Roofing Contractor in Houston: Questions to Ask

Ask every Houston roofer the same questions in four areas: who they are and how to find them later, what exactly they will install, how the money and changes work, and what happens after the job. Their answers, and whether they will put them in writing, tell you more than any brochure. Get at least two written bids so you can compare answers side by side.

Who are you, and how do I reach you later?

• What is your business's street address in the Houston area? The Texas Attorney General suggests choosing a contractor with an established physical address so you can find whoever worked on your house if problems come up.
• Can you show proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation? The AG notes that if a contractor isn't insured, you could be liable for accidents on your property.
• Who will be on my roof: your own crew or a subcontractor? Who supervises the job?
• Can I talk to two or three recent customers nearby? The AG recommends references and, if you can, looking at the finished work.

What exactly are you installing?

The AG advises getting bids in writing with detail about exactly what will be done, and specifying the grade or thickness of materials. For a Houston roof, ask:

• Which shingle (brand, product line and color), or which metal panel and gauge?
• What underlayment, and where will you use self-adhering ice-and-water membrane, such as in valleys or around penetrations?
• Will you replace the drip edge, pipe boots, and step and counter flashing, or reuse them? If reused, why are they still sound?
• How many layers are coming off, and how do you handle soft decking? What do you charge per sheet, and how will you tell me before using it?
• What ventilation are you installing, and how does it balance intake and exhaust?
• How will you protect landscaping, the driveway and the attic, and will you run a magnet for nails at cleanup?

How do money, changes and permits work?

• What is the payment schedule? The AG says not to make the final payment, or sign completion papers, until the work is done to your satisfaction.
• Will you place a lien or security interest on my property? The AG suggests getting that answer in writing.
• How are changes approved? Ask for written change orders with prices before extra work starts.
• Who pulls the permit? Inside Houston city limits, the Houston Permitting Center lists a residential roofing permit for re-roofs and overlays, and an inspection is required. Suburbs have their own building offices.
• If insurance is involved, how do you handle my deductible? The only right answer is that you pay it. TDI says Texas contractors may not waive, rebate or absorb a deductible, and contracts of $1,000 or more that involve an insurance settlement must include a notice saying so. A contractor also may not act as your public adjuster on a job it is doing.

What happens after the job?

• What warranty do you give on your workmanship, and for how long? The AG says any guarantees should be written into the contract, stating what is covered, who stands behind it (contractor or manufacturer) and how long it lasts.
• Will the shingle manufacturer's warranty be registered, and by whom?
• If a leak shows up in six months, who do I call, and how fast do you come back?
• Will I get photos of the decking and underlayment before the new roof went on, plus the final permit inspection?

How to compare the answers

The AG warns about the "low-ball" bidder whose price is far below everyone else's, since the bid may leave out tasks you expect or use second-rate materials. Line up the bids item by item, and ask the cheap bidder what it left out.

Before you sign, the AG says never to sign a contract with blanks, never let anyone rush you, and make sure everything you were promised is in writing. If someone pressures you at the door after a storm, read our storm-chaser red flags. For what each job should include, see roof replacement, roof repair and our new roof cost guide.

Common questions

How many roofing quotes should I get in Houston?

At least two, and three for a full replacement. The Texas AG recommends bids from more than one contractor, in writing and in detail.

What should a roofing contract include?

The total price, the exact work and materials, start and completion dates, payment terms, change-order process, and any warranty, with no blank spaces.

Should a roofer ask for money up front?

Ask what any deposit covers, and don't pay in full before the work is done. The AG says to hold the final payment until you're satisfied.

Can a roofer help with my insurance claim?

They can give you an itemized estimate and photos. TDI says a contractor may not act as your public adjuster on a job it is doing, so you deal with the insurer yourself.

We connect Houston homeowners with independent local pros. You confirm the price and schedule directly with them.