How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Austin: Complete 2025 Guide to Avoiding Scams

Choosing a roofing contractor might be the most important decision you make as a homeowner—get it wrong and you're facing $15,000-$30,000 in repairs, voided warranties, insurance headaches, or worse.

Austin's roofing industry has legitimate, skilled professionals who've served the community for decades. It also has unlicensed storm chasers, fly-by-night operators, and contractors who will take your deposit and disappear.

After major storms, Austin homeowners lose millions to roofing scams every year. The difference between a quality roof that lasts 30+ years and a nightmare that leaks within 5 years often comes down to contractor selection—not material choice. If you need immediate help after storm damage, check our guide on emergency roof repair.

This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how to find, vet, and hire a trustworthy roofing contractor in Austin, avoid common scams, understand contracts, and ensure you get the quality work you're paying for.

The Austin Roofing Industry Landscape

Understanding the local market helps you navigate contractor selection:

Types of Roofing Contractors in Austin

1. Established Local Companies (BEST CHOICE)

• In business 5-20+ years locally
• Physical office location in Central Texas
• Licensed, insured, bonded
• Strong local references and reviews
• CertainTeed, GAF, or Owens Corning certifications
• 10-year+ workmanship warranties
• Invested in community reputation

2. Regional Companies (GOOD OPTION)

• Serve multiple Texas cities
• Professional operations and systems
• Licensed and properly insured
• Good contractor oversight
• May not have deep local ties
• Generally reliable but less personalized

3. Storm Chasers (AVOID)

• Appear after major storms
• Out-of-state license plates
• Temporary local presence (rent space short-term)
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Take deposit and disappear or do shoddy work
• Gone when warranty issues arise

4. Unlicensed Handymen (AVOID)

• 'Guy with a truck' operations
• No proper insurance or licensing
• Cash-only, no contracts
• No warranty or recourse
• You're liable if they're injured on your property
• Can void manufacturer warranties

5. Door-to-Door Solicitors (EXTREME CAUTION)

• Knock on doors offering 'free inspections'
• Use high-pressure tactics ('sign today for this price')
• Often storm chasers in disguise
• Legitimate companies rarely solicit door-to-door
• Many Austin neighborhoods prohibit solicitation

Austin-Specific Challenges

Post-Storm Surges: After hail storms, Austin sees influx of out-of-state contractors:

• Limited Texas Department of Licensing oversight
• Difficult to pursue legal action after they leave state
• Quality issues emerge after they've left town
• Warranty claims go unanswered

High Demand Market: Austin's growth creates challenges:

• Reputable contractors often booked 2-6 weeks out
• Some homeowners choose questionable contractors due to urgency
• 'Too busy' contractors may rush jobs or overextend

HOA Requirements: Many Austin neighborhoods have HOA restrictions:

• Color/material approvals required
• Specific installation standards
• Contractor must understand local HOA processes
• Choose contractor experienced with Austin HOAs

Red Flags: Warning Signs to Avoid

These signs indicate you're dealing with an unprofessional or fraudulent contractor:

🚩 RED FLAG #1: Door-to-Door Solicitation

The Scenario: Someone knocks on your door claiming:

• 'We're working on your neighbor's roof and noticed yours has damage'
• 'We have leftover materials from another job in your area'
• 'Sign today and we can give you a special price'

Why It's a Problem:

• Legitimate, established companies don't need to solicit
• High-pressure tactics indicate desperation for work
• Often storm chasers who will leave after getting deposits

Exception: After major storms, some legitimate companies canvas neighborhoods, but they should still provide proper credentials and never pressure immediate decisions.

