Avoid Roofing Scams in Northville
Getting a new roof or repairs in Northville? Scammers love targeting homeowners, especially after storms. Listen up—like I'm telling my own family—here's how to spot the fakes and protect your hard-earned money. Don't rush into deals. Take your time to verify.
✓ Verify contractors • ✓ Spot red flags • ✓ Avoid common schemes
Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Northville
Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators
Storm Chaser Scam
Fly-by-night crews swarm after bad weather, claim your roof is 'about to collapse,' demand big deposits, then vanish or do shoddy work.
Bait-and-Switch Lowball
Super-low bid wins the job, but they start work, 'discover' issues, and hit you with huge upcharges for 'extras.'
Phantom Crew Deposit Grab
Take your deposit for materials, show up once or twice, then disappear. No roof, no refund.
Fake Material Switch
Promise premium shingles, but install cheap knockoffs. Hard to spot until leaks start.
How to Verify a Professional
Insurance
Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing general liability and workers' comp, with you as additional insured. Call the insurer directly to confirm it's current—no relying on emailed PDFs alone.
Licensing
In Michigan, residential roofing contractors usually need a Residential Builder license from LARA for jobs over $600. Verify at the Michigan LARA license lookup using their name, license number, or business name. For commercial work, check local Wayne County requirements too.
References
Insist on 3+ recent local references from Northville or Wayne County jobs. Call them yourself. Ask: Were they on time? Quality work? Any hidden costs? Would they hire again?
Protection FAQs
Do roofers need a license in Michigan?
What if a roofer asks for full payment upfront?
How can I check if insurance is real?
Should I hire after a storm right away?
What about online reviews?
How do I report a roofing scam in Northville?
Hire with Confidence
Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Northville.