How to Tell if a Roofing Company Is Legit

Selecting A Trustworthy Roofer Protects Property Value, Safety, And Budget. This guide explains practical steps to verify legitimacy, check credentials, evaluate contracts, and spot warning signs when searching for a roofing company.

Checklist Area	What To Verify
Licensing & Registration	State or Local License, Business Registration
Insurance	General Liability, Workers’ Comp, Certificate Of Insurance
Reputation	Reviews, References, BBB Rating, Social Proof
Contracts & Estimates	Written Estimates, Clear Scope, Payment Terms, Warranties

Why Verifying A Roofing Contractor Matters

Homeowners Should Prioritize Verification Because Roofing Work Involves Safety, Investment, And Potential Liability. Using An Unverified Roofer Can Lead To Poor Workmanship, Safety Risks, And Financial Loss. Verification helps ensure compliance with local building codes and reduces the chance of scams or uninsured accidents.

Check Licensing And Local Requirements

Most States Or Municipalities Require Roofers To Hold Specific Licenses Or Registrations. Verify A Contractor’s License Number Through The State Licensing Board Or Local Building Department and confirm it is active and applicable to the type of roofing work required.

If Work Requires Permits, Ask The Roofer Who Obtains Them And Confirm Permits Are Filed. Proper Permits Ensure Inspections And Compliance With Building Codes.

Confirm Insurance And Bonding

A Legitimate Roofing Company Will Carry General Liability Insurance And Workers’ Compensation Coverage. Request A Certificate Of Insurance (COI) And Call The Insurer To Verify Coverage Dates And Limits. This protects the homeowner if property damage or worker injury occurs during the job.

For Larger Or Commercial Projects, Verify The Roofer Is Bonded. Bonds Provide Financial Recourse If The Contractor Fails To Complete The Work Or Commits Fraud.

Evaluate Reviews, References, And Local Reputation

Online Reviews Offer Useful Signals But Require Context. Look For A Pattern In Reviews Across Multiple Platforms Such As Google, Yelp, And The Better Business Bureau. Pay attention to responses from the company and how they resolve complaints.

Ask For Local References And Photos Of Recent Jobs. Contact Past Clients To Ask About Timeliness, Clean-Up, Communication, And Warranty Fulfillment. Local, verifiable references are more meaningful than anonymous online praise.

Inspect Business Details And Longevity

Longer-Established Companies Often Have Track Records That Are Easier To Verify. Confirm A Business Address, Phone Number, Website, And Employer Identification Number (EIN) Or Tax ID. Be cautious of contractors who use only mobile numbers or P.O. boxes.

Check For Physical Vehicles And Branded Equipment On-Site. Properly Marked Trucks And Uniforms Increase Accountability And Indicate Professionalism.

Request Detailed Written Estimates And Contracts

A Legitimate Roofer Provides A Written Estimate That Breaks Down Materials, Labor, Timeline, And Permits. Avoid Vague Or Verbally Promised Terms — Insist On A Clear, Written Scope Of Work.

The Contract Should Include Payment Schedule, Cleanup Responsibilities, Warranty Details, And Change Order Procedures. Never Pay The Full Amount Upfront; Use A Reasonable Deposit And Hold Final Payment Until Completion And Inspection.

Understand Warranties And Manufacturer Certifications

Warranties Come In Two Types: Workmanship And Manufacturer Material Warranties. Ask For Written Details On Both, Including Duration, Coverage, And Claim Procedures. Manufacturer Certifications May Extend Material Warranties If Installation Meets Specific Standards.

Confirm That Warranties Are Transferrable If Planning To Sell The Home. Some Warranties Require Professional Installation By Certified Contractors To Remain Valid.

Look For Professional Associations And Certifications

Membership In Industry Groups Like The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Or Manufacturer Certification Programs Is A Positive Sign. Certifications Indicate Training And Adherence To Industry Standards.

Verify Any Claimed Certifications On The Manufacturer’s Website Or Association Directories. Fake Or Misleading Credentials Are A Red Flag.

Assess Communication, Estimates, And Project Management

Professional Communication Signals Reliability. Legitimate Contractors Provide Clear Timelines, Point Of Contact, And Regular Updates. Observe Responsiveness During The Estimate Phase; it often reflects on-site communication during the project.

Ask About Project Management Practices, Jobsite Safety Plans, And How Subcontractors Are Managed. Clear Procedures Reduce Delays And Improve Quality Control.

Spot Common Red Flags And Scam Tactics

Beware Of Door-To-Door Solicitations, High-Pressure Sales, Or “Specials” That Require Immediate Full Payment. Scammers Often Demand Cash Upfront And Offer Unrealistically Low Prices.

Be Cautious If A Contractor Asks To Use An Unusual Payment Method, Refuses To Provide Written Contracts Or Insurance Proof, Or Offers To Dispose Of The Old Roof Without Documentation. These Behaviors Are Common In Fraud Schemes.

Verify Materials, Disposal, And Cleanup Plans

Ask Which Roofing Materials Will Be Used, Their Grade, And Expected Lifespan. Reputable Companies Provide Manufacturer Names And Model Numbers For Shingles, Underlayment, And Flashing.

Confirm How Debris Will Be Handled And Whether Dumpster Rental Or Magnetic Sweepers For Nails Are Included. Clear Cleanup Plans Protect Landscaping And Reduce Post-Job Issues.

Use Third-Party Inspections And Payment Safeguards

Consider A Pre- and Post-Job Inspection From An Independent Roofing Inspector Or Local Building Official. Third-Party Inspections Provide Objective Verification Of Code Compliance And Workmanship.

Use Escrow Services Or Staged Payments Tied To Milestones Rather Than Single Lump Payments. These Safeguards Reduce Financial Risk For Homeowners.

How To Compare Estimates Effectively

When Comparing Estimates, Align Scope Rather Than Price Alone. Ensure Each Quote Covers The Same Materials, Number Of Layers Removed, Underlayment Type, Flashing Upgrades, And Ventilation Work.

Ask For Explanations For Price Differences And Check If Any Low Bids Exclude Critical Components Like Ice And Water Shield Or Ridge Venting. Quality Materials And Proper Installation Often Cost More Upfront But Save Money Over Time.

What To Do If Problems Arise During Or After The Job

If Issues Develop, Document Problems With Photos And Dates, Then Contact The Contractor In Writing To Request Remediation. Reputable Companies Will Respond To Warranty Claims And Rectify Deficiencies.

If The Roofer Fails To Respond, File Complaints With The Better Business Bureau, State Licensing Board, And Local Consumer Protection Agency. Legal Action Or Small Claims Court May Be Necessary For Unresolved Disputes.

Final Tips For Making A Safe Choice

Get Multiple Written Estimates, Verify Licenses And Insurance, Check References, And Use Clear Contracts With Defined Warranties. Prioritize Professionalism And Transparency Over The Lowest Price.

Trust Instincts If Something Feels Off: evasive answers, pressure tactics, or lack of documentation usually means walk away. A Legitimate Roofing Company Will Welcome Questions And Provide Verifiable Proof Of Credentials.

Additional Resources And Where To Verify Information

Homeowners Can Check State Contractor Licensing Boards, The Better Business Bureau, Manufacturer Certification Directories, And Local Building Departments. These Resources Help Confirm Licensing, Complaints, And Manufacturer Certification Status.

For Guidance On Insurance Verification Or To Request An Independent Roofing Inspection, Contact Local Consumer Protection Offices Or Professional Home Inspectors. Using Trusted Resources Reduces The Risk Of Hiring A Rogue Contractor.