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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Bonham, TX

After a storm or when your roof starts showing its age, it's tempting to jump at the first roofer who knocks on your door or leaves a flyer. Unfortunately, that's exactly when scammers strike. In Bonham and across Fannin County, storm chasers and unlicensed operators often target homeowners who need repairs fast. The good news? A few simple precautions can protect you from losing thousands of dollars to a bad roof job — or worse, paying for work that never gets done.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Bonham

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser / FEMA Fraud

After hail or wind storms hit Fannin County, out-of-town contractors swarm the area claiming to be "storm specialists." They knock on doors, offer quick inspections, and push you to sign a contract immediately — often promising to handle your insurance claim for you. Once they get a down payment or signed waiver, they do shoddy work or disappear entirely.

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The Low-Ball Bid Bait-and-Switch

A roofer quotes you a price that's dramatically lower than everyone else. They ask for a deposit to "lock in the deal" or order materials. Once they have your money, they claim "unforeseen issues" and jack up the price — or they start the job, do poor work, and abandon the project halfway through.

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Insurance Claim Padding & Deductible Fraud

The roofer tells you they'll "waive your deductible" or "cover it for you" as a favor. This is illegal in Texas. They may inflate their estimate to the insurance company to cover the deductible, which means they overcharge your insurer and leave you with potential fraud liability. Or they convince you to pay an inflated deductible directly to them.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Request a certificate of insurance directly from their insurance provider — not just a paper they hand you. Make sure they carry both general liability insurance (to cover damage to your property) and workers' compensation (to cover injuries on the job). Call the insurance company listed to confirm the policy is active.

2

Licensing

In Texas, roofing contractors must register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Ask for their TDLR registration number and verify it online at tdlr.texas.gov. Also check if they hold a valid contractor license in Bonham or Fannin County.

3

References

Ask for at least three recent local references — homes they've worked on in Bonham or nearby towns like Sherman or Paris. Drive by if you can, and call the homeowners to ask about their experience, timeline, and whether any problems came up after the work was done.

Protection FAQs

Do roofing contractors need a license in Bonham, TX?

Yes. Roofing contractors in Texas must register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). While Bonham does not have a separate city roofing license, Fannin County may have permit requirements for larger projects. Always verify TDLR registration online and ask if the contractor pulls the necessary permits for your job.

How much is a normal deposit for a roofing job in Texas?

Texas law limits down payments on home improvement contracts. A reasonable deposit is 10% or $1,000, whichever is less. Be very cautious of any roofer asking for 50% or more upfront. Reputable roofers pay for materials out of their own cash flow or use credit with suppliers — they shouldn't need your money to start the job.

What should I do if a roofer shows up at my door after a storm?

Stay calm and do not sign anything. Get their information and tell them you'll think about it. Contact your insurance company directly to report any damage. Then research local, established roofers with a physical presence in Bonham or nearby. A trustworthy roofer will still be available tomorrow — storm chasers often won't be.

Can a roofer legally waive my insurance deductible in Texas?

No. It is illegal in Texas for a contractor to waive, rebate, or pay your insurance deductible. This is considered insurance fraud. If a roofer offers to "take care of your deductible" or cover it for you, you should report them to the Texas Department of Insurance and find another contractor immediately.

How can I tell if a roofing company is local to Bonham?

Look for a physical business address in Bonham or a nearby Fannin County community. Check if they've been operating in the area for at least a few years by reading online reviews and asking for local references. A legitimate local roofer will have a listed phone number, a real office or shop, and a history of projects in the area — not just a temporary hotel room and a magnetic sign on a truck.

What payment methods should I use for a roofing project?

Pay by credit card or check — never cash. Credit cards offer fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges if work isn't completed. If you pay by check, make it payable to the business name, not an individual. Avoid wiring money or using payment apps like Zelle or Venmo, as these offer little to no recourse if something goes wrong.

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Licensed & insured professionals CALL NOW: 1-866-674-2070