Austin Roofer Guide: Insurance, Permits & Contractor Tips

When you're searching for a roofer in Austin , you're stepping into a landscape that's a lot like the Texas construction industry itself—wide open, full of options, and frankly, not as regulated as you might expect. I'm Chad Burnell, founder of Earth in Motion, Inc., and after more than two decades in construction and military service, I've learned that your roof is one of the most critical investments protecting your property. In Austin's unique climate, choosing the right roofing partner isn't just about finding someone who can nail shingles to plywood. It's about finding someone who understands what this environment does to a roof over time and who has the integrity to do the job right the first time.

Over the years, I've worked on everything from custom ponds to complex site work across Central Texas, and I've seen firsthand how our weather punishes buildings. Austin isn't just hot—it's relentlessly hot, with intense UV exposure that breaks down roofing materials faster than in cooler climates. Then you add hail storms that can shred a roof in minutes, wind that tests every fastener, and sudden temperature swings that expand and contract materials until they fail. Your roof takes a beating here, and if the person installing or repairing it doesn't understand these forces, you're going to have problems down the road.

Let me be direct with you: Austin's weather is not your friend when it comes to roofing. I've spent enough time working outdoors in Central Texas to know that what works in other parts of the country doesn't always hold up here. The combination of extreme heat, sudden storms, and hail makes this one of the toughest environments for roofing systems in the United States.

When you're evaluating a roofer in Austin, one of the first questions you need to ask is whether they have real experience working in this specific climate. It's not enough for someone to have roofing experience in general. They need to understand how Austin's conditions affect different materials, how to account for thermal expansion in our summer heat, and which installation techniques hold up best when hail the size of golf balls starts falling from the sky.

Here's what I've observed working in this region:

• UV degradation happens faster here. The sun in Central Texas is relentless. Roofing materials that might last 25 years in a northern state can start failing at 15 years here because the UV exposure breaks down the protective granules on shingles and weakens the adhesive bonds.
• Hail damage is a when, not if. Most Austin homeowners will deal with hail damage at some point. The question is whether your roof was installed to handle it. Impact-resistant materials and proper underlayment make a massive difference.
• Thermal cycling stresses every component. When your roof heats up to 160 degrees during the day and cools down 40 degrees at night, that expansion and contraction puts stress on every nail, every seal, and every joint. A roofer who doesn't account for this will leave you with premature failures.

I've worked on projects across different climates, from the dry conditions of Central Texas to the mountain environments of Colorado, and I can tell you that material selection and installation techniques need to adapt to local conditions. A roofer who treats every job the same way regardless of location is cutting corners, whether they realize it or not.

Here's something that surprises most homeowners: Texas does not require roofers to hold a state license. Unlike electricians or plumbers, who must be licensed to work legally, anyone can call themselves a roofer in Texas and start taking jobs tomorrow. There's no mandatory testing, no required apprenticeship, and no state oversight ensuring they know what they're doing.

This creates a challenging environment for homeowners. On one hand, it keeps costs competitive and allows experienced professionals to operate without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. On the other hand, it means the market includes people who have no business being on a roof, let alone working on yours.

While the state doesn't require licensing, there are voluntary certification programs that separate professionals from amateurs. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas offers a certification that requires contractors to demonstrate at least two to three years of business ownership, maintain substantial insurance coverage, and pass technical exams on roofing knowledge and business practices.

When I evaluate any contractor or subcontractor for Earth in Motion projects, I look for these kinds of credentials. They're not perfect, but they show that someone has invested in their education, understands the technical side of the work, and is willing to meet higher standards than the law requires. That matters.

Manufacturer certifications also carry weight. Major roofing material manufacturers have their own certification programs that require contractors to meet specific installation standards, maintain insurance, and demonstrate a track record of quality work. These certifications often come with enhanced warranty coverage for homeowners, which provides an additional layer of protection if something goes wrong.

Here's another gap in Texas law: roofing contractors are not legally required to carry insurance. That's right—someone can work on your roof without any liability coverage or workers' compensation insurance, and they're not breaking any laws.

But let me tell you what happens if you hire an uninsured roofer and something goes wrong. If a worker falls off your roof and gets injured, you could be liable for their medical bills and lost wages. If they damage your property or a neighbor's property during the work, you're on the hook for repairs. If they do substandard work that leads to water damage inside your home, you have limited legal recourse if they don't have the financial resources to make it right.

