A story about hiring legitimate roofers that COULD be told by Chandler Bing.

Could roofing scams be any more frustrating? You need a solid roof, not a money pit. Shady roofers show up after storms, promising the moon. They take deposits, vanish, or do work that looks like a toddler’s art project. Avoid these disasters.

First, check their license. No license? No deal. Licensed roofers follow codes, pull permits, and don’t ghost you after getting paid. And, are they licensed in YOUR state? Next, make sure they’re bonded and insured. Why? Because if they botch the job or someone gets hurt, you’re not stuck paying. No bond? No coverage? Thank you, NO. Also, hire local. A company that just rolled into town might roll right back out. Local roofers have reputations to protect and local offices.

Speaking of reputation, read reviews. Don’t just skim the good ones—look at the bad ones. If people complain about shoddy work, high-pressure sales, or disappearing crews, run. And don’t stop at online reviews. Ask for references. Call past customers. If the roofer hesitates, that’s your red flag parade.

Also, get everything in writing. No verbal promises, no scribbled notes on a napkin. A solid contract outlines materials, costs, and timelines. And here’s a big one: never pay the full amount upfront. A reasonable deposit? Sure. But if they demand everything before work begins, they might take your money and pull a Houdini.

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels sketchy, it probably is. A reputable roofer answers questions, explains options, and never pressures you. If they’re pushing too hard, they’re selling, not serving.

Could some roofers be more shady?

So, to sum up: licensed, bonded, insured, local, well-reviewed, upfront contract, fair payment terms. Stick to these, and you won’t get fooled by the roofing company equivalent of a bad blind date. You deserve a great roof, not a horror story. Could this advice be any more helpful?