After a hailstorm rolls through the DFW Metroplex, roofing offers show up fast — door hangers, texts, trucks parked on your street. Some of those contractors are legitimate. Many are “storm chasers” who work a neighborhood for a few weeks and are gone before a warranty claim ever comes up. Asking the right questions before you sign anything is the easiest way to tell the difference.
Here are 10 questions to ask any roofing contractor in Frisco or the wider DFW area before you commit to a project.
1. Are You Licensed to Work in Texas?
Texas is one of the few states that doesn’t require a statewide roofing or general contractor license, which unfortunately makes it easier for unqualified crews to operate here. Since a state license isn’t the safeguard it is elsewhere, ask instead for proof of local business registration, manufacturer certifications, and how long the company has operated under its current name in your area. A contractor unwilling to answer is a red flag.
2. Do You Carry General Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Roofing is one of the more dangerous home service trades. General liability insurance protects your property if something goes wrong during the job; workers’ compensation protects you from liability if a crew member is injured on your roof. Ask for a current certificate of insurance and confirm it’s active — don’t just take a verbal “yes.”
3. What Manufacturer Certifications Do You Hold?
Certifications like GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, and CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator aren’t just marketing badges — manufacturers only issue them to contractors who meet installation, training, and customer service standards. A certified installer is also usually required if you want access to the strongest manufacturer warranties, including labor coverage.
4. Can I See Recent Local References?
Ask for two or three addresses of homes the contractor has roofed in your area within the last year, not just a stack of old testimonials. A company with nothing to show nearby is worth a second look. When you follow up with references, ask:
- Was the project completed on the timeline promised?
- Did the crew clean up daily and haul away debris and old shingles?
- Were there any surprise costs after the estimate?
- Would they hire this contractor again?
5. Do You Use Subcontractors, and Are They Covered Too?
Many roofing companies use subcontracted crews for installation. That’s normal — but if a sub isn’t insured and gets hurt on your property, or isn’t paid by the general contractor, you can end up on the hook through a mechanic’s lien. Ask whether subs are used and whether their insurance is verified.
6. Do You Have Experience with Insurance Claims?
If your roof was damaged by hail or wind, you’ll likely be filing an insurance claim. A contractor who regularly works storm damage claims in DFW can help document the damage correctly, meet the adjuster on-site, and make sure the scope of work matches what your policy actually covers — which matters more than ever now that most Texas policies carry a percentage-based wind/hail deductible instead of a flat dollar amount.
7. What Warranty Do You Offer — and What’s Actually Covered?
There are two separate warranties on any roofing job: the manufacturer’s warranty on materials, and the contractor’s warranty on workmanship (the installation itself). Ask for both in writing, including the length of coverage and what would void them.
8. What’s Your Payment Structure?
A modest deposit to schedule materials is normal. A contractor demanding full payment upfront, in cash only, or pressuring you to sign an insurance “assignment of benefits” on the spot are all warning signs. Get the payment schedule and total cost in writing before work starts.
9. Will You Provide a Written, Itemized Estimate?
A vague one-line quote (“re-roof — $X”) makes it hard to compare bids or know what you’re actually paying for. Ask for an itemized estimate covering materials, labor, tear-off and disposal, and any permit fees.
10. Who Will Be My Point of Contact During the Project?
Roofing jobs move fast once they start. Make sure you know who to call with questions once the crew is on the roof — and that it isn’t a call center out of state.
Monumental Construction & Restoration has served Frisco and the DFW Metroplex for over 25 years and holds certifications with GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. If you’d like a straightforward answer to any of these 10 questions, or want a free, no-obligation roof inspection, reach out to our team or call (469) 910-3060.