I've built my business on the principle that you do things the right way even when no one is watching and even when the law doesn't require it. Earth in Motion carries comprehensive insurance coverage because it's the right thing to do and because it protects our clients from risks they shouldn't have to bear. When you're evaluating roofers, you need to verify that they carry at least these minimums:

• General liability insurance covering at least $300,000 for residential work or $500,000 for commercial projects
• Workers' compensation insurance that complies with Texas law and protects you if someone gets hurt on your property
• Proof of active coverage directly from their insurance provider, not just a certificate that could be outdated or falsified

Don't just take someone's word for it. Call their insurance company and verify the policy is current and covers the dates of your project. It takes ten minutes and could save you from financial disaster.

People always want to know what a roof costs, and I understand why—it's usually a significant investment. But here's the truth: anyone who gives you a price over the phone without seeing your property is either guessing or planning to hit you with change orders and surprise fees later.

The cost of roofing work depends on factors that vary dramatically from one property to another. Let me break down what actually drives the price so you can understand what you're paying for and why estimates can vary so widely between contractors.

The most obvious factor is the size of your roof, measured in squares (a square equals 100 square feet). A larger roof requires more materials and more labor, which increases the total cost proportionally. But size is just the starting point.

Complexity matters even more. A simple gable roof with no valleys, no chimneys, and no complicated angles is the easiest and least expensive to work on. But if your roof has multiple levels, steep pitches, dormers, skylights, and complex valley systems, the labor involved goes up significantly. Each cut, each transition, and each penetration through the roof requires precision work to ensure water doesn't find its way inside.

I've worked on projects where site complexity completely changed the scope of work. The same principle applies to roofing. A roof with a 4/12 pitch (relatively flat) is safer and easier to work on than a 12/12 pitch (very steep) that requires specialized safety equipment and slows down every task. Steep roofs increase both labor costs and risk, which legitimate contractors account for in their estimates.

The materials you choose have a huge impact on both upfront costs and long-term performance. Here in Austin, you have several options, each with tradeoffs:

• Asphalt shingles are the most common choice because they offer a good balance of cost, durability, and appearance. Within this category, you can choose standard three-tab shingles, architectural shingles with better wind resistance, or impact-resistant shingles designed to handle hail. The impact-resistant options cost more upfront but can qualify you for insurance discounts and provide better protection in our hail-prone climate.
• Metal roofing costs more initially but lasts longer and reflects heat better than asphalt, which can reduce cooling costs in our brutal summers. Metal roofs handle hail well and don't degrade from UV exposure the way organic materials do. If you plan to stay in your home long-term, metal can be a smart investment despite the higher initial price.
• Tile roofing is less common in Austin than in other parts of Texas, but it offers excellent durability and a distinctive appearance. Tile is heavy, so your roof structure needs to support the weight, and installation requires specialized expertise. The cost reflects both the materials and the skill required to install them correctly.
• Flat or low-slope roofing requires different materials and techniques than sloped roofs. These systems depend on waterproof membranes and proper drainage, and cutting corners during installation leads to leaks. Commercial buildings often use flat roofs, and the materials—TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen—each have different costs and performance characteristics.

What I've learned from working in construction for over 20 years is that material selection should match your specific situation. There's no universally best choice—only the best choice for your building, your budget, and your priorities. A roofer who pushes one material for every job isn't thinking about what's best for you.

One of the trickiest aspects of roofing estimates is that you often can't see the full scope of work until you start removing the old materials. I've seen this countless times in construction: what looks straightforward from the outside reveals problems once you dig in.

When old shingles come off, you might discover:

• Rotted or damaged decking that needs replacement before new roofing can be installed
• Inadequate or damaged underlayment from previous installations
• Structural issues with rafters or trusses that weren't visible from below
• Previous repairs done incorrectly that need to be fixed properly
• Multiple layers of old roofing that increase disposal costs and labor

Honest contractors account for this uncertainty in different ways. Some include contingency allowances in their estimates to cover unexpected conditions. Others provide a base estimate with clear terms about how additional work will be priced if problems are discovered. What you want to avoid is a contractor who lowballs the estimate and then hits you with massive change orders once work begins.

