How to Hire a Roofer in Texas Without Getting Burned
After a storm, door-knockers appear. Here is what the Texas Department of Insurance says to check before you let anyone on your roof or sign anything.
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Before anyone goes on your roof
In short: hire local, get at least three written bids, check references, read every page before you sign, and never pay in full up front.
- Get at least three bids. They help you spot offers that are too high or too good to be true. Bids should be on the company's letterhead with a phone number and an address.
- Check references and complaints. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if the contractor has complaints, and call the references.
- Check insurance. Ask for proof of general liability insurance, and consider confirming with the contractor's insurer that it is current.
- Read before you sign. Do not sign a contract with blank spaces. Shady contractors can fill them in later with different work or higher amounts.
- Keep copies. Keep a copy of every agreement and the warranty terms.
Sources: Texas Department of Insurance: How to avoid contracting scams; Texas Department of Insurance: Hail damage to your home or car? What to do next; NBC 5 Responds: If you have hail damage, what's next?.
Red flags Texas regulators warn about
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Offers to waive your deductible | Illegal under Texas law; find another contractor |
| Contract says you accept repairs for the value of insurance proceeds | The contractor keeps every penny of your insurance payment |
| Describes a contract as paperwork or a release | Scammers use it to get onto your roof |
| Large or full payment up front | Do not pay in full up front; no final payment until the work is done |
| Contract with blank spaces | Higher amounts or different work can be filled in later |
| Out-of-town crew after a disaster | Texas Department of Insurance advises hiring local contractors |
Sources: Texas Department of Insurance: How to avoid contracting scams; Texas Department of Insurance: Hail damage to your home or car? What to do next.
There is no state roofing license in Texas
NBC 5 Responds reports that Texas does not require state-level licensing for roofers and general contractors. A contractor can therefore be in business without any state credential, which puts the checking on you. Ask for proof of liability insurance, because if a worker falls or a ladder damages your car, you want the company's coverage, not yours.
Under the disclaimer on every page of this site, the homeowner is responsible for verifying that a hired contractor has the license and insurance required for the work. That applies to any company we connect you with.
Source: NBC 5 Responds: If you have hail damage, what's next?.
Hiring questions
Does Texas license roofers?
NBC 5 Responds reports that Texas does not require state-level licensing for roofers and general contractors. That is why references, proof of liability insurance and a written contract matter.
How do I check a roofer's insurance?
Ask for proof of general liability insurance, and consider contacting the contractor's insurance company to confirm the policy is current, as NBC 5 Responds suggests.
Is it normal to pay everything up front?
No. The Texas Department of Insurance says not to pay in full up front and not to make the final payment until the work is done. After a disaster, it is against the law for out-of-town contractors to ask for a down payment before they start, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.
What if a roofer says my insurance will cover everything with no deductible?
That is a red flag. Waiving a homeowners deductible is illegal in Texas. Find another contractor and consider reporting it to the Texas Department of Insurance.
Why should I be careful about signing an inspection form?
The Texas Department of Insurance says scammers may describe a contract as paperwork or a release just to go on your roof. Read every document, and do not sign anything with blank spaces.
Related: roof insurance claims in Texas and roof repair or replacement.
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