11 Important Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Company in Austin

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Your roof is a long-term investment, and hiring the wrong contractor can lead to costly mistakes. Some companies cut corners. Others use low-quality materials. The result is homeowners stuck with repairs or even safety hazards.

Asking the right questions protects you from these problems. It ensures you understand all the essential information about the company and its process before the work begins. It also reveals how they communicate and handle customer service, two factors that often determine whether your experience will be smooth or stressful.

In short, the questions you ask upfront can make all the difference between a successful project and a frustrating one.

Question 1: Are You a Local Roofing Company?

The first thing to determine is whether the contractor is truly local. After major storms, Austin often sees an influx of out-of-town roofers, sometimes called “storm chasers”, who come in, take quick jobs, and then disappear. 

While not all traveling contractors are unreliable, local companies are far more likely to honor warranties and provide long-term service.

A local roofing company in Austin understands the area’s weather patterns, building codes, and HOA requirements. They know what materials perform best in the Texas climate and have an established reputation in the community.

Ask for a local business address, a phone number with an Austin area code, and examples of recent work in your neighborhood. These are good signs that you’re working with a company that’s invested in the community and will still be around long after your project is done.

M&M Roofing, Siding, and Windows has a local office in Austin, and when you call, a local team member will answer the call. 

Question 2: How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters in roofing. The longer a company has been in business, the more likely they know what they’re doing and have established a solid reputation within the city.

Ask how long the company has served Austin homeowners and what types of roofing projects they specialize in. A reputable company should be able to provide examples of previous work, along with photos or references.

Newer companies aren’t necessarily bad, but longevity is a strong indicator of reliability. A roofing company in Austin with decades of experience has satisfied countless customers and built the trust necessary to stay in business.

M&M Roofing, Siding, and Windows has been in business for more than 40 years and has more than 1,200 positive reviews. 

Question 3: What Type of Roofing Materials Do You Use?

Not all roofing materials are created equal. Some are designed to withstand heat and UV rays, while others perform better in high winds or hail. Austin’s climate demands materials that can handle all of these conditions.

Ask what brands and types of materials the company uses and whether they’re certified by the manufacturers. Reputable contractors often partner with trusted brands like GAF or Owens Corning. These certifications indicate that the company has received specialized training and can offer enhanced warranties.

M&M Roofing, Siding, and Windows is GAF Master Elite certified, GAF President’s Club certified, and an Owens Corning preferred contractor. 

Also, ask about energy-efficient options. Reflective shingles or metal roofing can help lower cooling costs during Austin’s hot summers. A knowledgeable contractor will explain the pros and cons of each material based on your budget, roof style, and long-term goals.

Question 4: Do You Provide Written Estimates?

Verbal estimates are not enough. Ever. Always ask for a detailed, written estimate before work begins. A professional roofing company will provide a comprehensive breakdown of materials, labor, cleanup, and any additional costs.

A clear estimate should include:

• The scope of work (repair, replacement, or inspection)

   

• Specific materials being used

   

• Project timeline and completion date

   

• Payment schedule

   

• Warranty details

   

If a contractor refuses to provide a written estimate or gives a vague quote, that’s a red flag. Transparency is key to avoiding surprise costs later. The best roofing companies in Austin will walk you through their estimates and make sure you understand every line before signing.

Question 5: What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?

A new roof or repair is a major investment, so you’ll want to know what protections come with it. Reputable roofing companies offer two types of roof warranties: one from the manufacturer covering the materials, and another from the contractor covering workmanship.

Ask how long each warranty lasts and what it includes. For example, some warranties cover only defects in materials, while others also cover labor. Make sure you understand what voids the warranty, such as neglecting maintenance or unauthorized repairs.

A trustworthy roofing company in Austin will explain its warranty policies clearly and provide all documentation in writing.

Question 6: Will You Remove My Old Roof?

If you’re getting a full roof replacement, make sure the company plans to remove the existing shingles before installing new ones. Some contractors suggest layering new shingles over old ones to save time and money, but that approach can hide damage underneath and shorten the lifespan of your new roof.

Removing the old roofing allows the contractor to inspect the decking for rot, leaks, or weak spots. It ensures that your new roof is installed on a solid foundation. Ask how they’ll dispose of the old materials and whether cleanup is included in the estimate.

Question 7: What Is the Project Timeline?

Ask how long the project will take from start to finish. The duration depends on factors like the size of your roof, the weather, and the complexity of the job.

A reputable company will provide a realistic timeline and keep you informed about any delays. They’ll also explain how they schedule workdays and handle cleanup.

Understanding the timeline helps you plan around the noise, debris, and foot traffic that come with roofing work.

Question 8: How Do You Handle Unexpected Problems?

Even with careful planning, roofing projects sometimes uncover hidden issues, like rotted decking or ventilation problems. Ask the contractor how they handle surprises once work begins.

A professional roofing company should have a clear process for discussing unexpected findings with you and getting your approval for additional work. They should also have a clear plan to update the estimate before moving forward. Avoid companies that charge extra without explaining why.

The best roofing contractors value honesty and will communicate openly about any changes.

Question 9: Who Will Be Working on My Roof?

Some roofing companies use subcontractors to complete the work instead of their own employees. This isn’t always a bad thing, but it’s important to know who will actually be on your property.

Ask whether the company uses in-house crews or subcontractors and confirm that everyone on site is properly trained. If subcontractors are involved, request to meet the project manager who will oversee the work. You want to ensure accountability and consistent quality from start to finish.

The good news is that when you work with M&M Roofing, Siding, and Windows, the roofing expert who performs your initial roof inspection will also be the project manager and point of contact during the entire process. 

Question 10: Do You Offer Roof Inspections and Maintenance?

Roof maintenance is key to keeping your roof in top shape after installation or repair. Ask whether the roofing company offers regular inspections or maintenance plans.

Annual or semi-annual inspections help catch small issues before they become big problems. A company that offers these services is more likely to be committed to long-term customer care rather than just completing one-time projects.

If they do offer maintenance, ask what’s included, like gutter cleaning, minor repairs, or ventilation checks.

Question 11: Can You Provide References or Examples of Past Work?

Reputable roofing companies are proud to showcase their work. Ask for local references or examples of recent projects in Austin.

Talking to previous customers can give you valuable insight into how the company communicates, meets deadlines, and handles any post-installation issues. You can also drive by completed projects to see their craftsmanship firsthand.

A roofing company that’s confident in its work will be happy to provide this information.

You can see examples of our past work on this page.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While asking questions, keep an eye out for warning signs that a contractor might not be reputable.

Red flags include:

• Lack of a written contract or estimate

   

• Requests for large upfront payments

   

• Poor communication or evasive answers

   

• No physical address or local references

   

If something feels off, trust your instincts and look elsewhere. A trustworthy roofing company in Austin will welcome your questions and answer them confidently.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right roofing contractor doesn’t have to be stressful. By asking these important questions before you hire, you can ensure your roof is in the hands of professionals who care about quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

A dependable roofing company in Austin will communicate clearly and deliver results that protect your home for decades. Whether you’re planning a small repair or a full roof replacement, taking time to vet your contractor is the best way to guarantee a smooth, successful project from start to finish.