At Earth in Motion, I've always believed in transparent communication about what we know, what we don't know, and how we'll handle surprises. That approach builds trust and prevents the kind of conflicts that ruin contractor-client relationships.

Based on everything I've learned in construction and from my military background, where preparation prevents problems, here are the essential questions you need to ask any roofing contractor before you sign a contract.

Start with the basics that protect you legally and financially:

• "What insurance coverage do you carry, and can I verify it directly with your insurance company?" Get the insurance company's name and policy number, then call to confirm coverage is active and meets minimum requirements.
• "Do you hold any voluntary certifications or manufacturer credentials?" Look for RCAT certification, manufacturer-specific credentials, or professional association memberships that demonstrate commitment to industry standards.
• "How long have you been operating in the Austin area specifically?" Local experience matters because it means they understand our climate, building codes, and permit processes.

Understanding how a contractor works tells you a lot about what working with them will be like:

• "Who will be my main point of contact throughout the project?" You need to know who to call when you have questions or concerns, and that person should be responsive.
• "How do you handle permits and inspections?" Experienced local contractors either handle this for you or guide you through the process clearly.
• "What is your typical project timeline, and what could cause delays?" Realistic timelines account for weather, material delivery, and inspection schedules.
• "How do you protect my property during the work?" This includes protecting landscaping, dealing with debris, and ensuring nails and materials don't end up in your yard.

The estimate and contract define your entire agreement, so these questions are critical:

• "Can you provide a detailed, written estimate that itemizes materials, labor, permits, and disposal?" Vague lump-sum estimates make it impossible to compare bids or understand what you're paying for.
• "What payment schedule do you require?" Be wary of large upfront deposits. Standard practice involves partial payment at the start, progress payments, and final payment upon completion and inspection.
• "What warranties cover this work, and what do they include?" Understand both material warranties from manufacturers and workmanship warranties from the contractor.
• "How do you handle changes or unexpected conditions discovered during the work?" Clear change-order procedures protect both parties when the scope needs to adjust.

Past performance is the best predictor of future results:

• "Can you provide references from recent projects similar to mine?" Local references from homeowners in your area are ideal because they faced similar conditions.
• "Do you have photos or a portfolio of recent work?" Visual evidence of quality craftsmanship helps you assess whether their standards match yours.
• "How do you handle warranty claims or callbacks if issues arise after completion?" A contractor's response to this question reveals whether they stand behind their work.

In my years running Earth in Motion and working on projects across Central Texas, I've seen homeowners make the same mistakes repeatedly when hiring contractors. These aren't small oversights—they're decisions that lead to poor outcomes, financial losses, and legal headaches. Let me walk you through the most common ones so you can avoid them.

This is the biggest mistake, and I see it constantly. Someone gets three estimates, sees one that's 30 percent lower than the others, and jumps at the savings without asking why the price is so different.

Here's what usually explains abnormally low bids:

• The contractor is cutting corners on materials, using lower-grade products than specified
• They're not carrying proper insurance and passing those savings to you along with the risk
• They're planning to hit you with change orders for "unexpected" work once the project starts
• They're inexperienced and don't understand the true scope and cost of the work
• They're desperate for work and underbidding to get jobs, which often means they're struggling financially

The lowest bid is sometimes the most expensive choice you can make because you end up paying twice—once for the cheap work that fails, and again to fix it properly. I've built my reputation on delivering quality work at fair prices, and I've learned that clients who value quality over just price are the ones who end up satisfied in the long run.

Remember what I said earlier about Texas not requiring roofers to carry insurance? That means you absolutely must verify coverage yourself. Asking a contractor if they have insurance isn't enough. They can say yes, show you an expired certificate, or just lie. You need to call their insurance company directly and confirm:

• The policy is active and covers your project dates
• Coverage limits meet minimum standards for your project type
• Both general liability and workers' compensation are in place

If a contractor resists providing insurance information or gets defensive when you ask to verify it, that's a massive red flag. Legitimate professionals expect clients to do due diligence and welcome it because it separates them from fly-by-night operators.

A handshake and a verbal agreement might feel old-school and trustworthy, but they offer you zero protection if something goes wrong. I've served in the military, where clear documentation and defined procedures prevent costly mistakes, and I bring that same discipline to my construction business.

