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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Cottage Grove

Hey family, roofing work is crucial for your home's safety, but scams are all too common in Cottage Grove, especially after storms. Dishonest operators can leave you with shoddy roofs or empty pockets. Take a breath, follow these tips, and protect your investment like I would for you.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Cottage Grove

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser

After storms, out-of-town crews knock on doors claiming to spot 'loose shingles' or damage. They offer quick fixes with 'leftover materials' at a discount, take a big deposit, then vanish or do poor work.

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Deposit Disappearance

Contractor demands 30-50% upfront for materials, starts minor work, then stops showing up or goes out of business.

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Lowball to Upsell

Super-low bid to win the job, then 'unexpected issues' like rot or code problems require thousands more once they start.

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Fake Materials

Claims to use premium shingles but installs cheap ones. No warranties provided.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Always request a certificate of insurance (COI) for general liability (at least $1M) and workers' compensation. Call the listed insurance provider directly to confirm it's active and covers your job—don't trust just the document.

2

Licensing

Wisconsin does not require a statewide roofing license, but verify the business is registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) at dfi.wi.gov. Also, confirm they obtain necessary Dane County building permits for your project—check with the local building department.

3

References

Ask for 3-5 recent local references in Cottage Grove or Dane County. Call them to ask about work quality, punctuality, cleanup, and any issues. Check online reviews on BBB, Google, or Angi.

Protection FAQs

Do roofers need a license in Wisconsin?

No statewide license is required for roofing contractors. But check DFI business registration and ensure they handle Dane County permits properly.

How can I verify a roofer's insurance?

Get a COI and call the insurance company yourself to confirm coverage amounts, dates, and your project. Look for at least $1M liability.

What should a good roofing contract include?

Scope of work, materials specs, start/end dates, payment schedule, cleanup plan, warranties, and lien waivers. Get it all in writing before signing.

Is it safe to pay a deposit upfront?

Small deposits (10%) are common, but tie larger payments to milestones. Use credit cards for buyer protection if possible.

What to do right after storm damage?

Tarp leaks temporarily, take photos/videos of damage, notify your insurance. Avoid rushing hires—scammers thrive on urgency.

How do I report a suspected roofing scam?

Contact Cottage Grove police, file with WI Attorney General's office, report to BBB, and your insurance company. Warn neighbors too!

Should I get multiple quotes?

Yes! Compare 3-5 detailed bids from local pros. The middle price often represents fair value.

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