With hailstorms and spring weather events impacting Texas communities, we want to remind residents to use caution when hiring contractors for repairs. Scammers often appear in the aftermath of severe weather, hoping to exploit homeowners dealing with storm damage and insurance claims.
Texas does not require a license or registration for roofers and general contractors, and they are permitted to operate a business without insurance or even the necessary skills. While many reputable contractors respond to hard-hit areas to assist with repairs, some storm chasers lack proper insurance, offer quick fixes, or make promises they don’t keep. The storm chasers will solicit door-to-door and pressure homeowners into signing contracts and demand a full payment upfront. They may also convince homeowners to file unnecessary insurance claims.
RCAT recommends the following tips to avoid falling victim: 1. Research contractors fully and hire local. Use this site to find trusted roofing companies that carry insurance and are voluntarily licensed through our organization. Hiring a local business will ensure they are still around should a problem arise later. 2. Insist on a written contract. All agreements should be in writing and including the scope of work, payment terms, and project timelines. Add any verbal promises to the contract before you sign it. 3. Do NOT be pressured into signing a contract on the spot. Avoid contractors who pressure you to sign a contract immediately. Take the time to do your research before contractually obligating yourself - in Texas you only have three (3) days to cancel a contract. It is also considered best practice to get more than one bid. 4. Ask for proof of insurance from the contractor. Be sure to obtain proof that the contractor carries the necessary liability and/or workers compensation insurance before allowing any work to be performed on your home. Call their carrier to verify the insurance coverage. If they are not properly insured, you are now also responsible for any property damage they may cause, or for any worker that may be injured while working on your property. 5. Do NOT pay the contractor in full until the work is completed. Avoid contractors demanding payment in full up front as you may never see them again. Payment in full prior to the work being completed also leaves you with no leverage should the project not be completed as promised. 6. There is no such thing as a “free roof.” Avoid any contractor offering to waive your deductible as this is against the law. They will either commit insurance fraud by overinflating your insurance claim to cover the deductible or cut corners on repairs/replacements which will cause you problems down the road. 7. Review your insurance policy. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report damage and learn how your claim will be handled. Take photos or videos of all damage that you can.
SPECIFY THAT YOU WANT A LICENSED ROOFING CONTRACTOR
Whether you are drawing plans for new roofs, fixing an old roof, maintaining the roof of a commercial facility, or responsible for construction of all the new buildings for the local school district, you want a roofing contractor who will do the job right the first time.
You will want to require that a contractor has the experience and knowledge to provide only quality workmanship. You want your contractor to be responsible and reliable - someone who will still be around after the job is done. You want a contractor who offers business savvy - someone who has complete knowledge of all related safety and regulatory laws - someone who understands your concerns.
You want a roofing contractor who has expert knowledge of his trade and can bring the latest technology and most effective roofing techniques to bear for your job. You need to specify that you want a RCAT LICENSED ROOFING CONTRACTOR for the job.
SEARCH OUR MEMBER LIST FOR RCAT LICENSED ROOFING CONTRACTORS The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas requires that roofing contractors go through a rigorous screening process before they can become licensed. RCAT takes the pressure off of you and takes on the responsibility of declaring that a contractor has met the standards of a true professional roofing contractor. Both commercial and residential roofing contractors, those with large or small businesses, can become licensed. Their company managers and estimators can also become licensed. The principal goal of this voluntary licensing process is to increase professionalism and consumer confidence in the roofing industry, as well as to assure owners, architects, consultants, developers and general contractors that a RCAT Licensed Roofing Contractor is experienced, reliable and knowledgeable.
IT'S THE SMART, PROFESSIONAL WAY TO GO! The RCAT Licensed Roofing Contractor program was developed to increase consumer protection and secure public confidence in the roofing industry by elevating the roofing contractor's knowledge, skills and professionalism through voluntary self-regulation.
To become a Licensed Roofing Contractor in Texas, the applicant must:
Be a principal in a roofing company that has been domiciled in the state of Texas for at least three continuous years.
Submit credit references.
Submit business references.
Submit proof of financial responsibility, including insurance or bonding, workers compensation and a completed applicant statement.
After a thorough background check, the individual must past a basic business and safety knowledge exam plus a residential and/or commercial roofing exam.
The license is valid for one year and is renewable at that time by showing proof of having earned continuing education credits and by showing evidence of consistent adherence to the original guidelines required for licensing.
Licensing is available for both residential and commercial roofing contractors and is open to all roofing contractors in Texas who meet the qualifications. Company managers employed by those licensed contractors can also become licensed, with similar requirements.
If you have further questions about the RCAT Licensed Roofing Contractor program or would like to verify the credentials of a particular roofing contractor, please call (800) 997-6631 or (512) 251-7690.
