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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Milford, MI

Roofing is one of the biggest home investments you'll make — and one of the most common targets for scammers. After a Michigan storm, out-of-town crews often sweep through Oakland County looking for homeowners who need fast repairs. The good news? A few simple checks can separate a true professional from a fast-talker. This guide walks you through the red flags, the common scams, and the verification steps that protect your home and your wallet.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Milford

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chasers & Door-to-Door Offers

Out-of-town crews often follow severe weather, knocking on Milford doors with “free inspections” and claims of storm damage. They collect deposits, do rushed or incomplete work, and become unreachable when problems appear.

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Large Upfront Deposits

A contractor demands a hefty percentage — sometimes half or more — before materials are ordered or work starts. In the worst cases, the crew takes the money and never returns.

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Insurance Claim Fraud & Assignment of Benefits (AOB)

A contractor pressures you to sign an Assignment of Benefits, which lets them bill your insurer directly and control the claim. Others suggest inflating the damage estimate to “cover your deductible” — that is fraud and can void your coverage.

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Material Bait-and-Switch

The estimate quotes premium shingles and underlayment, but the crew installs cheaper materials — or skips components like drip edge and ice-and-water shield — to pad their margins. The difference is invisible from the street but costly later.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from the contractor's insurance agency — not a photocopy handed to you on the job site. The certificate should show current general liability and workers' compensation coverage, and you can call the carrier to confirm the policy is active. Never let a crew work without workers' comp: if a worker is injured on your property and the contractor is uninsured, you could be held financially responsible.

2

Licensing

Michigan requires roofing contractors performing residential work to hold a Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Look up the contractor's license number on LARA's online verification tool and confirm it is active and in the company's legal name. You can also check with Oakland County and Milford Township to confirm the contractor is registered and understands local permit requirements before you hire them.

3

References

Ask for at least three references from recent roofing jobs in the Milford area — then actually call them. Ask whether the project came in on budget, whether the crew cleaned up, and whether any issues were resolved quickly. You can also check the contractor's standing with the Better Business Bureau and independent review platforms. Keep in mind that a handful of polished online reviews is not the same as verifiable local references you can call.

Protection FAQs

How do I check whether a roofer is licensed in Michigan?

Use the online license verification tool from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Search by the contractor's name or license number, and confirm the license is active, in the company's legal name, and covers residential maintenance and alteration work.

How much should I pay as a deposit for a roofing job?

A modest deposit — often 10% to 25% — is common to secure materials and scheduling. Be very cautious with any contractor who demands half or more upfront or asks for cash. Tie the remaining payments to completed milestones and a final inspection.

What should a roofing contract include before I sign it?

A solid contract lists the full scope of work, exact materials with brands and models, a start and completion timeline, the payment schedule, warranty terms, cleanup responsibilities, and who is responsible for pulling permits. If any of these are missing, ask for them in writing.

What is an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and why is it risky?

An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor, letting them bill your insurer and control the claim process. While legitimate in some cases, it can lead to inflated claims, surprise fees, and even liens on your home. Talk to your insurer and a trusted advisor before signing one.

How can I spot a storm chaser?

Storm chasers usually show up uninvited after severe weather, drive vehicles with out-of-state plates, have no local address, and push “act today” discounts. A legitimate local roofer will be happy to give you time, written estimates, and verifiable references.

Should I get more than one roofing estimate?

Yes — compare at least two or three written estimates from licensed, insured contractors. If one bid is drastically lower than the others, ask why. A trustworthy professional explains the pricing instead of pressuring you to sign immediately.

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Licensed & insured professionals CALL NOW: 1-866-674-2070