Back to BlogTexas license — Texas doesn't require a statewide roofing license, but many DFW cities do. Verify local licensing. General liability insurance — Minimum $1 million coverage. Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurer to verify. Workers' compensation — Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property Physical local address — Not a P.O. box. A real office you can visit. Established business — At least 3-5 years in business in the DFW area BBB rating — Check their Better Business Bureau profile for complaints and resolution history Door-to-door solicitation after storms — The most common sign of a storm chaser Demands upfront payment — Legitimate contractors don't require large deposits before work begins "Special deal just for today" — High-pressure sales tactics indicate desperation or dishonesty Offers to pay your deductible — This is insurance fraud in Texas and puts YOU at legal risk No written estimate — Everything should be documented in detail before work begins Cash-only requests — Reputable businesses accept checks, credit cards, and financing No references available — Any good contractor can provide local references within 24 hours **How long have you been roofing in DFW specifically?** — Local experience matters for weather, codes, and materials **Who will actually be on my roof?** — Ask about their crews versus subcontractors **What manufacturer certifications do you hold?** — GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred, etc. **What warranty do you offer on labor?** — Manufacturer warranties cover materials; workmanship warranties cover installation **Will you pull the permit and handle inspections?** — Reputable contractors handle all permitting **Can I see your insurance certificate?** — And call to verify it's current **How do you handle change orders?** — What happens if they find unexpected damage? Apples to apples — Make sure each estimate specifies the same materials, quantities, and scope Line item detail — A professional estimate itemizes materials, labor, permits, and disposal Lowest isn't best — The cheapest bid often means cut corners, inferior materials, or hidden costs Highest isn't necessarily best either — Premium pricing should come with premium materials and warranties GAF Master Elite — Top 2% of roofers nationally; offers enhanced manufacturer warranties Owens Corning Preferred — Vetted for reliability with extended warranty options CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster — Factory-trained with certification in specific product lines Why it matters — Certified contractors offer better warranties and have proven track records Local since day one — S&B Roofing is rooted in the DFW community Fully insured and licensed — We exceed requirements in every city we serve GAF Master Elite certified — Part of the top 2% nationally Transparent pricing — Detailed estimates with no hidden costs or surprises Workmanship warranty — We stand behind our installation with a comprehensive warranty Brandon Fletcher personally involved — Owner-operated means owner-quality oversight ☐ Verified local business address ☐ Confirmed insurance coverage (GL + WC) ☐ Checked BBB and Google reviews ☐ Received detailed written estimate ☐ Verified manufacturer certification ☐ Asked about workmanship warranty ☐ Confirmed permit handling ☐ Contacted at least one reference ☐ No red flags observed
Homeowners
November 20, 20257 min readChoosing the Right Roofing Contractor in DFW: 2026 Checklist
Brandon Fletcher
S&B Roofing & Exteriors
How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in DFW Without Getting Burned
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has thousands of roofing contractors — and unfortunately, not all of them are legitimate. Every hail season brings an influx of out-of-state storm chasers alongside honest local companies. This checklist will help you separate the pros from the problems.
The Non-Negotiable Requirements
Before anything else, verify these basics:
Red Flags That Should Disqualify a Contractor
Walk away immediately if you encounter:
Questions to Ask Every Contractor
During your consultation, ask:
Comparing Estimates the Right Way
When you have multiple estimates:
Manufacturer Certifications: What They Mean
The S&B Roofing Difference
We built our reputation on exactly the qualities this checklist describes:
Your Pre-Hiring Checklist
Print this and check off each item before signing:
Want to work with a contractor who checks every box? Contact S&B Roofing for a free estimate and see the difference a quality-first approach makes.
choosing contractor
roofing contractor
scam prevention
DFW
2026
