Protect yourself from roofing scams and bad contractors. Our expert guide covers everything to verify before signing a roofing contract — licensing, insurance, references, and more.
Storm chasers, unlicensed contractors, and door-to-door roofing scams cost American homeowners billions of dollars every year. Knowing how to vet a contractor before signing anything is the single most important thing you can do to protect your investment.
1. Verify State Licensing
Every state has its own contractor licensing requirements. Most states have an online license lookup tool — use it. An unlicensed contractor working on your roof may void your homeowner's insurance and expose you to significant liability if a worker is injured.
2. Confirm Insurance Coverage
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing: General Liability Insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence) and Workers' Compensation Insurance. Call the insurance provider to verify the policy is current — certificates can be faked.
3. Check Local References
Ask for references from jobs completed in the last 12 months in your area. Drive by completed jobs if possible. Recent local references are far more meaningful than testimonials on a website.
4. Get Everything in Writing
A professional contractor will provide a detailed written contract before any work begins. If a contractor asks for full payment upfront or wants to start work without a written agreement, walk away.
5. Understand the Payment Schedule
A typical roofing payment structure: 10–30% deposit at contract signing, 30–40% at material delivery, balance upon completion and final inspection. Never pay more than 30% upfront, and never pay the final balance until you've inspected the completed work.
6. Ask About Permits
Your contractor should pull the required building permits. If they suggest skipping permits to save money — find another contractor. Unpermitted roofing work can cause problems when you sell your home.
7. Understand Warranty Terms
You'll receive two warranties: a manufacturer's material warranty (15–50 years) and a contractor's workmanship warranty (typically 2–10 years). Read both carefully before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a roofing contractor is legitimate?
Verify their state contractor's license number, check for active general liability and workers' comp insurance, confirm they have a physical business address, look up reviews on Google and the BBB, and get references from recent local jobs.
Should I get multiple roofing quotes?
Always get at least 3 quotes. This gives you a fair price comparison, helps you evaluate different materials and approaches, and gives you leverage if a preferred contractor is willing to price-match. Be wary of quotes that are dramatically lower than others.
What should be in a roofing contract?
A proper roofing contract should include: scope of work in detail, materials specified (brand, model, color), start and completion dates, payment schedule, warranty terms (labor and materials), permit responsibility, and cleanup/disposal terms.