How to Make Sure a Roofer Doesn't Take Advantage of You in Michigan

Imagine this: You hire a roofer because your roof is nearing the end of its life. They take your deposit, tear off half the roof, and disappear. It sounds outrageous, but it happens more often than you think, especially in Michigan, where homes face heavy snow, ice, and summer heat that wear down roofs over time. Protecting yourself starts with education and ends with confidence. Here's how to avoid being taken advantage of by a roofing contractor in Michigan.

1. Know the Licensing Requirements in Michigan

In Michigan, roofing contractors must be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) under the Residential Builders License. This license covers residential roofing work. Unlicensed contractors are not allowed to perform roofing services legally.

To verify a roofer’s license, you can search directly on LARA’s website or call their licensing division. If a contractor cannot provide a license number, that is a red flag.

2. Avoid Door-to-Door Roofing Salespeople

Some companies send out sales reps to knock on doors in neighborhoods where roofs are aging. While not all are shady, many use high-pressure tactics, make promises they can’t keep, or aren’t local at all. Always do your research first. If someone says they “just finished a roof down the street,” don’t let that sway your decision.

4. Don’t Pay Large Deposits Upfront

A reputable roofer may request a deposit to secure your spot and purchase initial materials, typically ranging from 10–30% of the job cost. Be wary of any contractor asking for more than that, especially if they insist on cash or Venmo/Zelle. Never pay in full until the job is finished and inspected.

5. Research Their Local Presence

Michigan-based contractors should have:

• A permanent business address

• A Michigan phone number

• A presence in your county or nearby

Ask how long they've worked in your area. You can even check if they’re registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or have local Google reviews.

7. Know Your Rights Under Michigan Law

Michigan law requires:

• A 3-day right of rescission on contracts signed in your home (you can cancel without penalty)

• Contractors must provide a written contract for jobs over $600

• All contractors must follow building code inspections and pull permits when needed

Permits are essential to ensure the work meets safety standards and building codes. Reputable roofing contractors will always pull the necessary permits themselves. If a contractor asks you, the homeowner, to pull the permit, consider this a major red flag. This tactic is often used to shift legal liability away from the contractor. If something goes wrong or the work is not up to code, you, not the contractor, are held responsible.

A legitimate company will never ask homeowners to obtain permits for professional work. Insisting that the contractor handle all permitting is one of the simplest ways to distinguish between qualified professionals and those cutting corners.

8. Ask About Warranty, And Get It in Writing

There are usually two warranties involved:

• Manufacturer’s Warranty (covers shingles or other materials)

• Workmanship Warranty (covers installation)

Make sure the contractor offers both and provides documentation. A solid roofer will typically offer 5–10 years of workmanship and register the manufacturer's warranty for you.

Be cautious of contractors who promise lifetime labor warranties or other unrealistic guarantees. These may sound appealing, but in practice, they are often gimmicks designed to win your business rather than promises that can be upheld. For a company doing any level of production, maintaining lifetime labor commitments is logistically unsustainable, especially if they claim they will perform routine checkups or inspections indefinitely.

If a warranty sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Companies willing to exaggerate or be dishonest about their warranty coverage may also be more likely to avoid responsibility if something goes wrong. It's a bad sign and should prompt you to reconsider their trustworthiness. Look for clear terms, realistic timeframes, and defined coverage. The best warranties are ones that are both reliable and enforceable.

10. Don’t Get Blinded by Price

In Michigan, where some contractors may undercut local pros, a low price is often the bait. A roofer with insurance, licenses, and skilled labor has overhead, and their price reflects that. The cheapest bid is rarely the best. In fact, many complaints to Michigan’s Attorney General involve "cheap" jobs that turned costly when the work failed.

Final Thought

Hiring a roofer in Michigan doesn’t have to be a gamble. Most local contractors are hard-working professionals, but like every industry, bad actors exist. By following the steps above, you’ll stay in control, protect your home, and make sure the job is done right. Roofing is a major investment, treat the hiring process like it matters.

If you're looking for a good local roofing company, call Allied Siding and Roofing.  They really are the King of Quality.