ask the contractor who will be on site each day and whether they use their own crew or subcontractors. Subcontracting is not automatically a problem, but you should know who is working on your home and confirm they are covered by insurance.
Also ask what happens if bad weather delays the job. In QLD, summer storms can push projects back significantly. In the ACT, cold snaps in winter can affect certain materials and adhesives. A good contractor will account for this in their scheduling.
Ask About Local Experience and References
Roofing in coastal Sydney is different from roofing in inland QLD or the ACT. Salt air, UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycles in Canberra winters, and cyclone-rated requirements in parts of north QLD all demand specific knowledge and experience. A contractor who mostly works in one region may not be the right fit for your specific location.
Ask these questions to assess local experience:
- How long have you been operating in this area?
- Have you worked on homes similar to mine in this suburb or region?
- Can you provide two or three recent references I can contact?
- Do you have photos of completed jobs in my area?
- Are you familiar with local council requirements for my property type?
Follow up on references. A quick five-minute call with a previous customer will tell you more than any brochure or website. Ask about communication, whether the job finished on time, and how the contractor handled any problems that came up.
Five Star Roofing has completed projects across Sydney, the Central Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Canberra. We understand what each region demands from a roofing system and work within local council and NCC requirements as a matter of course.
FAQs on Hiring a Roofing Contractor
How do I check if a roofing contractor is licensed in NSW?
You can verify a contractor’s licence on the NSW Fair Trading website using their name or licence number. Roofing work in NSW requires a contractor licence under the Home Building Act 1989. Always check before signing any agreement.
Is it normal to pay a deposit before roofing work starts?
Yes, a deposit is standard practice in Australia. For jobs under $20,000 in NSW, the maximum deposit allowed by law is 10 percent. For larger jobs, the deposit is negotiated but should not exceed 20 percent of the total contract value. Never pay in full before work is complete.
What should a roofing quote include?
A proper quote should include a full description of the scope of work, the materials and brands being used, the total price broken into labour and materials, the payment schedule, the estimated timeline, and what is excluded from the quote. Verbal quotes are not sufficient for significant roofing work.
How long should a roofing workmanship warranty last?
Most reputable contractors in Australia offer workmanship warranties of 5 to 10 years. Under the Home Building Act in NSW and the QBCC Act in QLD, statutory warranties apply regardless of what the contractor offers in writing. Always get the warranty terms in your contract.
Can I use my home insurance to cover a roofing job?
Home insurance typically covers damage caused by sudden events like storms, hail, or falling trees. It does not usually cover wear and tear, general maintenance, or age-related deterioration. Contact your insurer before arranging repairs to understand what is claimable and whether they require approved repairers.
What is the difference between a roofer and a roof plumber in Australia?
A roof plumber specifically handles roof drainage, gutters, downpipes, flashings, and waterproofing. A roofing contractor may cover the broader installation of roofing materials. Some operators are licensed in both. Check that the person doing the specific work you need holds the correct licence for that task.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
Asking the right questions before hiring a roofing contractor is the single most effective way to protect your home and your money. Licensing, insurance, written warranties, material specifications, and local experience are all non-negotiable points to clarify before any work begins.
If you are in NSW, QLD, or the ACT and want straightforward answers from a team you can trust, Five Star Roofing is ready to help. Call us on +64211234567 to request a detailed, obligation-free quote and ask us any of the questions covered in this guide. We are happy to provide documentation and references before you commit to anything.
