Get Quotes from Top Roofing Contractors in Dallas, TX
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor in Dallas
According to the National Association of Home Builders, every roof should be inspected at least once every three years. However, extreme weather events and disasters such as heavy rainstorms, coastal storms, tornadoes, and fire outbreaks may cause damage to areas of your roof, necessitating immediate repairs. In any of these situations, it is only wise that you hire a licensed and experienced Dallas roofing contractor for the project. Hiring a qualified roofing contractor not only guarantees better service but also helps you avoid unnecessary fines and penalties that may result from violating any section of the city's construction code relating to roofing.
To ensure you are hiring a good hand for your roofing project, you should always ask the following questions:
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Roofing Contractor in Dallas?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Roofers in the City?
- Will You Get the Roofing Permits Required as per the Dallas Building Code?
- What Kind of Roofing Services Do You Offer?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Roofing Companies in Dallas?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Roofer in Dallas
Are You Licensed to Practice as a Roofing Contractor in Dallas?
Before hiring a roofing contractor for any roofing project in Dallas, it is wise to find out whether or not the individual is licensed to do the work. Roofing contractors in Dallas are required to register as general contractors with the Dallas Building Inspection Office. Operating as a roofing contractor without holding a valid registration in the city is an offense that may attract a fine of up to $2,000. In addition, the city may file a civil action against the offender following Texas Local Government Code Chapter 54. The civil action may include but is not limited to, a suit to recover a civil penalty in the total amount of $1,000 or less for each day the offense was committed. Roofing contractors can only avoid such penalties by making sure that they are registered to undertake roofing projects in the city.
To register with the city as a general contractor eligible to complete roofing projects, interested persons shall apply to the Building Inspection Office by downloading, completing, and submitting an application for contractor registration at:
Building Inspection OfficeOak Cliff Municipal Center
320 East. Jefferson Boulevard
Room 118
Dallas, TX 752013
The application for contractor registration shall include the applicant's name, email address, and telephone number. The applicant must also specify if they are registering as a business or an individual contractor. Failure to provide adequate information may result in delay or denial of registration.
In addition to the provision of adequate licensing information, applicants must also pay the required registration fee. The registration fee is $120, and applicants who pay the stipulated amount and have met all other requirements will be issued a registration certificate. Note that a general contractor registration will be due for renewal exactly one year after it was issued. For more information concerning the process and requirements for registering as a general contractor in Dallas, call the Building Inspection Office at (214) 948-4480.
While roofing contractors are required to register in the city, homeowners should be wary of contractors who fail to provide proof of registration. Nonetheless, even if a contractor claims to be registered, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify such a claim. Homeowners can confirm if their preferred roofing contractor is registered by downloading the city's registered contractor list. Alternatively, homeowners can contact the above-mentioned telephone to be sure that their contractor is registered.
How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Roofers in the City?
Roofers in Dallas charge an average hourly rate of $19.92. However, it is important to note that roofing projects are rarely as straightforward as they seem. A project that seems like a simple repair before an inspection can turn out to be a case of extensive roof replacement. As a result, roofers may bill more than the average hourly rate to do your work.
Nonetheless, regardless of where you live in Dallas, the cost of roofing in Dallas is always determined by factors like the size of your home and the nature of the roofing project, the current state of the roof to be worked on, and the type of roofing material that will be used for the job. Residents of Dallas can always get a fair idea of the average cost of roofing service they need by requesting bids or quotes from at least three different roofing contractors in the city.
Roofers in Dallas earn an average wage of $41,430 annually. The average hourly wages of roofers in Dallas and those of roofers in other areas of Texas State, as well as other major cities in the country, are compared below:
Will You Get the Roofing Permits Required as per the Dallas Building Code?
A permit is not required for minor roofing repairs in Dallas. However, section 301 of Administrative Procedures for the Dallas Construction Codes makes it illegal for anybody to do roofing work worth more than $500 without first obtaining a permit. In addition, roofers must not install new roof coverings without first obtaining a permit for such work.
Homeowners must understand that it is their responsibility to ensure that permits are obtained by properly qualified persons before work is started. Failure to do so may lead to the issuance of a stop-work order by the Building Official and attract both an investigation fee and the initial permit fee.
A permit for a roofing project can be obtained online by registered roofers. However, applicants must first create a user profile and sign up to use the online service. After creating a profile, applicants can log in and begin the permit application process. To begin, applicants must click on trade applications to select the specific trade for which a permit is required. Then, applicants should enter the site address into the home and street inquiry box and click search. Following the search, applicants will select their address, fill in the required information, and pay the permit fee with a credit card.
Roofers who do not want to obtain their permit online can do so by downloading, completing, and submitting a building permit application form at the city's Building Inspection Office location at:
Oak Cliff Municipal Center320 East. Jefferson Boulevard
Room 118
Dallas, TX 752013
Note that a permit application for a proposed roofing work shall be submitted alongside plans and specifications, which must be drawn to scale and must be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature, and extent of the work proposed. Furthermore, an application for a permit to reroof must include a list of sites to be used for the disposal of re-roofing debris. Failure to provide the list of sites that will be used for disposal of re-roofing debris may lead to the denial of the permit. For more information concerning requirements for obtaining a permit for a roofing project, call (214) 948-4480.
