I ran roofing companies for over a decade. I know what good operations look like from the inside, and I know exactly what homeowners should look for before signing a contract. Most people pick a roofer the way they pick a restaurant: online reviews and whoever answers the phone first.
TL;DR: Check manufacturer certifications, verify insurance and licensing, get three written estimates, and never pay more than 10% upfront. If a roofer showed up at your door after a storm, that is a red flag, not a convenience.
Start with certifications
Not every roofing company is the same. Manufacturer certifications matter because they require the company to meet training, insurance, and workmanship standards. Look for GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster, or Owens Corning Platinum Preferred. These are not easy to get and companies that have them tend to stand behind their work.
State licensing is table stakes. Every state has different requirements but if the company cannot show you a current license number, stop the conversation. Same with workers compensation insurance. If they do not carry it and someone gets hurt on your roof, you could be liable.
The three-estimate rule
Always get three written estimates. Not verbal. Written. The estimate should include material specifications, labor costs, projected timeline, warranty details, and payment terms. If an estimate is a single number on a napkin, that company does not want you to compare them to anyone else. That should worry you.
Huge price differences between estimates usually mean one of three things: different materials, different scope, or someone is padding the bid. Ask the outliers to explain the gap. If they can’t, move on.
Red flags that should stop you
Door to door solicitation after a storm. This is the biggest one. Legitimate roofing companies have enough business that they do not need to knock on doors. Storm chasers travel from disaster to disaster, do the work, and leave before you discover the problems.
Asking for full payment upfront. Standard practice is 10% to start, progress payments tied to milestones, and final payment after completion and inspection. Any company asking for 50% or more upfront is either cash-strapped or planning to disappear.
No physical office. A roofing company should have a local address you can drive to. PO boxes and cell phones only are signs of a transient operation. If they are not invested in the community, they are not invested in your warranty claim three years from now.
Not willing to pull permits. Every roofing job over a certain dollar amount requires a permit in most jurisdictions. If the company says “we do not need a permit for this,” they are cutting a corner that could affect your homeowner’s insurance claim later.
Questions worth asking
How long have you been operating in this area? What manufacturer certifications do you hold? Can I see your certificate of insurance? Will you pull the permit or do I need to? What does your warranty cover and for how long? Can I talk to three recent customers?
Any company that hesitates on those questions is not the company you want on your roof.
About Khary Penebaker
Khary Penebaker is a Regional General Manager at Great Day Improvements, overseeing operations across Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. He previously built Roofed Right America from startup to $35M+ in revenue with 180 employees and founded Penebaker Enterprises, growing it from $1.5M to $15M. A gun violence prevention advocate and former Everytown for Gun Safety Fellow, Khary brings two decades of leadership experience in construction, operations, and civic engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications should a roofing company have?
Look for manufacturer certifications like GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster. These require training, insurance, and track record. Also verify state licensing and workers compensation insurance.
How do you spot a bad roofing company?
Door to door solicitation after a storm, no physical office, asking for full payment upfront, no written warranty, and not willing to pull permits. Any of those is a reason to walk away.
Should you always get a roof inspection before buying a home?
Yes. A roof inspection costs $200 to $500 and can save you $10,000 to $30,000 in surprise replacement costs. It is the most valuable pre purchase inspection most homebuyers skip.
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Last updated: March 25, 2026