Replacing your roof is one of the bigger decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. You’re trusting someone to protect your house, your family, and everything inside it. The problem is, not every roofer who shows up at your door — especially after a storm — is there to help you. Some are there to take your money and move on to the next job.
I’m Craig Stafford with Holthaus Roofing. I’m the steep slope manager here, and I’m also a former insurance adjuster. I’ve been on both sides of this process, and I’ve seen what goes wrong when homeowners hire the wrong contractor. So let me walk you through what to watch for before you sign anything.
If you want to start with a broader overview of how the replacement process works, the Residential Roof Replacement hub is a good place to get your bearings first.
They Can’t Show You Proof of Insurance
This one is number one for a reason. If a contractor can’t hand over a current certificate of insurance — general liability and workers’ comp — walk away. No exceptions.
Here’s why it matters to you specifically: if a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor isn’t insured, you could be the one holding the bill. That’s not a scare tactic. That’s just how liability works.
Ask for the certificate. A legitimate contractor will have it ready. If they hem and haw or tell you they’ll “get it to you later,” that’s your answer right there.
They Showed Up Right After a Storm and Pushed Hard for a Quick Signature
Storm chasers are real, and Central Illinois gets its share of hail and wind events that bring them rolling in from out of state. They’ll knock on your door, tell you you’ve got damage, and try to get you to sign something before you’ve had a chance to think.
The pressure is the red flag. A contractor who’s in it for the long run doesn’t need to rush you. They’ll let you take a breath, get your insurance company involved, and make a decision that’s right for you.
The other problem with storm chasers isn’t just the sales approach — it’s the work. Generally, what I see when I get called in after one of these crews has come through is shingles that weren’t nailed on correctly. They were in a hurry because they knew they were moving on to the next roof. No one’s coming back to stand behind that work when you’ve got a leak two years later, because they’re long gone.
They Have No Local Presence — No Labeled Trucks, No Local Address
A truck with a company name and phone number on the side is a small thing, but it tells you something. It tells you this company has a stake in this community. They’re not going to disappear when you call with a problem, because their name is literally on the side of their vehicle all over town.
Fly-by-night contractors often operate out of unmarked trucks. No local office, no local address. If you Google them and can’t find a legitimate business listing, that should give you pause.
Check the Better Business Bureau. Look for reviews — real ones, with some history behind them. If a company has no reviews, or if the reviews are all from a three-week window right after a storm event, that’s worth noting.
They Can’t Give You References
Any roofer worth calling should be able to point you toward homeowners who’ll vouch for them. Not just a general “we do great work” statement — actual references you can contact.
If they can’t produce references, or if they get defensive when you ask, that tells you something about their confidence in the work they’ve done.
The Estimate Is Vague or Verbal Only
You should have something in writing that spells out what materials are being used, what the scope of work covers, and what happens if they run into something unexpected — like rotten decking or bad sheeting underneath the old shingles.
Transparency matters here. If I’m on a job and we pull back the old roofing and find something that wasn’t visible from the outside, I bring that to the homeowner right away. I’ll show them photos and walk them through what needs to happen to fix it correctly. We’re not going to cover up something bad that someone else didn’t do right the first time.
A vague estimate — or a contractor who just quotes you a number without any documentation — leaves you exposed when surprises come up. And surprises do come up.
There’s No Labor Warranty Behind the Manufacturer Warranty
This one catches a lot of homeowners off guard. A shingle manufacturer’s warranty covers the materials. It does not cover the installation. If the work was done incorrectly — wrong nailing pattern, improper flashing, whatever — that’s on the contractor’s labor warranty, not the shingle company.
Some contractors carry no labor warranty at all. If something fails in year three and they’re not around or they won’t return calls, you’re paying out of pocket for a repair on a roof that should still be solid.
Ask specifically: “What’s your workmanship warranty, and is it in writing?” That’s a fair question. Any contractor who takes their work seriously should have an answer ready.
For more on what a well-run replacement looks like from start to finish, take a look at What to Expect During a Roof Replacement.
The Short Version — What to Actually Look For
To keep it simple, here’s what you should probably look for in a contractor:
- Proof of insurance — current certificate, no excuses
- References — real homeowners, not just a website blurb
- Positive reviews with some history behind them
- Labeled trucks and a verifiable local presence
- A written estimate that spells out materials and scope
- A labor warranty — in writing, not just a handshake
A contractor who checks those boxes isn’t going to pressure you at the door after a storm. They’re going to let you make a good decision, because they’re in it for the long run and they know their reputation is built one roof at a time.
FAQ
How do I know if a roofer who knocked on my door after a storm is legitimate?
Ask for their certificate of insurance on the spot, a local business address, and references from past customers. A legitimate contractor will have all of that ready. If they push you to sign something before you’ve talked to your insurance company, that’s a red flag. Take your time — a good contractor won’t evaporate if you ask for a day to think it over.
Can’t I just go with whoever my insurance company recommends?
Your insurance company may have preferred contractors, and that’s fine to consider. But you’re not required to use them, and it’s worth doing your own vetting regardless. Make sure any contractor you hire — however you find them — carries proper insurance, offers a written labor warranty, and has verifiable local references.
What’s the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a workmanship warranty?
A manufacturer warranty covers the shingles themselves — if the materials fail due to a defect. A workmanship warranty covers the installation. If the roof leaks because of how it was installed, that falls under the contractor’s labor warranty, not the manufacturer’s. Always ask for both, in writing, before work starts.