How to Find and Vet a Licensed Roofing Contractor in Windsor, ON

In Ontario, roofing contractors must be licensed to legally perform work on residential properties. The Ministry of Labour regulates roofing through the Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Act, and any contractor handling structural or safety-critical roofing work should carry a valid license. Before hiring, ask for the contractor's license number and verify it directly through the Ontario College of Trades (College of the Trades) website or by calling their verification hotline.

Windsor-area contractors should have proof of either a Roofer (Tile) or Roofer (Asphalt) license, depending on the work type. Never accept verbal assurances—ask for documentation in writing. If a contractor cannot provide a license number or claims they don't need one for small jobs, walk away. This is a major red flag. Licensed contractors have invested in training, insurance, and compliance, which protects you legally if something goes wrong.

A roofing contractor must carry two types of insurance: general liability coverage and workplace safety insurance (WSIB). General liability typically costs between CA$500–CA$1,500 annually and covers property damage and bodily injury to third parties. WSIB covers employees if they're injured on the job—it's mandatory in Ontario and protects you from liability if a worker is hurt while working on your home.

Before signing a contract, request Certificates of Insurance from the contractor and verify they are current and active. The certificate should list your address as an 'additional insured' to maximize your protection. Don't assume a contractor is insured just because they say so—contact their insurance provider directly if needed. A fully insured contractor typically quotes CA$200–CA$400 higher than an uninsured one, but that premium is worth the protection. Uninsured contractors expose you to personal liability if someone is injured or your property is damaged.

Never hire the first contractor you call. Request written estimates from at least three licensed roofing contractors in Windsor so you can compare pricing, scope of work, and timeline. A typical residential roof replacement in the Windsor area ranges from CA$8,000–CA$18,000 depending on square footage, materials (asphalt shingles, metal, cedar shake), and complexity.

When comparing quotes, ensure all estimates include the same scope: removal of old roofing, underlayment, flashing, permits, cleanup, and disposal. Quotes that vary wildly—like one at CA$6,500 and another at CA$15,000—warrant follow-up questions about what's included or excluded. The cheapest quote isn't always the best; it often means corners are being cut, lower-grade materials are being used, or the contractor is underinsured. Look for mid-range pricing from licensed, insured contractors with good reviews rather than the lowest bid.

Be wary of contractors who demand full payment upfront, pressure you to sign immediately, or won't provide written estimates. Legitimate roofers typically ask for 30–50% down and the remainder upon completion. Any contractor who insists on cash-only payments or refuses to provide a contract is operating in the shadows and should be avoided.

Other warning signs include: no local address or phone number, reluctance to provide references, claiming they can 'start tomorrow' without a site visit, or offering to 'go under the table' to save taxes. If a contractor approaches you door-to-door after a storm claiming they can 'help you with insurance,' verify their identity and never sign anything on the spot. Storm chasers and unlicensed operators often disappear mid-project or use inferior materials, leaving you with expensive repairs and no recourse.

Windsor, ON requires building permits for most roof replacements and major repairs. The permit process typically takes 5–10 business days and costs CA$200–CA$400. A reputable contractor will either handle the permit application for you or clearly state that it's your responsibility. If someone offers to do the work 'without a permit to save time and money,' decline—unpermitted work can affect your home's resale value and won't be covered by insurance if something goes wrong.

A typical roof replacement in Windsor takes 2–5 days depending on roof size, weather, and complexity. Expect the project to be disrupted by rain or high winds—your contractor should have a plan to protect your home. Once the job is complete, ask the contractor to provide proof that the permit was finalized and inspected. This documentation is important for your records and future insurance claims.