In addition to obtaining a permit, roofers are also required to schedule an inspection with the Building Inspection Office. Roofers can schedule an inspection when the roofing project is in progress and also upon its completion. Note that a final inspection will not be performed or approved unless proof of the disposal of the re-roofing debris at a city of Dallas landfill or transfer station is submitted to the building official. Roofers can schedule an inspection online or by calling the city's automated Inspection Line at (214)670-5313.
What Kind of Roofing Services Do You Offer?
Most Dallas roofers offer a variety of roofing services to interested persons. These services include but are not limited to residential roofing, commercial roofing, roofing repairs, roofing replacement, and gutter installation. Nonetheless, as a homeowner, you should always find out whether the individual you intend to hire for your roofing project is an expert in providing the type of roofing service you need.
In addition, you should also inquire whether the professional specializes in installing your preferred roofing material. Dallas city buildings use a variety of roofing materials, each of which demands a high level of mastery and experience to install. Common roofing materials in the city include asphalt shingle, natural slate, wood shake or composite, tile, metal, solar, and foam or single-ply. Note that repairing, replacing, or even installing a new roof is a task that only an expert can handle.
You can confirm whether the roofing contractor you wish to hire is experienced in providing the type of roofing service you require and in the use of the material you choose by requesting a list of satisfied clients they have worked for in the past. Once the list is provided, you should contact individuals on it to get a first-hand review of the roofing contractor's work. Note that hiring a professional who is experienced in providing the exact type of roofing service you need saves time and guarantees better service.
Having confirmed that the roofing contractor is capable of handling the roofing project, you can now proceed to discuss the cost of the roofing project. Provided below are the estimated costs of some roofing services that are commonly requested by property owners in Dallas. Note that factors like your location within the city and the reputation of the roofer that you hire may affect these costs:
Estimates based on task:
Estimates based on roof pitch (per square feet):
Estimates for roof repair/replacement based on roofing material (per square feet):
Estimates for roof repair/replacement based on shape (per square feet):
Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Roofing Companies in Dallas?
With over 100 roofing contractors involved in fatal work injuries across the country in 2020 alone, it is always wise to hire an insured professional. Unlike most other construction activities, roofing involves a great deal of climbing, heavy lifting, bending, and kneeling, which exposes roofers to several workplace hazards, such as injuries due to slips, stumbles, and falls from heights.
Although there are no specific insurance requirements for Dallas roofing contractors, reputable contractors who acknowledge the hazards associated with roofing will purchase an insurance policy to protect themselves, their staff, and their clients. However, as a homeowner, it is your responsibility to determine whether the professional you are considering for the job carries an active insurance policy. Homeowners can confirm the insurance status of their preferred roofer by asking for their certificate of insurance and contacting the insurance company that issued the certificate.
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Roofer in Dallas
Unlike most home repairs, homeowners hardly waste time getting professional help whenever a roof requires repair. This exposes homeowners to a lot of risks, including hiring a roofing scammer. For example, in February 2020, a roofing scammer accused of defrauding homeowners was arrested in Dallas. According to Fox4news, the scammer has been stealing from different city homeowners for over a decade. While the scammer will be persecuted, it is unfortunate that several other roofing scammers in the city are yet to be apprehended. As a result, homeowners should always be on the lookout for unscrupulous individuals posing as roofing contractors in the city.
These unscrupulous individuals employ various tricks to scam their victims. Some of these tricks include claiming to be endorsed by the city mayor, collecting a down payment and not showing up to do the work, offering special deals or ridiculously low rates, and raising the budget for the repair work after they have started working. To avoid falling victim to roofing scams, homeowners in Dallas can take certain precautionary measures. These include:
- Do not hire anyone who shows up right in front of you for roof repairs after a disaster.
- Do not hire anyone who claims to be endorsed by the mayor or any city official without proper investigation.
- Get roofing contractor recommendations from your family, friends, or close associates. You can also get referrals from trusted platforms like the Better Business Bureau and the National Roofing Contractors Association.
- Get and compare written estimates detailing the cost of your roofing project from at least three different contractors.
- Always verify the registration status of any roofing contractor that you intend to hire with the city's Building Inspection Office by calling (214) 948-4480.
- Request and verify references from your preferred roofing contractor
- Make sure that you are given a written contract for the job and that you read and understand it before signing it
- Be wary of contractors that insist on cash payment or upfront payment before commencing work
- Avoid paying the total price for the work until the project is satisfactorily completed and inspected.
Victims of roofing scams can report the situation to the Consumer Protection Unit of the Dallas Department of Code Compliance by calling (214) 948-4351. You can also file a complaint against a roofing contractor with the Consumer Protection Division of the Texas Office of the Attorney General. You can file a complaint with the division online or by downloading, printing, completing, and mailing a consumer complaint form to:
Office of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711 - 2548
Victims of roofing scams may also consider filing a legal action against the contractor in an appropriate court. Matters involving a total amount of $10,000 or less can be filed as small claims at:
Justice of Peace CourtsPrecinct 1, Place 1
8301 South
Suite 2000
Dallas, TX 75232
Table of Contents
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Roofing Contractor in Dallas?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Roofers in the City?
- Will You Get the Roofing Permits Required as per the Dallas Building Code?
- What Kind of Roofing Services Do You Offer?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Roofing Companies in Dallas?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Roofer in Dallas