What to Do:

• Thank them and close the door
• Google the company (check reviews, location, license)
• If interested, call their office directly (not the door-knocker)
• Get multiple quotes before deciding

🚩 RED FLAG #2: No Physical Local Address

The Scenario:

• P.O. Box only (no physical office)
• Out-of-state address
• 'We're based in [distant city] but work all over'
• Virtual office or shared workspace

Why It's a Problem:

• Easy to disappear after taking payment
• No local accountability
• Difficult to pursue legally
• No local reputation at stake

What to Verify:

• Google Maps their address (is it real office?)
• Drive by to confirm physical presence
• Check Better Business Bureau for location
• Verify Texas Contractor License shows local address

🚩 RED FLAG #3: Requests Large Upfront Payment

The Scenario:

• Asks for 50% or more upfront
• Wants full payment before starting
• Requests cash or unusual payment methods
• Says they need money to 'buy materials'

Why It's a Problem:

• Texas law prohibits contractors from requesting more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) upfront
• Large upfront payments indicate cash flow problems or scam
• You have no leverage if work isn't completed properly

Legal Standard: Texas Occupations Code Section 305.009:

• Max upfront: Lesser of $1,000 or 10% of total
• Payment schedule tied to work completion
• Violations are prosecutable

Red Flags in Payment Requests:

• Cash only (no paper trail)
• Personal checks to individual (not company)
• Wire transfers or Venmo (hard to recover)
• 'Pay my guys directly' (indicates cash flow issues)

Proper Payment Structure:

• 10% or less to schedule and order materials
• 40-50% at project completion
• Final 40-50% after inspection and cleanup
• Credit card or company check preferred (protection)

🚩 RED FLAG #4: No License or 'License Pending'

The Scenario:

• Can't produce Texas contractor license number
• Says 'license is pending' or 'I'm working under someone's license'
• Provides license from another state only
• Claims license isn't needed for roofing

Reality Check:

• All residential roofing contractors in Texas MUST be licensed
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) license required
• $1,000-$10,000 fines for unlicensed work
• You're liable if unlicensed contractor injures themselves

How to Verify License:

1. Ask for Texas TDLR license number
2. Visit: www.tdlr.texas.gov
3. Search license database
4. Verify:
   • Active status
   • Correct company name
   • No disciplinary actions
   • Insurance coverage current

🚩 RED FLAG #5: Unverifiable Insurance

The Scenario:

• Won't provide Certificate of Insurance (COI)
• Says 'insurance expired but renewal is coming'
• Provides COI that's expired or incomplete
• Only has liability (no workers comp)

What You MUST Verify:

1. General Liability Insurance: $1-2 million minimum

   • Covers property damage during work
   • Protects you from contractor accidents

2. Workers Compensation Insurance:

   • Covers contractor's crew if injured
   • Without this, YOU are liable for injuries
   • Texas law allows companies to opt out, but you shouldn't hire them

How to Verify Insurance:

• Request Certificate of Insurance directly from contractor
• Call insurance company listed on COI to verify it's active
• Check effective dates (must cover your project dates)
• Never start work without current insurance verification

Your Risk Without Proper Insurance:

• Liable for injuries to workers on your property ($100k-$1M+)
• Property damage not covered if contractor causes issues
• No recourse if contractor damages neighbor's property

🚩 RED FLAG #6: Offers to 'Waive Your Deductible'

The Scenario: 'Sign with us and we'll waive your insurance deductible' 'We'll inflate the estimate to cover your deductible' 'We'll pay your deductible out of our profit'

Why This Is Illegal:

• Insurance fraud (felony in Texas)
• Contractor inflates estimate to cover your deductible
• Insurance company gets defrauded
• You can be prosecuted for participating
• Insurance can cancel your policy

How the Scam Works:

1. Contractor says roof costs $15,000 (real cost: $12,000)
2. Your $3,000 deductible is 'waived'
3. Insurance pays $15,000
4. Contractor pockets $3,000 extra
5. You participated in insurance fraud

Consequences:

• Criminal charges (fraud)
• Insurance policy cancellation
• Difficulty getting future insurance
• Contractor cuts corners to make up inflated bid

Legal Alternative: Some contractors offer financing or payment plans for deductibles—this is legal as long as insurance estimate is honest.

