The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends you get your roof inspected twice a year. This may not be absolutely necessary in the mild Dallas climate, but you should still get your roof inspected at least once annually. This will not only keep your roof in good condition, but can save you a ton of money and hassle in the long run. By catching roofing problems early, an inevitable roof repair can be an easy fix.
Roof Inspections in Dallas: Finding a Dallas Roofing Contractor You can Trust
Some companies offer free roof inspections as a way of creating business. This is great if you feel you can trust the roofer, as some companies also use this as a way of inventing roof repairs that may be unnecessary. Free or not, the best way to keep up with your roof maintenance is to build a relationship with a Dallas roofing contractor. Different companies offer different discounts and incentives.
Free inspections can be a way of keeping business, just as much as creating it. Talk to multiple contractors and previous customers who have worked with these companies. You may pay $200 for a roof inspection this year, but the company might agree to inspect your roof each year after that for as little as $50. Of course, different companies offer different promotional deals. A good rule of thumb is to do your homework on each contractor and then trust your gut for the final decision.
The only two huge mistakes you can make are to ignore your roof or hire the first person you find. Never hire someone who show's up at your door, offering roofing services. This is almost surely a scam.
Cost of a Dallas Roof Inspection
There's no one price for a roof inspection in Dallas or anywhere else. Unless you find a reliable roofer who's offering a free inspection, a roof inspection can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. Just like any home improvement project, you need to make sure you're comparing apples-to-apples. Some Dallas roofers may get up on your roof and visually inspect your roof. These roofers will still be trained to see things you may overlook, but other roofers may have additional expertise that includes an analysis of your roof's integrity given factors such as roofing materials and roof slope. You probably don't need a comprehensive roof inspection for your annual roof maintenance, but you might want the full deal when you're buying a new home.
Project Length of a Dallas Roof Inspection
Naturally, a roof inspection isn't a full kitchen remodel. It shouldn't take more than an hour or two to complete. Of course, this doesn't guarantee you can have your roof inspection done tomorrow. Dallas roofing companies, especially the good ones, may have a backlog of work, which means you may have to wait a week or more before you can get someone to look at your roof. Hopefully, your roof inspection isn't an urgent matter, and ideally you should schedule a time when you can be present for the inspection and have an opportunity to talk with the inspector immediately afterward.
Dallas Home Inspections
If you're buying or selling a new home, there's a good chance you'll need to have a certified home inspection to complete the purchase. As a home buyer, it's critical to get a home inspection to protect your investment and/or to ensure a fair selling price. With the Dallas home building market lagging behind other Texas cities (due mostly to crime), most homes on the market are from prior construction. Without a Dallas home inspection, you can face replacing your roof or other significant areas of your home less than a year after you've bought it. If you're in the process of buying a home, at the very least you should make sure the buying papers include a clause that the final sale is subject to certification by a licensed Dallas home inspector.

Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.