Avoid Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Birmingham
Hey family, roofing is vital for keeping your home safe, but scammers love targeting us after storms or leaks. I've put this together so you don't get burned by dishonest operators. Stick to these tips, and you'll find solid pros who do the job right.
✓ Verify contractors • ✓ Spot red flags • ✓ Avoid common schemes
Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Birmingham
Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators
Storm Chaser Scams
Out-of-area crews swarm after storms, claim roof damage, take a big deposit, start work poorly, then vanish.
Bait-and-Switch Materials
Quote cheap shingles, then claim unavailable and upsell expensive ones, or install subpar materials.
Incomplete Work or Ghosting
Take payment for full job, do partial work, then disappear or demand more money to finish.
Fake Damage Reports
Exaggerate minor issues to scare you into unnecessary full replacements.
How to Verify a Professional
Insurance
Request certificates of general liability (at least $1M) and workers' comp insurance. Call the insurer directly using the info on the certificate to confirm it's active and covers the job scope.
Licensing
Michigan doesn't require a state license for roofers, but check business registration with LARA (Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) at michigan.gov/lara. Verify local Oakland County or Birmingham business licenses and search for complaints.
References
Ask for 3-5 recent jobs in Birmingham or Oakland County. Call those customers to hear about workmanship, cleanup, timeliness, and any issues.
Protection FAQs
Are roofing contractors required to be licensed in Michigan?
How do I spot a roofing scam in Birmingham?
What insurance should a roofer have?
Should I pay a deposit for roofing work?
How to check roofer references?
What to do after a storm in Birmingham?
Hire with Confidence
Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Birmingham.