🚩 RED FLAG #7: No Written Contract or Vague Contract

The Scenario:

• Handshake agreements or verbal promises
• Contract missing critical details
• 'Standard agreement' with blank sections
• Reluctance to put specifics in writing

What Must Be in Writing:

1. Scope of work (specific materials, brand, model numbers)
2. Total cost (itemized if possible)
3. Payment schedule tied to milestones
4. Timeline with start and completion dates
5. Warranty details (workmanship and materials)
6. Permit information (who obtains, cost)
7. Cleanup and disposal responsibilities
8. Change order process (how changes are priced/approved)
9. Cancellation terms for both parties

Red Flags in Contracts:

• 'Material and labor costs subject to change'
• No material specifications (brand, grade, color)
• No warranty terms or 'verbal warranty'
• No contractor license number on contract
• No company address or phone

🚩 RED FLAG #8: Extremely Low Bid

The Scenario: You get 3 quotes:

• Company A: $18,000
• Company B: $17,500
• Company C: $11,000 ⚠️

Why Ultra-Low Bids Are Dangerous:

• Using inferior or wrong materials
• Skipping critical steps (underlayment, flashing, ventilation)
• Unlicensed/uninsured (no overhead costs)
• Planning to cut corners or abandon job
• Bait-and-switch (lowball, then 'discover' issues)

Reality Check: Roofing materials and labor have standard costs:

• Quality materials: $3-5 per sq ft
• Professional labor: $2.50-4 per sq ft
• Total installed: $6-10 per sq ft for standard roofs

A 2,000 sq ft roof under $12,000 is suspicious.

How to Evaluate Low Bids:

• Ask for detailed material specifications
• Verify same scope as other bids
• Check if permits/disposal are included
• Confirm insurance and licensing
• Ask for detailed breakdown

Better Strategy: Choose middle bid from reputable company, not lowest bid from unknown contractor.

Essential Verification Steps

Before hiring any contractor, complete these verification steps:

1. License Verification (Required)

Texas TDLR Database Check:

1. Visit tdlr.texas.gov
2. Click 'License Holder Search'
3. Enter company name or license number
4. Verify:
   • Status: 'Current/Active'
   • Name matches business cards/contract
   • No disciplinary actions
   • Insurance coverage noted

What You're Looking For:

• Active status (not expired or suspended)
• Company name matches marketing materials
• Clean disciplinary history
• Texas-based address

Red Flags:

• Can't find license (unlicensed)
• Expired or suspended status
• Multiple complaints or actions
• License in different name than advertised

2. Insurance Verification (Required)

Request Certificate of Insurance (COI):

• Ask contractor to provide COI
• Must include:
  • General Liability ($1-2M minimum)
  • Workers Compensation (or verified opt-out)
  • Effective dates covering your project
  • Insurance company contact info

Call Insurance Company:

• Use number on COI (not contractor-provided number)
• Verify policy is active and current
• Confirm coverage amounts
• Verify contractor name matches

Never Skip This Step: You're personally liable for injuries without proper insurance.

3. References and Reviews

Online Reviews:

• Google Reviews: Most reliable (verified buyers)
• Better Business Bureau: Shows complaint history
• Yelp: Additional consumer feedback
• Facebook: Community recommendations

What to Look For:

• 4+ stars average with 50+ reviews
• Recent reviews (past 12 months)
• Photos of completed work
• Responses to negative reviews (shows professionalism)

Red Flags:

• No online presence at all
• All 5-star reviews from same month (fake)
• Many complaints about disappearing/shoddy work
• 'A' BBB rating but 2 stars on Google (inconsistent)

Request Direct References:

• Ask for 3-5 recent Central Texas customers
• Call references (don't just email)
• Ask specific questions:
  • 'Did they stay on schedule?'
  • 'Were there surprise costs?'
  • 'How was cleanup?'
  • 'Any issues after completion?'
  • 'Would you hire them again?'

Visit Previous Jobs (If Possible):

• Drive by recently completed projects
• See quality firsthand
• Ask contractor for addresses of recent work

4. Manufacturer Certifications

Why Certifications Matter:

• Training on proper installation techniques
• Access to better warranties (50-year vs. 25-year)
• Accountability to manufacturer
• Demonstrates commitment to quality

Key Certifications:

CertainTeed Shingle Master:

• Highest CertainTeed certification
• Enhanced warranties available
• Regular training requirements
• Quality inspections by manufacturer

GAF Master Elite:

• Top 3% of GAF contractors
• Exclusive warranties (GAF Golden Pledge, etc.)
• Proven track record
• Ongoing training

Owens Corning Platinum Preferred:

