How to Find and Vet a Roofing Contractor in Garland, TX

Texas doesn't require roofing contractors to hold a statewide roofing license—instead, most work under a general contractor license issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). However, Garland has local licensing requirements, so your contractor must also have a valid City of Garland business license and general liability coverage. Always ask for a contractor's TDLR license number and verify it directly on the TDLR website before signing any agreement. You can search by name or license number at license.texas.gov. A valid license shows the contractor has passed background checks and maintains bonding requirements. If a contractor hesitates to provide their license number or it doesn't appear in the database, that's a major red flag. Local Garland permits are also required for most roof replacements and repairs, and your contractor should handle this process without additional cost to you.

A roofing contractor must carry both general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance before setting foot on your roof. General liability protects your home if the contractor damages your property during work, while workers' compensation covers injuries to their employees. Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from any contractor you're considering—don't accept verbal assurances. The COI should list your home as an 'additional insured' and show current coverage dates. Texas law requires roofing contractors to carry a minimum of $300,000 in general liability coverage, though many reputable contractors carry $1 million or more. When you file a roof claim with your homeowner's insurance after hail or storm damage, your deductible (typically $500–$2,500 in Texas) comes from your pocket first, but your contractor's insurance shouldn't be used as a substitute for your own coverage. Call the insurance provider listed on the COI to verify the policy is active—contractors sometimes submit expired or falsified certificates.

Never hire the first roofer you contact. Request written estimates from at least three different roofing contractors in Garland so you can compare pricing, materials, and scope of work. A detailed estimate should break down labor costs, material costs (including shingle type, underlayment, and flashing), and the timeline for completion. Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others—this often signals cut corners, use of substandard materials, or a contractor who doesn't carry proper insurance and is underpricing to undercut the competition. Conversely, the highest price isn't always the best either. Look for estimates in the $8,000–$15,000 range for a standard asphalt shingle roof replacement on a 2,000 sq. ft. home in Garland; premium materials or complex roof designs will cost more. Make sure each estimate includes warranty details—reputable contractors offer 5–10 year workmanship warranties, while material warranties vary by shingle manufacturer. Ask whether the quote covers roof inspection, debris removal, and any repairs to decking or flashing discovered during the job.

References are one of your best tools for vetting a roofing contractor. Ask for at least three recent projects (within the last 12 months) and contact those homeowners directly—ask about the quality of work, whether the project stayed on schedule, and if the contractor was responsive to issues. Check the contractor's ratings on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB allows you to see complaint history and how the contractor responded to problems; a contractor with an A or A+ rating and a clean resolution history is generally safer than one with multiple unresolved complaints. Look for specific mentions of work quality, professionalism, and cleanup in reviews. Be aware that a few negative reviews among many positive ones is normal, but patterns of complaints about pricing disputes, poor workmanship, or disappearing mid-project are serious concerns. You can also ask your homeowner's insurance agent for contractor recommendations—they often know which local roofing companies file legitimate claims versus those with frequent disputes.