After every major hail storm in Houston, the number of roofing contractors operating in Harris County doubles overnight. Storm chasers from out of state flood neighborhoods, knocking on doors with promises of insurance help and quick timelines. Some are legitimate. Many are not.
Even without a recent storm event, Houston has a large population of roofing contractors ranging from excellent to predatory. Here's how to hire the right one.
The Non-Negotiable Checklist
Before signing any roofing contract in Texas, verify all of the following.
1. Texas General Contractor License (or Exemption)
Texas law does not require a specific roofing license, but contractors who also perform structural repairs or additions must hold a General Contractor license. However, many reputable roofers operate under a valid exemption for specialty trade work.
What matters more than a license is carrying proper insurance. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing:
- General Liability: Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence
- Workers' Compensation: Covering all employees and subcontractors
Call the insurance carrier directly to verify the policy is current — certificates can be forged.
2. Physical Texas Address
A roofing company should have a permanent Texas address and local phone number. Be cautious of:
- P.O. boxes only
- Out-of-state addresses
- Contractors who arrived in your neighborhood after a storm event
Verify Google Business listings, Yelp, or BBB profiles to see how long they've operated locally.
3. Manufacturer Certification
Leading shingle manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed have contractor certification programs:
- GAF Master Elite: Top 3% of GAF contractors; requires insurance verification, training, and customer satisfaction standards
- Owens Corning Preferred Contractor: Requires insurance and quality standards verification
- CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster: Similar quality verification program
Manufacturer-certified contractors can offer enhanced warranties (25-year, 50-year, or lifetime workmanship warranties) that non-certified contractors cannot.
4. Verifiable References
Any legitimate Houston roofing contractor should provide at least 3 local references from the past 12 months. Actually call them. Ask:
- Was the project completed on time?
- Were there any issues? How were they handled?
- Was the final price consistent with the quote?
- Would you hire them again?
5. Written, Itemized Contract
Never allow work to begin without a signed written contract that includes:
- Complete scope of work (tear-off, underlayment, material specifications)
- Material brand and product line (e.g., "GAF Timberline HDZ in Charcoal")
- Timeline with start and estimated completion date
- Payment schedule (typically 10–30% deposit, balance on completion)
- Warranty terms in writing (both material and workmanship)
- Permit responsibility (who pulls it and who pays for it)
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
The door-knocker after a storm A contractor who shows up unsolicited immediately after a hail event may or may not be qualified. The issue is that many storm chasers move rapidly between storm-affected markets without the local relationships and ongoing operations that support quality and warranty service.
Unusually low bids If three quotes average $15,000 and one comes in at $9,000, the low bidder is either using inferior materials, planning to cut corners on labor, or both. Get clarification on every difference between quotes.
Pressure to sign immediately Any contractor who pressures you to sign before the storm is "too far gone" or before "I can't guarantee this price" is using a sales tactic. A legitimate contractor will give you time to review their proposal.
Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Be extremely cautious of signing any document that transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor. AOB has been associated with significant fraud in Texas. You retain more control by managing your own claim.
No permit pulled In most Houston municipalities, a permit is required for roof replacement. A contractor who suggests skipping the permit is exposing you to problems when you sell your home and liability if anything goes wrong.
Handshake deals on payment Standard payment structure is 10–30% deposit upfront, with the balance due on satisfactory completion. Be suspicious of requests for full payment before work starts.
Questions to Ask Your Houston Roofer
- How long have you been operating in the Houston area specifically?
- Can I see your current Certificate of Insurance?
- Are you a manufacturer-certified contractor?
- Who actually performs the installation — your employees or subcontractors?
- What underlayment do you use, and is it included in the price?
- What warranty do you provide on your workmanship, and is it in writing?
- Will you pull the required permits?
- Can you provide 3 local references from the past year?
Why We're Different
Final Roofing & Retro-Fit was founded in Houston in 2019. We're an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor with a physical Houston presence, 2,200+ completed local projects, and a team of full-time employees (not day laborers) who perform the installation.
We provide written estimates, pull all required permits, and offer written workmanship warranties. We don't knock on doors after storms — our reputation has been built on quality work and honest dealing.
Ready to get a quote from a Houston roofer you can trust? Contact us or call 786.362.9805.