• Top-tier certification
• 50-year warranties with Platinum protection
• Trained crews
• Quality guarantees

How to Verify:

• Ask contractor which certifications they hold
• Visit manufacturer website to verify
• Look for certification logos on marketing materials
• Confirm certification is current (not expired)

5. Better Business Bureau Check

What BBB Shows:

• Years in business
• Complaint history
• Response to complaints
• BBB rating (A+ to F)
• Accreditation status

How to Interpret:

• A/A+ rating: Good sign
• B rating: Acceptable if few complaints
• C or lower: Concerning
• Not rated: May be too new or not accredited

Warning: BBB rating alone isn't definitive—check multiple sources.

The Interview Process: Questions to Ask

Get quotes from 3-5 contractors. Ask each contractor these questions:

Basic Qualifying Questions

1. 'How long have you been in business in Central Texas?'

• Looking for: 5+ years locally
• Red flag: 'Just moved here' or vague answer

2. 'What is your Texas contractor license number?'

• Looking for: Immediate, confident answer
• Red flag: Hesitation, 'I'll get back to you,' no license

3. 'Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance?'

• Looking for: 'Yes, I'll email it today'
• Red flag: Excuses or delays

4. 'Do you have manufacturer certifications?'

• Looking for: CertainTeed/GAF/Owens Corning certifications
• Acceptable: 'No, but we follow all manufacturer specs'
• Red flag: Doesn't know what certifications are

Project-Specific Questions

5. 'What materials do you recommend for my specific roof?'

• Looking for: Thoughtful recommendation based on roof age, slope, budget
• Red flag: One-size-fits-all answer, pushes most expensive option

6. 'How long will the project take?'

• Looking for: Realistic timeline (1-3 days typical for standard roof)
• Red flag: 'We can start tomorrow and finish in a day' (rushed work)

7. 'Who will be doing the actual work?'

• Looking for: 'Our trained in-house crews'
• Acceptable: 'Licensed subcontractors we've worked with for years'
• Red flag: 'We hire day laborers' or vague answer

8. 'Do you handle permits and inspections?'

• Looking for: 'Yes, we obtain all permits and schedule inspections'
• Red flag: 'Permits aren't needed' or 'You have to get permits'

9. 'What warranties do you provide?'

• Looking for:
  • Manufacturer material warranty (25-50 years)
  • Workmanship warranty (minimum 5 years, ideally 10 years)
• Red flag: '30-day warranty' or vague answers

10. 'How do you handle unexpected issues?'

• Looking for: Written change order process with approval before proceeding
• Red flag: 'We'll just take care of it and bill you'

Financial Questions

11. 'What is your payment structure?'

• Looking for: 10% or less upfront, balance at completion
• Red flag: 50%+ upfront or full payment before work

12. 'Do you offer financing?'

• Optional, but shows established business relationships
• Many reputable companies offer 0% financing options

13. 'What's included in your quote?'

• Looking for: Itemized list including materials, labor, permits, disposal
• Red flag: 'All-inclusive' with no detail

Insurance and Cleanup Questions

14. 'How do you protect my property during work?'

• Looking for: Tarps, magnetic nail sweep, daily cleanup
• Red flag: 'We're careful' (no specific protection plan)

15. 'What happens if there's damage during the project?'

• Looking for: 'Our insurance covers it' with COI to prove it
• Red flag: 'That never happens' or unclear responsibility

16. 'How do you handle old roofing disposal?'

• Looking for: Included in quote, dumpster on-site, proper disposal
• Red flag: Extra fee or 'you handle disposal'

Post-Project Questions

17. 'Do you provide follow-up inspections?'

• Looking for: 'Yes, we inspect after first rain and at 1 year'
• Acceptable: 'We're available anytime for issues'
• Red flag: 'Once we're done, we're done'

18. 'How do I reach you if there's a warranty issue?'

