5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a DFW Roofing Contractor

Hiring a roofing contractor in Dallas-Fort Worth shouldn't be a gamble. But after a hailstorm, it can feel like one. Dozens of trucks show up in your neighborhood, business cards pile up on your doorstep, and every company claims they're the best. The difference between a good outcome and a bad one usually comes down to what you ask before signing anything.

These five questions separate contractors who will do the job right from ones who might leave you with a problem. Every question ties to something you can verify yourself — no special knowledge required.

1. "Are You Registered to Work in This City?"

Texas doesn't require a statewide roofing license. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees many trades, but roofing isn't one of them. That means licensing falls on individual cities — and in DFW, most cities have their own contractor registration requirements.

The City of Dallas requires roofing contractors to register with the Department of Sustainable Development and Construction before pulling permits. Fort Worth has a similar requirement through its Development Services Department. Other DFW cities — Plano, Frisco, Arlington, McKinney — each maintain their own contractor registration processes.

Why this matters: a contractor who isn't registered in your city may not be able to pull permits legally. And a roof replacement without a proper permit can create problems when you sell your home or file a future insurance claim. Ask for the registration number and verify it with your city's building department.

2. "Can I See Proof of Insurance and Workers' Comp?"

This is the single most important document you can request. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that homeowners verify a contractor's insurance directly — not just accept a certificate the contractor hands you, but call the insurance carrier listed on the certificate and confirm the policy is active.

Two types of insurance matter:

• General liability insurance covers damage to your property during the work. If a crew drops materials through your ceiling or damages your landscaping, this policy pays for it — not your homeowner's insurance.
• Workers' compensation insurance covers injuries to workers on your property. Without it, you could be liable if a roofer falls off your roof. Texas does not require all employers to carry workers' comp (it's one of the few states where it's optional), but reputable roofing companies carry it regardless.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) lists insurance verification as one of its top recommendations for homeowners choosing a contractor. If a contractor hesitates or refuses to provide proof, that's a clear signal to move on.

3. "Will You Pull the Permit for This Job?"

In the DFW metro, a roofing permit is required for most replacement jobs. The contractor — not the homeowner — should be the one pulling it. This is standard practice and it matters for two reasons: the permit triggers a city inspection of the completed work, and it creates an official record that the roof was replaced to code.

Dallas requires a building permit for roof replacements and re-roofs. Fort Worth requires the same. The specific requirements vary by city, but the rule is the same across DFW: if more than a certain percentage of the roof is being replaced (typically any full replacement), a permit is required. The International Code Council (ICC) publishes the building codes that Texas municipalities adopt, and those codes specify when permits are triggered.

Red flag: if a contractor suggests skipping the permit to "save time" or "keep costs down," that's a significant warning sign. An unpermitted roof replacement means no city inspection, no code compliance verification, and potential issues with your homeowner's insurance coverage or a future home sale.

For more on how permits work in the DFW roofing market, see our DFW Roofing Permit Tracker.

4. "What Warranty Do You Offer on Your Workmanship?"

Roofing warranties come in two layers, and most homeowners only hear about one of them.

The manufacturer warranty covers the roofing materials — shingles, underlayment, flashing components. Major manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed offer material warranties ranging from 25 years to lifetime, depending on the product line. These warranties are tied to the product, not the installer.

The workmanship warranty covers the installation itself. This is entirely the contractor's responsibility. If shingles blow off because they were improperly nailed, or if a leak develops at a flashing point because it wasn't sealed correctly, the manufacturer warranty won't cover it — that's a workmanship issue.

The NRCA recommends that homeowners specifically ask about the workmanship warranty term, what it covers, and whether it's transferable if you sell the home. A reputable DFW contractor will typically offer a workmanship warranty of at least 5 years, and many offer 10 years or more.

Get the warranty in writing before work begins. A verbal promise won't protect you if something goes wrong. The written warranty should specify the term, what's covered, what voids it, and who to contact for a claim.

5. "How Will You Handle My Insurance Claim?"

If storm damage prompted the roof replacement, an insurance claim is almost certainly involved. This is where the question gets important: you need to understand the contractor's role in the claims process — and its legal limits.

Under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 4102, a roofing contractor cannot act as a public adjuster unless they hold a separate adjuster license. That means a contractor can inspect your roof and document damage, but they cannot negotiate your claim settlement with your insurer on your behalf unless they're licensed to do so. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) enforces this distinction.

What a legitimate contractor can do:

• Inspect the roof and provide a detailed scope of damage
• Meet with your insurance adjuster during the inspection
• Provide a written estimate that your insurer can use in the claims process
• Explain the process and help you understand the adjuster's findings

What should raise concern:

• A contractor who wants to "handle everything" with your insurance company — without being a licensed adjuster
• Pressure to sign an assignment of benefits (AOB) immediately, which transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor
• A contractor who asks you to sign a contract before the insurance adjuster has inspected the roof

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) consistently warns homeowners about contractor fraud following storm events. One of the most common patterns is a contractor who pressures a homeowner into signing a contract the same day as the storm, before the insurance process has even started.

A Quick Checklist Before You Sign

Before committing to any DFW roofing contractor, confirm all five:

• ☐ Registered with your city's building department
• ☐ Active general liability and workers' compensation insurance (verified with the carrier)
• ☐ Will pull the required permit and schedule the city inspection
• ☐ Written workmanship warranty with clear terms
• ☐ Transparent about their role in the insurance claim process

Any contractor who meets all five is worth getting an estimate from. Any contractor who can't — or won't — answer one of these questions is telling you something.

If your roof has storm damage and you're looking for a qualified contractor in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere in the DFW metro, Conveyra connects homeowners with local roofing professionals. Get started with a free roof assessment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Contractor licensing requirements, permit requirements, and insurance regulations vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Homeowners should verify current requirements with their local building department and consult their insurance provider for claim-specific questions.