How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Dallas-Fort Worth: 10 Essential Questions

Choosing the right roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeowner. A quality contractor protects your investment. A poor choice can lead to substandard work, warranty issues, and thousands of dollars in additional costs. Here are the 10 questions you must ask before signing any contract.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured in Texas?

Texas doesn't require a state roofing license, but reputable contractors carry general liability insurance (minimum $1 million) and workers' compensation coverage. Ask for certificates and verify them with the insurance company. Without workers' comp, YOU could be liable if a worker is injured on your property.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business Locally?

Storm chasers flood DFW after major hail events, collect deposits, and disappear. Ask for a physical local address (not a P.O. box), check how long they've operated in the area, and verify with the Better Business Bureau. Local contractors with established reputations have more at stake.

3. Can You Provide Local References?

Ask for references from projects completed in your area within the past year. Actually call them. Ask about communication, timeline adherence, cleanup, and whether they'd hire the contractor again. Online reviews help but can be manipulated — personal references are more reliable.

4. What Manufacturer Certifications Do You Hold?

Manufacturer certifications matter because they unlock better warranty coverage. GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, and Owens Corning Preferred contractors have demonstrated installation competence and can offer enhanced warranties not available through uncertified installers.

5. Will You Provide a Written Contract?

Never proceed without a detailed written contract specifying: materials by brand and model, scope of work including decking repair provisions, payment schedule, timeline, warranty terms, and cleanup responsibilities. Verbal agreements are unenforceable.

6. Who Will Actually Do the Work?

Some contractors subcontract all their work. Ask whether employees or subcontractors will complete your project. If subcontractors, verify they're properly insured. Ask who will supervise the project daily.

7. What's Your Payment Schedule?

Never pay more than 30% upfront, and never pay in full before completion. A typical schedule: 30% deposit when materials are ordered, 30% when materials arrive on site, and 40% upon satisfactory completion. For insurance jobs, payment often follows the insurance disbursement schedule.

Why JRH Construction Answers All 10

JRH Construction welcomes these questions because we have good answers to all of them. We're locally established, fully insured, manufacturer-certified, and transparent about our processes. Contact us and ask us anything — we have nothing to hide.