• Looking for: Direct phone number, email, physical office
• Red flag: 'Just call my cell' with no company contact info

Understanding the Contract

Never sign a roofing contract without understanding every section. Here's what must be included:

Essential Contract Elements

1. Both Parties' Information:

• Homeowner name, address, phone
• Contractor business name (legal entity)
• Contractor license number
• Contractor physical address and phone
• Project address (if different from homeowner address)

2. Scope of Work (Be Very Specific):

• Tear-off and disposal of existing roof
• Number of layers being removed
• Inspection and replacement of damaged decking
• Underlayment type and brand (e.g., 'Synthetic underlayment, GAF FeltBuster')
• Shingle brand, line, and color (e.g., 'GAF Timberline HDZ, Weathered Wood')
• Number of squares (100 sq ft units) of materials
• Ridge vents, soffit vents (specific products)
• Flashing (valleys, chimneys, vents, walls)
• Drip edge installation
• Ice and water shield (where applied)
• Starter shingles brand and type
• Ventilation improvements (if any)
• Gutter work (if any)

Example of Good Scope: 'Remove existing asphalt shingles (one layer), dispose properly. Install GAF FeltBuster synthetic underlayment over entire roof deck. Replace any damaged decking with 7/16' OSB sheathing. Install GAF WeatherWatch ice and water shield in valleys and around all penetrations. Install GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles in Weathered Wood color (28 squares). Install GAF Pro-Start starter shingles. Install GAF Seal-A-Ridge ridge cap shingles. Install aluminum drip edge on all eaves and rakes. Install 40 linear feet Cobra ridge vent. Magnetic nail sweep and complete site cleanup.'

3. Total Cost Breakdown:

• Materials cost (ideally itemized)
• Labor cost
• Permit fees
• Disposal fees
• Any other charges
• Total amount
• Tax if applicable

4. Payment Schedule:

• Deposit amount and due date (10% max)
• Progress payment amount (if any) and trigger (e.g., '50% at project completion')
• Final payment amount and trigger (e.g., '40% after final inspection and cleanup')
• Payment methods accepted

5. Project Timeline:

• Estimated start date
• Estimated completion date (or '7 days from start')
• Allowances for weather delays
• Penalties for delays (optional but good)

6. Permits and Inspections:

• Who obtains permits (contractor should)
• Who pays for permits (usually included in bid)
• Who schedules inspections (contractor should)

7. Warranties:

Manufacturer Material Warranty:

• Length (e.g., '50 years limited lifetime')
• What's covered
• Registration requirements
• Transferability

Workmanship Warranty:

• Length (e.g., '10 years')
• What's covered (e.g., 'all labor and installation defects')
• Exclusions (e.g., 'damage from Acts of God not covered')
• How to file warranty claim

8. Insurance and Licensing:

• Contractor's license number listed
• Confirmation of liability and workers comp insurance
• Homeowner's right to verify insurance

9. Change Order Process:

• How changes are requested
• How changes are priced
• Written approval required before proceeding
• Payment terms for changes

10. Cleanup and Site Protection:

• Daily cleanup requirements
• Final cleanup with magnetic sweep
• Protection of landscaping, siding, windows
• Dumpster location and removal

11. Dispute Resolution:

• Mediation or arbitration clause (optional)
• Jurisdiction (e.g., 'Williamson County, Texas')
• Attorney fee provision (who pays if lawsuit)

12. Signatures and Date:

• Both parties sign and date
• Keep original, give copy to contractor

Contract Red Flags

Avoid contracts that:

• Have blank sections
• Say 'to be determined' for materials
• Lack specific brand/model numbers
• Don't include permit information
• Have vague warranty terms
• Allow unilateral price changes
• Require large upfront payments
• Are handwritten or incomplete

The Bid Comparison Process

You've received 3-5 quotes. How do you compare them fairly?

Create a Comparison Spreadsheet

| Item | Company A | Company B | Company C | |------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | Total Price | $17,500 | $18,200 | $11,000 | | Years in Business | 15 years | 8 years | 2 years | | License Verified | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Can't verify | | Insurance Verified | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No COI | | Shingle Brand/Model | GAF HDZ | Owens Corning Duration | 'Architectural shingles' | | Underlayment | Synthetic | Synthetic | 'Standard' | | Warranty - Material | 50 years | 50 years | 30 years | | Warranty - Workmanship | 10 years | 5 years | 1 year | | Permits Included | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 'Not needed' | | Disposal Included | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Extra $500 | | Timeline | 2-3 days | 2 days | '1 day' | | Google Reviews | 4.8 (120) | 4.6 (85) | No reviews | | BBB Rating | A+ | A | Not rated | | Certification | CertainTeed Master | GAF Master Elite | None |

Analysis:

• Company C is clearly unacceptable (unlicensed, uninsured, vague scope, lowball)
• Company A costs $700 less than B but has longer workmanship warranty and more experience
• Company B has GAF Master Elite certification (valuable if you want GAF Golden Pledge warranty)

Decision: Company A or B depending on warranty preference. Never Company C.