A written contract should specify:

• Complete scope of work including all materials by type and quantity
• Project timeline with start and completion dates
• Payment schedule with amounts and conditions for each payment
• Warranty terms for both materials and workmanship
• How changes and unexpected conditions will be handled
• Who handles permits, inspections, and cleanup
• What happens if the contractor doesn't complete the work or if disputes arise

If a contractor won't put the agreement in writing, walk away. Period. Professional contractors provide detailed contracts because they protect both parties and prevent misunderstandings.

Some homeowners skip checking references because it feels awkward or time-consuming. That's a mistake. Talking to past clients gives you insight you can't get any other way—you learn how the contractor handles problems, communicates during stressful situations, and stands behind their work after the check clears.

When you call references, ask specific questions:

• Did the project stay on schedule and budget?
• How did the contractor handle unexpected issues?
• Was communication clear and responsive?
• How did they leave the property at the end of each workday?
• Would you hire them again?
• Did any issues arise after completion, and if so, how were they resolved?

Online reviews matter too, but look for patterns rather than focusing on individual complaints. Every contractor gets an occasional negative review, but repeated complaints about the same issues indicate real problems.

Living in Austin means dealing with severe weather. Hail storms can devastate roofs in minutes, and wind can lift shingles and tear off flashing. If you experience storm damage, understanding how to handle the insurance claim process and choose the right contractor becomes critical.

After a storm, take photos and videos of any visible damage before anyone touches your property. Document hail dents on metal surfaces like air conditioning units, mailboxes, and gutters—these help prove the storm severity when the insurance adjuster arrives. Look for missing or lifted shingles, damaged flashing, and granule loss on asphalt shingles.

Contact your insurance company promptly to start the claims process. They'll send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine what's covered under your policy. The adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you, so their goal is to settle the claim for the minimum amount the policy requires.

This is where things get complicated and where some contractors operate in ways that aren't in your best interest. Here's what you need to know: Texas law prohibits roofing contractors from acting as public adjusters on claims they're also hired to repair. That means a roofer can't negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf and then also do the work—that's a conflict of interest and it's illegal.

Legitimate contractors can:

• Inspect your roof and provide documentation of damage
• Provide estimates for repair or replacement that you submit to your insurance company
• Meet with the insurance adjuster to point out damage and explain repair needs
• Perform the work once the claim is approved and you've chosen to hire them

What they can't do is negotiate the claim amount with your insurer while also being contracted to do the repairs. If a roofer offers to "handle everything with your insurance company" and promises to get you a full replacement when your adjuster only approved repairs, be extremely cautious. This arrangement creates incentives for inflating claims and can put you in legal and financial jeopardy.

Just like any roofing project, you should get multiple estimates for storm damage repairs. Compare the scope of work each contractor recommends—some may suggest repairs while others recommend full replacement. Understand that insurance typically covers repairs unless damage is severe enough to warrant replacement.

Your deductible applies to storm damage claims, so you'll be responsible for that amount regardless of the total repair cost. Be suspicious of contractors who offer to "waive" or "cover" your deductible—this practice is illegal in Texas and often involves inflating the claim to offset the deductible, which constitutes insurance fraud.

Austin has specific building codes and permit requirements that govern roofing work, and experienced local contractors navigate these requirements smoothly while inexperienced ones cause delays and complications.

Most roof replacements and significant repairs in Austin require building permits. The permit process ensures work meets current building codes and includes inspections to verify proper installation. Some homeowners try to skip permits to save money or time, but this creates serious problems:

• Unpermitted work violates city ordinances and can result in fines
• You may have trouble selling your home later if inspection records don't match visible improvements
• Insurance companies can deny claims if they discover unpermitted work
• Unpermitted work isn't inspected, which means problems may go undetected

Professional contractors handle permits as part of their service or clearly explain the permit process if you're handling it yourself. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save money, that's a red flag indicating they cut other corners too.

Austin's building codes address wind resistance, fire ratings, and installation standards that protect homes in our climate. For example, wind resistance requirements account for the straight-line winds and occasional tornado activity we see in Central Texas. Fire ratings matter because wildfires can threaten properties on Austin's outskirts, especially during drought conditions.

