Avoid Roofing Scams in Union
Roofing scams hit hard in places like Union, MI, especially after storms. Scammers knock on doors claiming urgent fixes, take your money, and leave you with shoddy work or nothing at all. Think of this as advice from a friend: spot the tricks, check credentials thoroughly, and only hire pros who prove they're legit. Your roof protects your family—don't let it get exploited.
✓ Verify contractors • ✓ Spot red flags • ✓ Avoid common schemes
Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Union
Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators
Storm Chaser
Fly-by-night crews arrive post-storm, fake damage photos, push full tear-offs, collect deposits, then ghost or do junk work.
Deposit Disappearance
Contractor takes 50%+ upfront for materials, orders nothing or cheap substitutes, then vanishes when questioned.
Substandard Materials
Quotes premium shingles/asphalt, installs bargain-bin versions that fail quickly, no warranty honored.
Unpermitted Work
Skips required Cass County/Union permits to cut corners, leaving you liable for code violations or insurance denials.
How to Verify a Professional
Insurance
Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for liability and workers' comp. Call the listed insurer directly to verify coverage amounts, dates, and that it names you as additional insured if needed.
Licensing
Michigan requires a Residential Builder license (or Commercial for larger jobs) from LARA for most roofing work. Search the free Michigan License Lookup at michigan.gov/lara/licenselookup using name or number. Confirm it's active and matches the business.
References
Insist on 3+ recent local references from Union or Cass County homes/businesses. Call each one yourself—ask about work quality, timeliness, cleanup, and if they'd hire again.
Protection FAQs
Do roofers need a license in Michigan?
What if a roofer says no license is needed?
How can I spot fake insurance?
Are scams worse after storms in Union?
What if I think I've been scammed?
How do I find safe roofers in Union?
Hire with Confidence
Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Union.