After a major storm rolls through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, your street can quickly fill with trucks and contractors offering roof inspections. While it’s tempting to hire the first person who knocks on your door, choosing the right roofer is a critical decision that impacts the safety and value of your home. A reliable roofer ensures quality work, while a bad one can lead to costly repairs and endless headaches.
So, how do you tell the difference? This guide provides practical steps to help you identify a reputable, trusted roofing contractor in the DFW area and avoid the pitfalls of hiring the wrong team.
1. Verify They Are Licensed and Insured
This is the absolute first step in vetting any contractor. A professional roofer will willingly provide proof of their credentials. Don’t just take their word for it; verify the information yourself.
- Licensing: While Texas doesn’t have a statewide license for roofers, many municipalities do. Check with your local city government to see what is required. More importantly, look for voluntary certifications from reputable organizations.
- Insurance: A legitimate roofer must carry two types of insurance. General liability insurance protects your property from damage caused by the contractor. Workers’ compensation insurance protects you from liability if a worker gets injured on your property. Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurance company to confirm the policy is active. Without this coverage, you could be financially responsible for accidents.
2. Check for Local Roots and a Physical Address
A contractor with a permanent, physical office in the DFW area is a sign of stability and commitment to the community. Local roofers have a reputation to protect and are more likely to be accountable for their work.
Be wary of “storm chasers”—out-of-state contractors who follow bad weather, perform quick, often subpar work, and then disappear. They are impossible to contact if problems arise later. A quick search for a company’s address on Google Maps can reveal if they have a real office or just a P.O. box. A local phone number is another good sign, but it’s the physical presence that truly matters.
3. Look for Manufacturer Certifications
Top roofing material manufacturers, like GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning, offer certification programs to contractors who meet their high standards for installation and business practices.
What do these certifications mean for you?
- Proven Expertise: Certified roofers have received factory training on how to install materials according to the manufacturer’s exact specifications.
- Enhanced Warranties: Hiring a certified contractor often gives you access to extended or enhanced warranties that cover both materials and workmanship for a longer period. These are some of the best warranties in the industry and are only available through certified installers.
- Quality Assurance: These manufacturers don’t want their products associated with poor installations, so they only certify contractors they trust to do the job right.
Ask potential roofers if they are certified by any major manufacturers and look for badges like “GAF Master Elite” or “Owens Corning Platinum Preferred.”
4. Scrutinize Online Reviews and References
In today’s digital world, a company’s online reputation is a powerful indicator of its quality. Look for reviews on multiple platforms, not just one.
- Review Sites: Check Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Angi. Look for a consistent pattern of positive feedback. Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews—a professional response that seeks to resolve the issue is a good sign.
- Ask for References: Don’t be shy about asking for a list of recent customers you can contact. A confident roofer will be happy to provide them. Ask these references about their overall experience, the crew’s professionalism, communication, and whether the project was completed on time and on budget. You can even ask for addresses of completed jobs to drive by and see the work for yourself.
5. Get a Detailed, Written Estimate
Never rely on a verbal quote. A professional roofer will provide a detailed, written proposal that clearly outlines the entire scope of the project. A vague or unusually low bid is a major red flag.
Your estimate should include:
- A complete breakdown of costs for labor and materials.
- The specific type and brand of materials to be used (shingles, underlayment, flashing, etc.).
- Projected start and completion dates.
- Information on payment procedures.
- Details about tear-off and clean-up processes.
- Warranty information for both materials and labor.
Compare multiple estimates, but don’t make your decision based on price alone. An extremely low bid often signals that the contractor is cutting corners by using subpar materials or inexperienced labor.
Protect Your Biggest Investment
Your roof is the primary shield for your home against DFW’s harsh weather. Taking the time to find a trusted, local, and well-vetted roofer is an investment in your property’s long-term health and your own peace of mind. By following these steps, you can confidently choose a contractor who will deliver a high-quality roof that protects your family for years to come.
