How to Choose a Roofing Contractor: 10 Steps to Avoid Getting Scammed

Roofing attracts more scam artists and low-quality operators than nearly any other home improvement trade. The combination of high project costs, homeowner unfamiliarity, storm damage urgency, and insurance money creates a perfect environment for fraud. Here's how to protect yourself.

Step 1: Verify Licensing

Every state requires roofing contractors to hold a valid license. Check your state's contractor licensing board website and verify the license is active, in good standing, and covers roofing work specifically. A general contractor's license may not be sufficient for roofing in all states. Never hire an unlicensed roofer - their work won't pass inspection, warranties are void, and you're liable for any injuries.

Step 2: Verify Insurance

Require proof of general liability insurance ($1 million minimum) and workers' compensation insurance. Call the insurance company to verify the policy is current - don't just accept a certificate. If a roofer doesn't carry workers' comp and a worker is injured on your property, you can be held financially responsible.

Step 3: Check for Manufacturer Certifications

Manufacturer-certified contractors (GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT) have undergone additional training, met quality standards, and can offer enhanced warranties. Certification doesn't guarantee a good experience, but it filters out the least qualified operators and gives you access to better warranty coverage.

Step 4: Get 3+ Written Quotes

Each quote should detail the specific materials (brand, product line, color), scope of work (tear-off, new installation, flashing, ventilation), timeline, total cost with no hidden fees, warranty terms (material and workmanship), and payment schedule. Be cautious of any quote that's dramatically lower than others - it likely indicates cheaper materials, skipped steps, or an uninsured operation.

Step 5: Check Reviews and References

Look at Google Reviews, BBB rating, and Angi/HomeAdvisor profiles. Focus on review patterns across hundreds of reviews rather than individual reviews. Ask for 3-5 references from projects completed in the last 6 months. Call at least 2 references and ask about the experience, quality, cleanup, and any issues that arose.

Step 6: Understand the Payment Structure

Legitimate contractors typically ask for 10-30% down payment, with the balance due upon completion. Be wary of anyone requesting more than 50% upfront or full payment before work begins. Never pay cash without a receipt. Never make the check payable to an individual (only to the company). Written contracts should specify the payment schedule clearly.

Step 7: Look for Red Flags

Avoid contractors who show up unsolicited after a storm, pressure you to sign immediately, offer to waive your insurance deductible (this is fraud), can't provide a physical business address, only accept cash, don't provide written contracts, or bad-mouth every competitor. These are hallmarks of storm chasers and scam operations that do poor work and disappear.

Step 8: Verify the Contract Before Signing

Read every line. Confirm materials match what was discussed, start and completion dates are specified, cleanup and debris removal is included, warranty terms are clearly stated, and the permit is the contractor's responsibility (not yours). Never sign a contract with blank spaces or vague terms like "standard materials."

Step 9: Confirm Permit Pulling

Roofing work requires a building permit in most jurisdictions. The contractor should pull the permit. If they suggest skipping the permit to save time or money, that's a red flag. Unpermitted work creates problems for home sales, insurance claims, and code compliance.

Step 10: Inspect Before Final Payment

Before making the final payment, do a walkthrough with the project manager. Check that shingles are properly aligned and uniformly colored, flashing is properly installed around all penetrations (vents, chimney, skylights), ridge caps are straight and properly nailed, gutters are clear and undamaged, and the yard is cleaned of all debris, nails, and packaging. Don't release final payment until you're satisfied with the work and the inspection has passed.