Before you hire anyone to work on your roof, the answers you get matter as much as the price on the quote. Whether a name came from a neighbor, a Google search, or a knock on the door, a handful of questions to ask a roofing contractor will tell you a lot about how the job, and the years after it, are likely to go. If you are still building a shortlist, start with our guide to choosing a roofing company in DFW, then bring these questions to each conversation.
Questions to ask a roofing contractor about license and credentials
Start with: “What license or credentials do you hold, and how can I verify them?” A solid answer names the credential, who issued it, and where you can check it yourself. It is also fair to ask about manufacturer certifications and trade association memberships, and which of them apply to the materials being quoted. A weak answer is vague, changes the subject, or asks you to take their word for it.
Can I see proof of insurance?
Ask for a certificate of insurance, and look for two kinds of coverage separately: general liability and workers’ compensation for the crew. A solid answer is a certificate sent without hesitation. If you want extra peace of mind, call the insurance company named on the certificate and confirm the policy is current.
Who will actually be working on my roof?
Ask whether the crew is made up of the company’s own employees or subcontractors, who supervises the work, and who you should talk to on site if a question comes up. There is more than one workable setup, but there should be a clear answer. If nobody can tell you who will be on your roof, that is worth noting.
Where are you based, and can I reach you after the job?
A roof is a long-term purchase, so you want a contractor you can find again. Look for a local presence you can verify: a physical address, a working phone number, and a track record you can check through references and reviews. A magnetic sign on a truck and a cell number are not much to go on if a question comes up a year from now.
Can I talk to recent customers nearby?
Ask for references from recent jobs in your part of the metroplex, and read online reviews with an eye for detail. Reviews that mention communication, cleanup, and how problems were handled tell you more than a star count does. A contractor with satisfied local customers is usually glad to point you to them.
What will the written estimate spell out?
A clear, written estimate protects you and the contractor. Ask whether it names:
- The full scope of work and the specific materials, by manufacturer and product line
- What happens, and what it costs, if rotted decking turns up under the old roof
- Who pulls any required permits
- The payment schedule
- How debris and nails are handled, and how the site is checked when the job is done
Coverage deserves its own conversation. Before you sign, read how roof warranties work so you know what to ask about both kinds.
What if someone knocks on your door after a hailstorm?
After hail moves through North Texas, some out-of-town crews work the affected neighborhoods door to door. These crews are often called “storm chasers.” Some of them do fine work; the point is to slow down and verify before you sign anything, wherever a contractor is from. Be wary of anyone who promises a claim outcome or asks you to sign before you have talked to your insurer. Your insurance company decides your claim, not the roofer.
The Texas Department of Insurance gives similar advice to homeowners after hail or wind: get more than one bid, do not pay in full up front, never sign a contract with blank spaces, and avoid contractors who offer to waive your deductible. As TDI puts it, “It’s illegal to waive a homeowners deductible under state law.” Its guidance for after hail or windstorms is worth a read.
Answers that should slow you down (red flags)
- Vague or evasive answers about license or insurance
- Pressure to sign today, or a deal that is only good right now
- A scope of work that stays verbal and never makes it onto paper
- A request for a large payment before work begins
- No clear answer about who to call if something goes wrong later
A good sign runs the other way: a contractor who tells you when your roof does not need replacing yet, even when that means a smaller job for them.
About PROCO Roofing
Bring these questions to us, too. PROCO Roofing is based in Grapevine, TX, serving greater DFW, Waco and Austin. We are RCAT licensed. We carry $2M liability insurance plus workers’ comp. We are an NRCA and NTRCA member, and we are certified with Atlas, Malarkey, CertainTeed, GAF and Owens Corning.
Curious what a professional inspection involves? Read what a roof inspection covers. When you are ready, schedule a free inspection.