Consider these four important factors before hiring a roofing contractor.

When your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, choosing who to call isn’t always easy. Just because someone puts a website online and has a logo on the side of their truck doesn’t mean they are a licensed and reputable professional roofing contractor.


Here is what you should consider before hiring a contractor:
1 – Licensed professional
Be sure they are licensed by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. The state of Texas doesn’t require roofers to have a license. This means that anyone can grab a ladder, some nails and a hammer and become of roofing contractor. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) is a professional organization that developed its own licensing program to help homeowners find knowledgeable, trustworthy roofing professionals. Contractors must pass a knowledge test, carry the proper insurances and maintain their knowledge through continuing education. And just because a contractor tells you they are licensed, doesn’t mean that they are. Find out for yourself by looking them up in RCAT’s online directory.
2 – Locally based
Texas sees its fair share of hail storms and severe weather. When storms hit, roofing contractors from out of town send teams into town and set up temporary offices to perform work. Choosing to work with a contractor that isn’t local can put you at risk months down the road if your roof should experience issues with workmanship. The contractor is no longer around to continue to provide service to your home.  Always choose a local contractor.
3 – Payment
Let’s talk about money. Reputable contractors have agreements in place with their local building product suppliers that allow them 30-45 days to pay for purchased materials. A small, good-faith deposit should suffice. There are many stories in the news about contractors that take a large deposit on the roofing job and then walk away with the money, never to perform the repairs. A reputable contractor should not need a 50% deposit up front.
4 – Insurance
A professional roofing contractor will also be experienced in working with insurance companies in cases where a roof was damaged by hail or severe weather. Be wary of contractors promising that you won’t even have to pay your deductible. Not only is this illegal in Texas, but you should ask what corners would that contractor have to cut to put on your roof. Download our free Storm Damage Guide for tips on handling damage and working with your insurance company.
At Texas Traditions Roofing, we are happy to provide a free inspection and review any areas of concern that you may have noticed. We are licensed by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas and stand behind our work, offering a workmanship warranty on every home. Schedule a free inspection today.