How to Hire a Roofing Contractor and Avoid Scams
A practical guide to hiring a roofer safely — verifying licence and insurance, getting written estimates, checking references, and avoiding storm-chaser scams.
By ApnaWorker - reviewed by ApnaWorker Editorial Team - updated 2026-06-16T13:37:58.187813+00:00
A roof is one of the most expensive and important parts of a home, and roofing attracts more than its share of scams — especially after storms. Hiring a licensed, insured contractor protects both your home and your money.
This guide covers what to verify, how to compare estimates, and the red flags that signal a roofing scam.
Verify licence and insurance
Ask for the contractor's licence number and proof of insurance — both general liability and workers' compensation. Verify the licence through your state board and call the insurer to confirm the policies are active.
This protects you if a worker is injured or your property is damaged. Skipping it can leave you liable, so it is non-negotiable for roofing work.
- Get the licence number and verify it.
- Confirm liability and workers' comp insurance.
- Call the insurer to check policies are active.
Get several written estimates
Contact at least two or three licensed roofers for detailed written estimates, and compare pricing, warranties, materials, and timelines.
If one quote is dramatically lower, treat it as a warning — it usually means a scam setup or cut corners, not a bargain.
- Get at least three written estimates.
- Compare price, warranty, materials, timeline.
- A far-too-low quote is a red flag.
Check references and reputation
Ask for references from three to five recent projects similar to yours and call them about quality, timeline, communication, cleanup, and whether they would hire the contractor again.
Ask for material-supplier references too — a long supplier relationship signals an established contractor, while one only months old can be a red flag. Search Google, Yelp, and the BBB as well.
- Call references from recent similar projects.
- Ask about supplier relationships.
- Check Google, Yelp, and the BBB.
Beware storm chasers and upfront payment
Be wary of out-of-state crews that appear right after a storm, offering quick cheap repairs, collecting deposits or insurance money, then vanishing or doing shoddy work.
Most reputable roofers do not demand full payment upfront — a deposit may be reasonable, but the balance is due on completion. Paying everything in advance risks the work never being finished.
- Be wary of post-storm door-knockers.
- Never pay the full cost upfront.
- A deposit is normal; balance on completion.
Always sign a contract
You and the contractor should always have a contract outlining the exact scope — materials, process, disposal, and payment schedule. No contract is a major red flag.
A clear contract protects both sides and prevents disputes. On ApnaWorker you can view roofing profiles, see verified contacts, and message candidates directly to compare quotes.
- Always sign a detailed contract.
- Cover scope, materials, and payment schedule.
- No contract is a major red flag.
Frequently asked questions
What should I verify before hiring a roofer?
Their licence number (verified through your state board) and proof of both general liability and workers' compensation insurance — call the insurer to confirm policies are active. This protects you if there is injury or damage.
How many roofing estimates should I get?
At least two or three detailed written estimates, comparing price, warranties, materials, and timelines. If one is dramatically lower than the rest, treat it as a warning — it usually signals a scam or cut corners.
What is a roofing storm-chaser scam?
Out-of-state crews who appear right after a storm offering quick, cheap repairs, collect deposits or insurance payments, then deliver substandard work or disappear. Be very cautious of anyone door-knocking hours after severe weather.
Should I pay a roofer upfront?
Never the full cost. A deposit may be reasonable, but the balance should be due on completion — paying everything in advance risks the work not being done or not meeting specifications. Always sign a detailed contract too.