🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Pontiac

Hey, if someone's knocking after a storm promising a quick roof fix, take a breath and read this first. Roofing scams hit hard in areas like Pontiac, especially after bad weather. Spot the tricks and protect your home and wallet like I would for family.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Pontiac

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser Door-to-Door

After storms, out-of-towners knock claiming urgent roof damage, push 'free inspections,' take big deposits, then ghost or do shoddy work.

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Fake Damage Upsell

They 'find' hidden issues to jack up costs, use cheap materials, or claim grants/insurance covers it all (they don't).

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Deposit and Disappear

Take 50%+ upfront, start work then vanish, or finish poorly and demand more cash.

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Subcontractor Switcheroo

Quote low, then send unqualified subs who mess up, leaving you with liens or code violations.

How to Verify a Professional

Insurance

Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for liability and workers' comp, listing your project. Call the insurance carrier directly (number on COI) to verify coverage dates and limits. Don't accept their word alone.

Licensing

In Michigan, roofers doing residential work over $600 need a Residential Builder license from LARA. Search the Michigan LARA website (lara.michigan.gov) by business name or license number to confirm it's active. Oakland County may require additional local registrations – call Pontiac building department.

References

Ask for 3-5 recent local references from Pontiac or Oakland County jobs. Call each one: ask about work quality, arrival time, cleanup, and if they'd hire again. Check BBB and online reviews for patterns.

Protection FAQs

Do roofers need a license in Pontiac, MI?

Yes, for residential jobs over $600, Michigan requires a Residential Builder license via LARA. Commercial may need specialty licenses. Always verify online or call LARA.

How can I check if a roofer is insured?

Get a COI copy and call the insurer to confirm active coverage for your job. Look for at least $1M liability.

Is it normal to pay half upfront for roofing?

No – red flag! Deposits should be 10-30% max, with payments tied to progress. Avoid full or large cash upfront.

Should I trust door-to-door roofers after a storm?

Rarely. Storm chasers scam often. Shop local verified pros instead, get multiple quotes.

What if the roofer won't pull permits?

Walk away. Permits protect you from code issues and ensure inspections. Pontiac requires them for most roofs.

How do I report a roofing scam in Michigan?

Contact Pontiac police, Michigan AG consumer protection, and LARA. File with BBB too for patterns.

Hire with Confidence

Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Pontiac.

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