It’s been a long time coming, but the inevitable has happened: the home you purchased a little over 15 years ago needs a new roof. Next to purchasing the home, having your roof replaced is one of the most important investments homeowners can make. But, buyer beware! Hiring the wrong roofing company can be one of the most devastating mistakes a homeowner can make, and it happens more than one might realize. Whether it’s dealing with storm damage, old shingles, or a full replacement from the rafters to the outermost layer, the contractor you choose will directly impact the roof’s performance, integrity, and longevity.
Living in Northern Michigan, we know that a solid roof is critical for protecting our homes and families from challenges in every season. From heavy snow piling up each winter to spring and summer storms rolling off Grand Traverse Bay, our roofs are put to work year-round. In this article, homeowners will learn what they need to know before hiring a roofer, highlighting 10 red flags to watch for. By knowing what to avoid, homeowners can save time, money, and a whole lot of stress down the road. By taking practical precautions, asking the right questions, and recognizing the positive signs of a trustworthy professional, homeowners can confidently choose a team experienced with local conditions, whether their home is on Old Mission Peninsula or in the hills overlooking the bay. Let’s begin with the warning signs of a less-than-professional roofer.
10 Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Fortunately for homeowners, early warning signs of a poor roofing contractor can be easy to spot, sometimes before the crew even gets out of their vehicle. Recognizing these red flags can help homeowners steer clear of unprofessional companies that may leave them with subpar work, unexpected costs, or even worse, a roof that is more damaged than it was before the crew arrived.
No Physical Local Presence: Commonly seen in areas plagued by strong storms that cause damage, roofers known as storm chasers drive into neighborhoods looking for recent damage, offering a quick and convenient resolution. Out-of-town crews without an established business presence can easily take advantage of homeowners in need and leave town without a way to contact them or follow up if something isn’t right.
No Licensing: In most states, including Michigan, legitimate roofing professionals must have a current state and local license. Without a license, homeowners cannot be sure that the professional has met local and state requirements regarding education and passing exams to demonstrate their knowledge of building codes and the roofing industry.
No Insurance: Any reputable roofing contractor will be properly insured. This means the company should have both liability and workers’ compensation insurance; without it, the homeowner could be held responsible for any accidents that cause damage or injury. Any Traverse City roofing contractor who hesitates or cannot provide proof is a major concern.
Vague or Verbal Contracts: Verbal agreements are extremely risky since they can turn into a he-said she-said scenario. And while written contracts are the norm, those that are vaguely written without any detail are a major warning sign. A solid estimate proposal should detail the entire scope of the project, including costs from start to finish, timelines, warranties, and terms of payment in clear writing.
“Too Good to Be True” Pricing: Let’s be honest, we are all looking for a good deal. However, when it comes to roofing projects, a quote that comes in significantly lower than others often means something bad. Whether the price cut is due to cutting corners, skipping underlayment, or using inexperienced crews, choosing the cheapest quote in our region usually comes at a high cost.
High-Pressure Sales and a Push to Sign TODAY: Reputable roofing contractors know that choosing the right crew takes time. Understanding that most homeowners want at least three quotes, a professional will give the homeowners time to compare options. High-pressure sales pitches that demand urgent action leave homeowners no time to check local references and make the best decision for their home.
Upfront Payment Demands: Professional roofing companies typically ask for a deposit, which is normal, but requests for full or large payments (cash, especially) are a classic red flag to avoid. Never make a large payment or pay in full until the project is well underway.
Unprofessional Behavior: From the very first phone call, homeowners should assess each company’s professionalism. Unanswered calls, unfriendly tones, and delayed responses all indicate a lack of true professionalism. Punctuality is also worth noting; companies that constantly change the schedule or arrive late to appointments will undoubtedly carry that over into the project.
No Local References: Companies that cannot provide any recent local references may lack a proven track record in the area and could even have a bad reputation. In areas like Northern Michigan, with unique weather conditions, it’s important to verify that the roofing contractor you partner with has multiple satisfied clients in nearby neighborhoods.
No Warranties: Warranties are a homeowner’s belt-and-suspenders, if you will, to ensure the new roof doesn’t fall apart prematurely and to have a course of action if it does. Manufacturer warranties demonstrate a product’s durability, while workmanship warranties show that a company will stand behind its work. Partnering with a roofing contractor who doesn’t offer warranties is like walking a tightrope without a safety net.
Precautions to Take Before Hiring
Avoiding the red flags is the first step in partnering with a professional roofer, but being proactive and protecting yourself through a little homework is also important. Before choosing a roofing contractor for your project, take the following precautions:
- Get multiple estimates from roofing companies to compare project scope, pricing, warranties, and payment terms.
- Verify the credentials of each company. Licensing can be confirmed in Michigan by contacting the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. At the same time, insurance can be verified directly with the insurance company (by requesting certificates of insurance).
- Research online reviews and, if available, look at pictures on the company’s website and elsewhere.
- Take your time if you can. Except for significant storm damage that requires immediate attention, homeowners can start planning a roofing project, giving them ample time to do their due diligence, to receive multiple estimates, and to choose the right contractor for the job.
Even when a contractor checks all these boxes, it’s also important that the homeowners get all their questions answered.
10 Questions to Ask Potential Roofing Contractors
Asking questions is one of the best ways to get to know a potential roofing partner. By preparing a list of questions before a meeting, homeowners are better able to evaluate the best fit for them. Consider asking:
- How long have you been in business?
- How long have you been operating in this location?
- Can you provide proof of your license and a copy of your insurance?
- What materials do you use and why?
- How do you handle unexpected problems or weather delays?
- Do you handle any permitting?
- Who will actually be performing the work on my home?
- Do you work with homeowner’s insurance?
- Do you offer manufacturer and workmanship warranties?
- Do you offer any roof maintenance services?
Reliable roofing contractors do not shy away from questions. With a strong knowledge of the industry and faith in the materials they work with, a true professional will not hesitate to answer any and all questions for the homeowner.
Positive Signs of a Professional Roofing Contractor
On a positive note, knowing what to look for that is good is just as important as recognizing the bad. From the moment they arrive, a reputable contractor most likely has a company vehicle with the company information in plain sight, a name tag for identification, and arrives as scheduled. Once they arrive, a true professional will take the time to thoroughly inspect your roof, even asking for access to the attic. Once the inspection is over, they will take the time to walk the homeowner through what was found and then make suggestions on how to move forward. Providing a clear, transparent estimate, roofing contractors will review the details and ensure the homeowner understands the reasoning behind all suggestions, the scope of the job, warranties, and payment details. Additionally, a professional roofing contractor will communicate clearly and on time and demonstrate pride in their work through a neat job and professional, courteous work crews.
In the end, a professional roofing contractor will prioritize your home’s protection over a quick sale. To better serve their customers, many also offer education on roof maintenance and professional roof services in addition to roof repair and full replacements.
A Few Final Tips
Your roof is not only a major investment but also the number one thing protecting your home and family from the elements. Taking the time to notice and avoid red flags while focusing on proven professionals will pay off in the end. Hire the wrong contractor, and your “new” roof may end up with more leaks, structural damage, immediate, costly repairs, and no one to turn to. Whether it’s an emergency repair or a planned full replacement, partner with an experienced, local team that is licensed and insured to get the job done right the first time. Working with a qualified professional makes all the difference.