Energy efficiency codes also affect roofing choices. Cool-roof requirements and insulation standards aim to reduce energy consumption in our hot climate. These aren't just bureaucratic requirements—they're designed to improve building performance and reduce long-term costs for homeowners.

An experienced Austin roofer understands these codes and ensures work complies without you having to become an expert yourself. They know which materials meet fire ratings, how to achieve required wind resistance, and what installation details inspectors will verify.

This is a topic that surprises many homeowners: your roof's age directly impacts your insurance coverage and premiums, and insurers in Austin have become increasingly strict about this in recent years.

Many insurance companies in Texas now scrutinize roofs that are 15 years old or older. After this age, policies may include higher deductibles, limited coverage for wind and hail damage, or requirements for inspections before renewal. Some insurers refuse to write new policies for homes with roofs older than 15 years, forcing homeowners to replace the roof before they can get coverage.

The reasoning is straightforward: older roofs have lost protective granules and have experienced thermal cycling for over a decade, making them more vulnerable to damage. When severe hail seasons hit Travis and Williamson Counties, insurers face massive claim volumes, and they respond by tightening underwriting standards.

Here's the silver lining: installing impact-resistant roofing materials rated UL 2218 Class 4 can qualify you for insurance discounts. These materials are specifically designed to withstand hail impact, and insurers recognize that they reduce claim frequency and severity.

The discount varies by insurance company but typically ranges from 5 to 20 percent on the wind and hail portion of your premium. Over the life of your roof, this adds up to significant savings that partially offset the higher upfront cost of impact-resistant materials.

When you're replacing a roof, ask your insurance agent about available discounts for impact-resistant materials and ensure your contractor provides documentation proving the materials meet the required rating. This documentation is necessary to qualify for the discount.

I've worked on construction projects in multiple states, and one truth I've learned is that local knowledge is invaluable. A contractor with deep Austin experience brings understanding that someone from out of the area simply doesn't have, no matter how skilled they are technically.

Austin sits at the intersection of different climate zones, which creates unique weather patterns. We get intense sun and heat from our southern latitude, but we also see significant hail and wind from storm systems that roll through Central Texas. Our soil conditions affect how homes settle and how structures handle foundation movement, which impacts roof integrity over time.

An experienced Austin roofer knows which materials hold up best in this environment. They've seen what works and what fails. They understand that certain valleys and roof angles are more prone to leaks during our occasional heavy rains. They know which trees in Austin drop the most debris and cause the most roof damage. This knowledge comes from years of working in this specific area, not from reading a manual.

Local contractors also have established relationships with city inspectors and local suppliers, which makes projects run smoother. They know what inspectors look for, what documentation they require, and how to pass inspections efficiently. They have accounts with local suppliers and can get materials quickly when needed.

These relationships matter more than you might think. When your roof is torn off and weather is moving in, having a contractor who can get materials delivered same-day because they've worked with the supplier for years can be the difference between a protected home and water damage.

After you've gathered estimates, checked references, verified insurance, and asked all the right questions, you need to make a decision. Here's how to approach this final step.

Pay attention to how each contractor communicates throughout the estimate process. Do they return calls promptly? Do they answer questions clearly without technical jargon designed to confuse you? Do they listen to your concerns and priorities? The contractor you hire will be making critical decisions about your home, and you need to trust their judgment and integrity.

In my experience running Earth in Motion, the best client relationships are built on clear communication and mutual respect. I treat clients' properties as if they were my own, and I expect clients to communicate openly about their expectations and concerns. If that dynamic doesn't exist during the estimate process, it won't magically appear once work starts.

Once you've chosen a contractor, review the contract carefully before signing. Make sure it matches the estimate you received and includes all verbal agreements in writing. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before work begins. A reputable contractor welcomes questions and wants you to understand exactly what you're agreeing to.

Understand the payment schedule and don't agree to unusual terms like large upfront payments. Standard practice involves a deposit to cover initial material costs, progress payments as work proceeds, and final payment upon completion and inspection. This structure protects both parties and ensures the contractor has incentive to finish the job properly.

Once work begins, stay engaged. Check in regularly, ask questions when you see something you don't understand, and maintain open communication with your point of contact. Good contractors appreciate client involvement because it prevents surprises and ensures everyone stays aligned.

