Top Questions to Ask Roofing Contractors Before Hiring
The roof is probably the easiest part of your home to ignore. It’s out of sight. You don’t walk on it or think about it when everything’s working the way it should.
Until it isn’t.
A small leak turns into a ceiling stain. A few missing shingles after a storm start lifting at the edges. Now it’s not something you can put off.
You start calling contractors, booking inspections, and collecting estimates that don’t even look like they’re for the same house. One feels high. One feels suspiciously low. One sits in the middle and includes roofing terms you’ve never heard before.
Here’s what many homeowners don’t realize: the number at the bottom of the estimate doesn’t tell the whole story.
Two contractors can quote the same square footage and offer completely different materials, underlayment, ventilation systems, and installation standards. On paper, it looks like a pricing gap. In reality, it’s a quality gap.
If you’re planning a repair or full replacement, especially when comparing roofing contractors in Reno, NV, you need more than a price. You need to understand what to ask a roofing contractor before you sign anything.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
A professional roofing contractor should carry both liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
- Liability insurance protects your home if something gets damaged during the project.
- Workers’ compensation protects you if someone gets injured while working on your property.
Do not settle for a verbal “yes.” Ask for current certificates and verify they are active.
If a contractor hesitates, downplays the importance of insurance, or tells you it is unnecessary, it is a serious warning sign. A roofing project is too large an investment to risk being financially responsible for accidents or property damage.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience makes a difference in roofing.
A company that has been in business for 10, 15, or 20 years has likely dealt with a wide range of issues, including:
- Flashing failures
- Ventilation issues
- Storm damage
- Rotted decking.
Their experience helps them identify problems quickly and fix them correctly.
New companies are not automatically bad, but roofing is not a trade where you want someone learning on your home.
Longevity also speaks to stability. If you need warranty work five years from now, you want to call a number that still works. When comparing Reno roofing contractors, look at how long they have been serving the area.
Can You Provide Local References?
Any contractor can provide a list of satisfied customers from far away. However, this does not tell you how they perform in your area.
You want references from nearby homes that have experienced the same weather conditions your roof will face. Ask for at least three recent local projects and take the time to call those homeowners.
Ask whether the crew showed up on schedule, whether the final bill matched the estimate, and whether the property was left clean. Most people will be honest about their experience, and their feedback will give you insights you will not get from marketing materials.
Will You Remove the Old Roof or Install Over It?
Some contractors offer to install new shingles over the existing roof. While this can reduce labor costs, it can also create long-term problems.
Installing over old shingles can hide damaged decking, trap moisture, and shorten the lifespan of your new roof. It also prevents a proper inspection of what is happening beneath the surface.
A full tear-off allows the contractor to inspect the decking, identify rot or structural issues, and start fresh. If you are investing in a new roof, it should begin with a clean, solid foundation.
What Roofing Materials Do You Recommend, and Why?
Roofing materials vary widely in quality, durability, and price. Architectural asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile, synthetic materials, and impact-resistant options serve different purposes.
A knowledgeable contractor will explain why a particular material is a good fit for your home, climate, and budget. They should discuss wind ratings, lifespan, manufacturer warranties, and how the material performs in your local weather conditions.
If the recommendation sounds like a generic sales pitch rather than a thoughtful explanation, ask for more detail. You deserve to understand what you are paying for and why it makes sense for your home.
Who Will Be On-Site Managing the Project?
The person who provides your estimate may not be the person overseeing the installation.
Clarify who will manage the project day to day. Ask whether there will be a dedicated project manager and how often they will be present on-site. Find out who you should contact if you have questions or concerns during the project.
Roofing projects can be loud and disruptive. Clear communication from a responsible supervisor keeps the process organized and prevents misunderstandings.
What Is Included in the Written Estimate?
A detailed estimate protects both you and the contractor.
The written proposal should clearly outline:
- Materials
- Labor
- Underlayment
- Flashing
- Ventilation components
- Cleanup
- Permit fees
- Warranty information
Each element of the job should be listed in a sensible, easy-to-understand way.
If you receive a one-page estimate with only a total price, request a more detailed breakdown. Transparency at this stage helps prevent unexpected costs later.
What Is the Payment Schedule?
It is common for contractors to request a deposit to secure materials. However, demanding full payment before work begins is a red flag.
A typical schedule includes a deposit, possibly a progress payment, and the final payment after completion and inspection. Never release the final payment until you have reviewed the work and confirmed that cleanup is complete.
How Long Will the Project Take?
Every roofing project should come with a realistic timeline.
Ask when work will begin and how many days it is expected to take. In Reno, rain and strong winds can delay progress, so ask how weather interruptions are handled.
A clear timeline allows you to prepare for noise, limited driveway access, and general disruption. If you are learning how to choose the right roofing contractor, communication about scheduling is another strong indicator of professionalism.
Make the Right Call Before the First Shingle Goes On
A roof replacement is not something you do every year. For most homeowners, it is a once-in-a-decade decision.
Hence, it’s worth slowing down and getting it right.
Look past the headline number. Read the fine print. Pay attention to how clearly each contractor explains what they are doing and why they are doing it. The right company will not rush you. They will walk you through the scope of work, outline what is included, and answer your questions without hesitation.
You are not simply purchasing shingles. You are paying for preparation, installation skills, material quality, and long-term protection. A roof is a system, and every layer is important.