Look Beyond Price

Don't choose based on price alone. Consider:

1. Reputation (reviews, references, years in business)
2. Proper licensing and insurance
3. Scope of work (apples-to-apples materials)
4. Warranty terms (10-year workmanship > 1-year)
5. Communication (responsive, professional)
6. Certifications (manufacturer backing)

A $2,000 higher bid from a reputable company is worth it vs. savings from questionable contractor.

During the Project: What to Expect

Once you've signed with a reputable contractor, here's what professional execution looks like:

Pre-Project Communication

• Confirmation call 1-2 days before start
• Materials delivery coordinated
• Dumpster placement discussed
• Any HOA approvals confirmed

Day 1: Tear-Off and Preparation

• Crew arrives on time (7-8 AM typical)
• Tarps laid to protect landscaping/siding
• Old shingles removed and loaded into dumpster
• Decking inspected, damaged sections replaced
• Daily cleanup before leaving

Day 2: Installation

• Underlayment installed
• Valleys, flashing, drip edge installed
• Shingles installed per manufacturer specs
• Ventilation installed or upgraded
• Daily cleanup

Day 3: Completion and Cleanup (if needed)

• Ridge cap and final details
• Thorough inspection by crew lead
• Magnetic nail sweep (entire property)
• Dumpster removed or scheduled for pickup
• Final walkthrough with you

Red Flags During Project

Stop work immediately if:

• Crew is intoxicated or using drugs
• Materials don't match contract (wrong brand/color)
• No safety equipment being used
• Different crew than discussed (day laborers)
• Substandard work visible (crooked lines, improper nailing)
• Crew asks for cash payment directly
• Property being damaged carelessly

Document issues with photos and contact contractor immediately.

Post-Project: Final Inspection and Payment

Before releasing final payment, do thorough inspection:

Your Final Walkthrough Checklist

Exterior Inspection:

• ✓ Shingles straight and aligned
• ✓ No visible gaps or improper installation
• ✓ Ridge caps installed correctly
• ✓ Flashing around chimneys/vents looks professional
• ✓ Valleys properly installed
• ✓ Drip edge on all edges
• ✓ Gutters cleaned and reattached
• ✓ Vents properly installed and sealed
• ✓ No debris left in yard or gutters

Interior Inspection (Attic):

• ✓ No daylight visible through roof deck
• ✓ No new water stains
• ✓ Ventilation improvements completed as agreed
• ✓ No nails protruding through decking

Property Condition:

• ✓ Landscaping undamaged
• ✓ Siding undamaged
• ✓ Driveway/walkways clean
• ✓ No nails in yard (magnetic sweep done)

Documentation Received:

• ✓ Manufacturer warranty documentation
• ✓ Workmanship warranty in writing
• ✓ Final invoice matching contract
• ✓ Permit sign-off (if required)
• ✓ Care and maintenance instructions

Only release final payment after everything is complete and satisfactory.

Handling Problems After Installation

Despite choosing carefully, issues can arise. Here's how to handle them:

Minor Issues (Loose shingle, small leak)

1. Document: Take photos and notes
2. Contact contractor: Call/email within 24 hours
3. Follow up in writing: Email documenting issue
4. Allow reasonable time: Give 5-7 business days to schedule repair
5. Confirm completion: Inspect repair before signing off

Most reputable contractors fix minor issues promptly at no charge.

