How to choose a roofing contractor after storm damage

Watch for out-of-town "storm chasers"

After a significant hail event, it's common for contractors from outside the area to arrive, door-knock the affected neighborhoods, and offer fast, aggressive deals. Some do quality work. Many don't — and when a warranty issue shows up two years later, they're often nowhere to be found.

• Ask how long the company has operated in Amarillo specifically — not just "in Texas"
• Check for a real, permanent local address and phone number, not just a cell number and a truck
• Be cautious of anyone pressuring you to sign the same day they knock on your door

Real questions worth asking any contractor

• Are you licensed and insured, and can you provide proof?
• Will you be present for the insurance adjuster meeting?
• Who will actually be doing the work — your own crew, or subcontractors you don't directly manage?
• What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
• Can I see other completed projects in this area?

Red flags worth taking seriously

• A quote significantly lower than every other estimate you've received
• Pressure to sign immediately, especially tied to "today only" pricing
• Requests for full payment upfront, before any work begins
• No local address, or a business only reachable by cell phone
• Vague or evasive answers about licensing and insurance

Why this matters more than it might seem

A roof is one of the few home repairs where a mistake isn't obvious right away — poor installation can look fine for a year or two before leaks and structural issues show up. By then, a here-today-gone-tomorrow contractor is genuinely gone, and the cost of fixing bad work often exceeds what it would have cost to do it right the first time.