If issues arise during the project—and they often do because construction is complex—address them promptly. Problems don't get better when ignored. A professional contractor will work with you to find solutions that keep the project moving forward without compromising quality.

Finding the right roofer in Austin requires effort, but it's effort that protects your investment and gives you peace of mind. Here's what I recommend you do next:

Create a checklist based on everything we've discussed. Include insurance verification, reference calls, written estimates review, warranty clarity, and permit handling. Work through this checklist systematically with each contractor you consider. Don't skip steps or make exceptions—these safeguards exist because problems happen when you ignore them.

Take your time with this decision. A roof replacement or major repair isn't something you want to rush into based on pressure tactics or artificially urgent deadlines. Weather will happen when it happens, and choosing a qualified contractor is more important than saving a few days on the schedule.

Document everything throughout the process. Keep copies of estimates, contracts, insurance certificates, warranties, and communication with your contractor. Take photos before work starts, during key phases, and after completion. This documentation protects you if disputes arise and provides valuable records for future property transactions.

Remember that quality roofing work is an investment that protects everything inside your home. The cost difference between a cheap job and quality work is measured in hundreds or thousands of dollars, but the value difference is measured in years of reliable performance and peace of mind during every storm that rolls through Central Texas.

I've spent more than two decades solving complex problems for clients across different environments and conditions, and I've learned that success comes from combining technical expertise with integrity and clear communication. Whether you're dealing with roofing work, site development, or custom construction projects, the principles are the same: do your homework, choose partners you can trust, and insist on quality over shortcuts.

Your home deserves a roof that performs reliably in Austin's challenging climate, and finding the right roofer in Austin to deliver that result is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a property owner.

Since Texas doesn't mandate state licensing for roofers, you need to be extra diligent in your vetting process. Focus on verifying insurance coverage directly with their insurance company—call and confirm both general liability and workers' compensation are active and cover your project dates. Look for voluntary certifications like those from the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas or manufacturer credentials that demonstrate professional commitment. Check local references thoroughly and ask specific questions about communication, timeline adherence, and how they handled unexpected issues. At Earth in Motion, I carry comprehensive insurance and maintain professional certifications because it's the right thing to do, even when the law doesn't require it.

Austin's extreme weather significantly impacts both material selection and installation techniques, which affects project costs. The relentless UV exposure breaks down roofing materials faster than in cooler climates, while hail storms can destroy a roof in minutes. Thermal cycling from 160-degree days cooling to 120 degrees at night stresses every fastener and seal. These conditions require impact-resistant materials, specialized underlayment, and installation techniques that account for expansion and contraction. The upfront investment in climate-appropriate materials and proper installation saves money long-term by preventing premature failures. I've worked across different climates, and I can tell you that cookie-cutter approaches don't work in Central Texas.

Absolutely get multiple detailed, written estimates to compare both scope and approach. Significant price variations usually indicate differences in material quality, insurance coverage, experience level, or business practices. Extremely low bids often mean the contractor is cutting corners on materials, lacks proper insurance, plans to hit you with change orders, or doesn't understand the true scope of work. Roof complexity, size, pitch steepness, existing conditions, and material selection all drive costs differently. At Earth in Motion, I provide transparent, itemized estimates that explain exactly what drives the price, so you can make informed decisions rather than just choosing the lowest number.

Document all damage immediately with photos and contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Understand that Texas law prohibits contractors from acting as public adjusters on claims they're also hired to repair—that's a conflict of interest. Legitimate contractors can inspect damage, provide repair estimates, and meet with adjusters to explain necessary work, but they can't negotiate claim amounts while also contracting to do the repairs. Be extremely cautious of contractors who promise to "handle everything with insurance" or offer to waive your deductible, as these practices are illegal. Get multiple estimates for storm work just like any roofing project, and ensure your contractor understands proper storm damage assessment and repair techniques.

Ask specifically about their experience working in Austin's climate and how they handle our unique challenges like extreme heat, hail, and thermal cycling. Request local references from recent projects and call them to ask about communication, timeline adherence, and problem resolution. Verify they understand Austin's building codes, permit requirements, and inspection processes. Ask how they protect your property during work and handle debris removal. Question their material recommendations and why they suggest specific options for our climate. At Earth in Motion, I welcome these questions because they separate professionals who understand Central Texas conditions from those treating every job the same way regardless of local challenges.