How to Choose the Best Roofer in West Texas (2026)
How to Choose the Best Roofer in West Texas: Complete Contractor Selection Guide
Your roof is one of your home's most important investments. Choosing the right contractor means quality work that lasts decades. Choosing wrong means a botched job that costs thousands in repairs. (Not sure if you need repair or replacement? See our complete guide to roof repair in West Texas.)
Unfortunately, the roofing industry attracts scammers. Door-knockers, contractors offering to pay deductibles (illegal), and fly-by-night storm chasers that disappear after taking payment.
This guide teaches you how to identify trustworthy contractors and avoid common scams.
Understanding the Roofing Industry
Types of Roofing Contractors:
1. Local, Established Contractors - Been in business 10+ years, local reputation, BBB rating, permanent office. Best for quality work and reliability.
2. Regional Contractors - Serve multiple states, larger crews, better pricing due to scale. Best for larger projects.
3. National Franchises - Standardized processes, national warranty, higher overhead/prices. Best for consistency.
4. Handymen/General Contractors - May do roofing as side business, often not specialized. Avoid unless they have specific roofing experience.
Licensing and Insurance in Texas
Texas Roofing License Requirements:
- Must be licensed by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
- License number should be displayed
- Verify at tdlr.texas.gov
Insurance Requirements:
- General Liability Insurance (minimum $1M)
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Proof should be provided upon request
Why this matters:
- Licensed contractor = accountability
- Insurance protects you if worker is injured
- Unlicensed contractor = no recourse if work is poor
Red Flags - Contractors to Avoid
🚩 Offers to Pay Your Insurance Deductible
This is ILLEGAL in Texas. It's a felony for a contractor to waive, pay, or absorb your deductible. Results in criminal charges, voided policies, and denied future claims.
What to do: Immediately refuse and report to Texas Department of Insurance.
🚩 Door-to-Door Solicitation
"We were in your neighborhood doing a roof for your neighbor..."
Classic scam. Legitimate contractors don't door-knock. They get business through referrals, Google reviews, and established reputation.
What to do: Don't engage. Legitimate contractors wait for you to call them.
🚩 Pressure to Decide Immediately
"We're only in town this week. You need to decide today."
Legitimate contractors understand roof decisions are major investments. They give you time to think and get other quotes.
What to do: Tell them you need time. If they pressure you, move on.
🚩 No License or Insurance
"We're cheaper because we don't have overhead."
Unlicensed, uninsured contractors are a nightmare. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse.
What to do: Always ask for and verify license and insurance.
🚩 No Written Estimate
"I'll just give you a verbal quote."
Everything should be in writing. Verbal quotes lead to disputes and surprise charges.
What to do: Insist on detailed written estimate including materials, labor, timeline, and warranty.
🚩 Unusually Low Price
If one contractor's quote is significantly lower, ask why. Could be lower quality materials, inexperienced crew, or cutting corners.
What to do: Get 3 quotes. If one is way lower, be suspicious.
🚩 No References or Reviews
"We don't have references" or "We're new to the area."
Established contractors have references and reviews. New contractors should still have some track record.
What to do: Ask for at least 3 local references. Call them.
🚩 Requires Full Payment Upfront
Legitimate contractors typically require 50% deposit to start, final payment upon completion.
What to do: Never pay more than 50% upfront.
Green Flags - Contractors to Trust
10 Essential Questions to Ask a Roofer
- Are you licensed and insured? - Ask for proof. Verify license at tdlr.texas.gov.
- How long have you been in business? - Look for 5+ years, ideally 10+.
- Can you provide references? - Ask for at least 3 local references. Call them.
- What warranty do you offer? - Ask about material and workmanship warranties.
- What's included in your estimate? - Removal, disposal, cleanup, permits?
- How do you handle insurance claims? - Do they work with adjusters?
- What's your timeline? - When can you start? How long will it take?
- Do you handle permits? - They should handle all necessary permits.
- What payment terms do you offer? - Typical: 50% deposit, 50% upon completion.
- Can I see examples of your work? - Ask for photos of recent projects.
How to Spot Roofing Scams
Scam #1: Storm Chasers - After major storms, out-of-state contractors flood the area. They pressure you to sign immediately, then disappear. Avoid by sticking with local contractors.
Scam #2: Deductible Fraud - "We'll pay your deductible." This is illegal and voids your insurance. Never accept this offer.
Scam #3: Bait and Switch - Low initial quote, then "we found more damage" and price doubles. Get detailed written estimate with thorough inspection.
Scam #4: Missing Documentation - Texas does not issue a state roofing license. Ask every contractor for a written scope, current proof of insurance, and documentation for any credential they claim.
Scam #5: Disappearing Act - They take your deposit and disappear. Never pay more than 50% upfront.
Why Choose Candor Construct & Roofing
- Headquartered in Lubbock — 5504 Wayne Ave Ste 100, 79414
- Public BBB profile — Review current BBB information directly
- Customer-first service — Read current feedback on our Google Business Profile
- Free inspections — No obligation
- Transparent pricing — No surprises
- Written project details — Review scope and applicable terms before work begins
- We follow Texas deductible rules — Integrity is non-negotiable
Ready to get a free roof inspection from a trusted contractor? Call Candor Construct & Roofing at (806) 224-2836. We're here to help.