Major Issues (Persistent leaks, widespread problems)

1. Stop further damage: Place buckets, tarps to protect interior
2. Document thoroughly: Photos, videos, dates, extent of damage
3. Written notice: Send certified letter describing issues and requesting repair
4. Set deadline: 'Please address by [date]'
5. Get second opinion: Have another contractor inspect if contractor won't respond
6. Review contract: Check warranty terms and dispute resolution clauses

If Contractor Won't Fix Issues

1. File complaint with TDLR: www.tdlr.texas.gov/complaints
2. BBB complaint: Can damage contractor's rating
3. Contact insurance company: Your homeowner's policy may cover contractor defects
4. Legal action: Small claims court (under $20,000) or hire attorney
5. Manufacturer warranty: If manufacturer-certified contractor, contact manufacturer

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act: Protects homeowners from:

• False or misleading statements
• Failure to disclose material information
• Unconscionable actions
• Treble damages (3x) + attorney fees possible

Texas Residential Construction Liability Act:

• Contractors must correct defects
• Written notice required before lawsuit
• Reasonable opportunity to inspect and repair

Consult attorney if major issues persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many quotes should I get? A: 3-5 from reputable companies. Too many quotes wastes time without providing additional value.

Q: Should I choose the lowest bid? A: Almost never. Middle-range bid from reputable company is safest. Lowest bid often indicates cut corners or scam.

Q: Can I negotiate roofing bids? A: Sometimes. Contractors may negotiate on payment terms, financing, or upgrades. Rarely on total price (margins are already thin).

Q: How long should a roof replacement take? A: 1-3 days for standard residential roof (2,000-3,000 sq ft). Larger or complex roofs take longer.

Q: Do I need to be home during installation? A: Not required, but recommended for final walkthrough. Crew doesn't need access to interior typically.

Q: What happens if it rains during my roof replacement? A: Reputable contractors watch weather and work around forecasts. They'll tarp exposed areas if surprise rain occurs. Most underlayment is waterproof.

Q: Should I hire a public adjuster for insurance claims? A: Maybe. They take 10-15% of settlement but can maximize claim. Roofing contractor can assist for free (but can't negotiate settlement—that's public adjuster territory).

Q: Can I pay contractor with insurance check? A: Yes, but wait until work is complete. Endorse check together with contractor after final walkthrough.

Q: Do I need a building permit for roof replacement? A: Sometimes. Depends on local jurisdiction. Round Rock, Austin, and most Austin suburbs require permits. Contractor should handle this.

Q: How do I verify contractor's work with manufacturer warranty? A: Contractor should register warranty with manufacturer. You'll receive confirmation. If contractor is certified (Master Elite, etc.), warranty registration is often automatic.

Your Action Plan: Hiring Timeline

Week 1: Research and Outreach

• Get referrals from neighbors, friends, online reviews
• Shortlist 5-7 companies
• Request quotes from all
• Begin license/insurance verification

Week 2: Quote Comparison

• Receive and review quotes
• Complete all verification steps
• Interview top 3 candidates
• Check references

Week 3: Decision and Contracting

• Select contractor
• Review contract thoroughly
• Negotiate any final details
• Sign contract and schedule start date
• Pay deposit (10% max)

Week 4+: Project Execution

• Confirm start date
• Monitor project progress
• Daily communication with crew lead
• Final walkthrough
• Release final payment after satisfaction

Get Your Free Roof Assessment

At Ripple Roofing & Construction, we've served Central Texas homeowners for 15+ years with honesty, quality, and accountability:

✓ Fully licensed Texas contractor (TDLR license verified) ✓ Comprehensive insurance (general liability + workers comp) ✓ CertainTeed Shingle Master certified ✓ A+ BBB rating with 4.9-star Google reviews ✓ 10-year workmanship warranty on all installations ✓ Local office in Round Rock (not a P.O. Box) ✓ Transparent pricing with detailed written estimates ✓ Zero-pressure consultations - we'll educate you, not sell you

We're the contractor you can trust with your biggest investment.

📞 Call (512) 763-5277 - Free inspection

📧 Email info@rippleroofs.com

🌐 Visit rippleroofs.com/estimate - Instant online quote

Serving Round Rock, Austin, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, and all Central Texas communities.

Last updated: November 2025. Legal information based on Texas Occupations Code and Texas Business and Commerce Code. Consult attorney for specific legal advice.