When you search for roofers near me after a storm, you can end up with three different quotes that look nothing alike. One is a single line with a total, one runs two pages, and the prices can be thousands of dollars apart. Here's how to line the quotes up, what each one should spell out, and which warning signs mean you should walk away.
Get at Least Three Written Quotes
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) suggests getting at least three bids, on company letterhead with a phone number and an address. Three quotes makes it easier to spot a price that's too high, or one that's extra low because something is missing.
If your roof has hail damage and you've filed a claim, your adjuster can give you an idea of what the repair should cost. Each roofing contractor should still walk the roof and write up the job. Ask every company to quote the same scope, because a repair quote and a replacement quote are two completely different jobs.
What Every Roofing Quote Should Spell Out
A good residential roofing quote tells you what you're paying for, line by line. If a quote leaves an item out, ask about it in writing.
| Line item | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tear-off | Whether the old roof comes off, and how many layers | Leaving old layers in place changes the cost and the result |
| Decking | Price per sheet for damaged decking | Problems often show up only after tear-off |
| Underlayment | The product and where it goes | It backs up the shingles or panels in bad weather |
| Flashing and drip edge | New or reused flashing at walls, chimneys, valleys and roof edges | Flashing is a common leak point |
| Ventilation | Vent type and count | Attic airflow affects the life of the roof system |
| Shingles or panels | Brand, product line and color | Lets you compare like for like |
| Permit | Who pulls it, if one is needed | The rules change by city and by scope |
| Cleanup | Haul-off and a nail sweep | Loose nails are a hazard on your property |
| Payment schedule | What's due, and when | A large payment up front is a red flag |
| Warranty | Manufacturer and workmanship terms, in writing | Verbal promises are hard to enforce |
The City of Fort Worth says no permit is needed to replace the shingles on a single-family or two-family home when no decking is replaced, but a permit is required if any decking is replaced. Other DFW cities set their own rules, so ask each roofer about permits where you live.
Red Flags When You Compare Roofers Near Me
TDI lists these warning signs on its contractor scam tips page:
Blank spaces in the contract. A shady contractor can fill them in later with higher costs or different work.
Contract language like "Homeowner agrees to the listed repairs for the value of insurance proceeds." TDI warns that this lets the contractor take every penny of your insurance payment.
A large or full down payment. After a disaster, it's against the law for out-of-town contractors to ask for a down payment before they start.
An offer to waive your deductible. That's illegal, and so is working the deductible into the bid.
Watch for a roofer who offers to negotiate your claim for you. State law doesn't allow a roofer to act as a public insurance adjuster on a claim if they're also doing the work. The same TDI page says contracts of $1,000 or more that involve an insurance settlement must include a notice that you have to pay your deductible.
Texas Doesn't License Roofers, So Check These Instead
The state doesn't require a license for reroofing contractors, according to a 2025 Texas House bill analysis. Some cities require registration or permits, but there's no state license number to look up, so check a roofer's track record yourself:
A local address and phone number that you can confirm, not only a cell number
References from recent jobs in your area, and photos of finished work
Proof of insurance that you can verify with the insurance company
Clear answers about who will be on your roof and who you call if something goes wrong
Years of experience with your type of roof
Compare the Scope Before the Price
Put your quotes side by side and check each line item from the table above. If one quote is much lower, look for what's missing, such as decking, new flashing, ventilation or cleanup. If one is much higher, ask what it includes that the others don't. When a roofer can't explain a line in plain words, ask for the answer in writing.
How We Put Together a Roof Quote
At Fort Tex, our process starts with an inspection. We document what we find with photos and give you a written estimate, so you can see the reason behind each line item. We recommend you compare it with your other quotes the same way. You can read how a project moves from start to finish on our FTM process page, or start with an instant roof estimate online.
We're a family-owned roofer based in Fort Worth, and we work on homes and commercial buildings across DFW.
Roofing Quotes FAQ
How many roofing quotes should I get? TDI suggests at least three written bids, so you can see which offers are too high or too low.
Why are roofing quotes so different? Most of the gap comes from scope. One quote may include new decking, flashing or ventilation that another one leaves out, so compare line items before you compare totals.
Do roofers need a license in Texas? No. There's no state license for reroofing contractors in Texas. Check references, proof of insurance and a local address instead.
Should I pay a deposit before work starts? Be careful with a large or full down payment. After a disaster, it's against the law for out-of-town contractors to ask for a down payment before they start work.
Sources: TDI: Contractor scams · TDI: Roofing and insurance, know the law · City of Fort Worth roofing FAQ · Texas House bill analysis, C.S.H.B. 3344 (2025)
Before you sign with any of the roofers near me you find online, compare scope, check references and read every line. To add a quote you can check line by line, schedule an inspection with us or call 682-313-4066 to protect your home and your budget.
