Hiring a Roofer: What to Look For and What to Avoid

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense — and roof replacement is one of the largest home improvement investments you’ll make, often running $8,000–$20,000 or more. That makes the roofing industry a magnet for scammers, storm chasers, and fly-by-night contractors who disappear after your check clears.

This guide gives you a complete hiring a roofer checklist so you can find a legitimate contractor, avoid the fraud, and get a roof that lasts.

The Roofing Contractor Landscape: What You’re Up Against

After storms, “storm chasers” flood affected neighborhoods — contractors from out of state who chase insurance claims, do subpar work, and move on before problems emerge. Even outside storm season, roofing scams are common:

Contractors who take deposits and vanish
Substandard materials installed at premium prices
Incomplete work left for months
Pressure to file exaggerated insurance claims (which is fraud)

Protecting yourself starts before you get a single quote.

Step 1: Verify Contractor Licensing

Roofing contractor licensing requirements vary by state. Some states require a general contractor’s license; others have roofing-specific licenses. Some states have minimal requirements — which is exactly why you need to do your own due diligence.

How to check:

Ask for their contractor license number
Look up your state’s contractor licensing board
Search by license number or business name
Confirm the license is active and covers roofing work

Also check with your local municipality — some cities have additional registration requirements beyond state licensing.

Step 2: Confirm Insurance — Two Policies Required

Never allow a roofer on your property without verifying both:

General Liability Insurance

Covers damage to your home if the roofer makes a mistake — broken gutters, a nail through your siding, or a structural error.

Minimum recommended: $1 million per occurrence.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Roofing is one of the most dangerous trades. Falls are common. If a roofer is injured on your property and lacks workers’ comp, you could face a lawsuit.

Ask for a current certificate of insurance. The certificate should list your name or address as “certificate holder” for large jobs. This ensures you’ll be notified if the policy lapses.

Step 3: Check Their Local Reputation

How Long Have They Been in Business?

Local companies with 5+ years in business have reputation to protect. Fly-by-night contractors typically disappear before you can leave a review or file a complaint.

Local Business Address

Verify they have a physical address in your area — not just a P.O. box or a phone number. Search the business name in Google Maps. Look for a real office or shop.

Online Reviews

Check Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for:

Consistent positive reviews (not a single surge of 5-star reviews that could be fake)
Recent reviews (within the last 12 months)
How the company responds to negative reviews

Manufacturer Certification

Top roofing material manufacturers (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed) offer certified contractor programs. Certified contractors receive specialized training and can offer extended manufacturer warranties — sometimes up to 50 years. Ask if they’re a certified installer for the brand they’re recommending.

Step 4: Get 3 Written Estimates

For any roof replacement or major repair, get at least three written quotes. Each estimate should specify:

Materials: Brand, product line, shingle class (3-tab vs. architectural), and color
Underlayment: Type and weight
Ice and water shield: Coverage area
Flashing: Replacement vs. reuse of existing
Ventilation: Any ridge vents or intake vents included
Decking repair: Cost per sheet if needed
Cleanup and disposal: Old shingle haul-off included?
Permit: Included or separate?
Warranty: Labor warranty duration

Vague estimates (“replace roof — $12,000”) are unacceptable. You need specifics to compare bids accurately.

Understanding Roofing Materials

The materials your roofer specifies significantly affect both cost and longevity:

Asphalt Shingles

Most common in the U.S. Three tiers:

3-tab shingles — cheapest, thinner, 15–20 year lifespan
Architectural (dimensional) shingles — mid-range, more durable, 25–30 year lifespan
Premium/designer shingles — highest quality, 30–50 year lifespan

For most homes, architectural shingles are the best value.

Metal Roofing

More expensive upfront ($15,000–$45,000+) but can last 40–70 years with minimal maintenance.

Tile and Slate

Premium options. Extremely durable but require reinforced roof structure due to weight.

Never let a contractor substitute cheaper materials than quoted without your written approval. This is a common way unscrupulous contractors reduce their costs at your expense.

Hiring a Roofer Checklist: Before You Sign

Use this checklist before committing to any roofing contractor:

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer

Are you licensed in this state? Can I have your license number?
Can you provide a current certificate of liability and workers’ comp insurance?
How long has your company been operating locally?
Are you a certified installer for the shingle brand you’re recommending?
What materials exactly will you use — brand, product line, grade?
Will you pull the permit, and is it included in your price?
What is your timeline from start to completion?
How do you handle unexpected decking damage mid-project?
What’s your labor warranty, and what does it cover?
What is your payment schedule?

Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Roofing Scam

Demand for Large Upfront Payment

A reasonable deposit is 10–30%. If a contractor wants 50% or more upfront — or full payment before work begins — walk away.

Door-Knocking After a Storm

“Storm chasers” aggressively knock on doors after bad weather. Not all are scammers, but the pressure tactics and out-of-state origins are serious red flags.

Pressure to Sign “Today Only”

No legitimate contractor needs your signature today. High-pressure tactics are a manipulation technique.

Offering to “Help” With Your Insurance Claim

A contractor has no business managing your insurance claim. If they’re offering to inflate damage estimates or waive your deductible “as a courtesy,” that’s insurance fraud — and you could be held liable.

No Physical Local Address

If you can’t verify where they operate from, you have no recourse if something goes wrong.

Cash Only

Cash-only contractors often lack proper insurance and licensing. There’s no paper trail if they disappear.

Asking You to Pull the Permit

The contractor should pull permits, not you. When they pull it, they’re legally responsible for the work meeting code.

Roofing Cost Benchmarks

Job	Typical Cost Range
Roof inspection	$150–$400
Minor repair (1–10 shingles)	$150–$500
Moderate repair (leak, flashing)	$400–$1,500
Full replacement (1,500 sq ft, 3-tab)	$6,000–$9,000
Full replacement (1,500 sq ft, architectural)	$8,000–$14,000
Metal roof replacement	$15,000–$45,000+

Get local quotes — prices vary widely by region and current material costs.

Working With Your Insurance Company

If storm or hail damage triggered your roof replacement, file a claim with your insurer before hiring anyone.

Process:

Document damage with photos immediately
File your claim with your insurance company
Your insurer sends an adjuster to assess damage
Get contractor bids based on the adjuster’s scope
Choose a licensed contractor to perform the work

Your contractor should work from the insurer’s scope — not the other way around. If a contractor pressures you to let them “handle everything” with your insurance company, decline.

Find a Vetted Roofer on ProCraft

ProCraft verifies every roofing contractor in our network for licensing, insurance, and customer satisfaction. No storm chasers. No fly-by-night operators.

Need a roofer you can trust? Find ProCraft-verified roofing contractors near you — get matched and receive free quotes today.