Printable checklistThe Honest Roof Guide
The End-of-Day Handoff Checklist
Before the crew leaves, walk the property with the foreman and confirm each of these. This is the moment when small things get fixed cheaply.
Time to use: 15 minutes with the foreman
The roof itself
- Walk the perimeter on the ground. Look up. Confirm the ridge is straight and the lines look clean.
- Confirm there are no exposed nails, gaps, or shingles out of pattern visible from the ground.
- Ask the foreman to show you a phone photo of the chimney flashing, the valleys, and any skylights. You don't need to inspect from the roof yourself.
- Confirm the ventilation work was done as written on the contract (ridge vent, soffit, etc.).
The property
- Walk the lawn. Look for stray nails. The crew should have run a magnet sweeper. Ask to see them do another pass.
- Check the gutters for debris. They should be empty or close to it.
- Confirm the dumpster is leaving today (or tomorrow if late). It should not sit on your driveway through the weekend without being scheduled.
- Confirm the driveway is swept and the lawn is clear of material.
The paperwork
- Sign the completion document. Get a copy in your hand or in email before the foreman leaves.
- Get the warranty registration confirmation. The roofer files this with the manufacturer the same day. Ask when you'll receive the confirmation email from GAF/Owens Corning/CertainTeed.
- Confirm the final invoice matches the contract. If there were extras (decking, surprise repairs), they should be itemized.
- Get the foreman's direct number for any 48-hour follow-up.
Two things to do tomorrow
- Walk the lawn one more time with kids or pets in mind. We are good with magnet sweeps, but nails hide.
- Open the attic and look up at the underside of the roof in daylight. If you see new gaps of light where there were not any before, call. That is a 30-minute fix on day two; a much bigger one in a month.
A good handoff takes 15 minutes and prevents 90 percent of the problems that show up later. We do this with every customer. If a roofer rushes off without one, that is the moment to ask for it.