Michigan Roofing Contractor Checklist: What to Verify Before You Hire
A new roof is one of the biggest home investments you'll make. In Michigan, where heavy snow loads, ice dams, and spring storms put roofs through the wringer, hiring the wrong contractor can mean leaks, voided warranties, or tens of thousands of dollars in repeat repairs. This checklist walks you through every step — from finding candidates to signing a contract — so you protect your home and your wallet.
1. Verify Michigan Licensing and Registration
Michigan does not require a statewide roofing-specific license, but roofing contractors who perform work valued at $600 or more (including labor and materials) must hold a Residential Builder or Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Before you go any further:
- Ask for the contractor's license number.
- Look it up at the LARA online verification portal.
- Check the license status: it should say Active — not expired, suspended, or revoked.
- Confirm the name on the license matches the company name on the quote.
Some municipalities (Detroit, Grand Rapids, etc.) also require a local contractor registration or building permit. Ask your local building department if an additional permit is needed for your project.
2. Confirm Insurance — Both Types
Never hire a roofer who can't produce proof of both of these:
General Liability Insurance — Covers damage to your property if a worker accidentally drops materials through a skylight or damages your siding.
Workers' Compensation Insurance — Covers medical bills if a worker is injured on your roof. Without it, you could be held liable for those costs under Michigan law.
Ask the contractor to send you a Certificate of Insurance (COI) directly from their insurance agent — not a screenshot. Call the insurer on the certificate to confirm the policy is active.
3. Check References and Reviews
A legitimate Michigan roofing contractor should have a paper trail of happy customers. Before hiring:
- Ask for 3–5 recent local references and actually call them.
- Search the company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Michigan page.
- Read Google and Houzz reviews, looking for patterns (not just one-off complaints).
- Check whether any complaints have been filed with LARA's Consumer Complaint division.
- Bonus: Drive by a recently completed job if the reference agrees to it.
If a contractor can't or won't provide references, that's a red flag.
4. Get Multiple Written Estimates
Get at least three written estimates from licensed contractors. Each estimate should spell out:
- Scope of work (full tear-off vs. overlay, number of layers removed)
- Materials (brand, shingle type, underlayment, ice-and-water shield — critical in Michigan)
- Labor costs broken out separately
- Disposal fees for old materials
- Timeline with start and estimated completion date
- Payment schedule (never pay 100% upfront)
A healthy down payment in Michigan is typically 10–30%, with the balance due on satisfactory completion. Be wary of anyone demanding full payment before work begins.
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5. Review the Contract Line by Line
Your contract is your legal protection. Make sure it includes:
- Contractor's full legal name, address, license number, and contact info
- Detailed materials list (manufacturer, product name, color, warranty level)
- Total project cost and payment milestones
- Who pulls the required building permit (it should be the contractor, not you)
- How change orders are handled and documented
- A lien waiver clause — in Michigan, subcontractors and suppliers can place a mechanic's lien on your home if the contractor doesn't pay them, even if you paid the contractor in full. Request lien waivers from all subs upon final payment.
- A dispute resolution clause
Never sign a blank contract or one with blank price fields.
6. Understand Your Warranties
Michigan homeowners should expect two separate warranties:
- Manufacturer's Material Warranty — Covers defective shingles, typically 25–50 years depending on the product. Note: improper installation can void this warranty, which is why hiring a certified installer matters.
- Contractor's Workmanship Warranty — Covers installation errors. Industry standard is 2–10 years; get any warranty in writing.
Ask if the contractor is a certified installer for your chosen shingle brand (e.g., GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster). These certifications often unlock enhanced system warranties that cover both materials and labor.
FAQ: Michigan Roofing Contractor Questions
Does Michigan require a roofing license?
Michigan doesn't issue a roofing-specific license, but any contractor doing $600+ in residential work must hold an active LARA Residential Builder or Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license. Always verify at the LARA website before hiring.
Do I need a building permit for a new roof in Michigan?
Usually yes — most Michigan municipalities require a permit for a full roof replacement. The permit ensures a building inspector reviews the work. Your contractor should pull this permit; if they ask you to do it, that's a warning sign.
What should I do if a storm chaser shows up at my door?
Be cautious. Many out-of-state contractors swarm Michigan neighborhoods after hail or wind events. Verify their Michigan license, check their permanent business address, and never sign anything the same day they knock. Reputable local contractors will give you time to review.
How do I avoid roofing scams in Michigan?
Never pay in full upfront. Avoid contractors who offer to waive your insurance deductible (this is fraud under Michigan law). Get everything in writing, verify insurance, and always check the LARA license database.
What is a mechanic's lien and how does it affect me in Michigan?
Under Michigan's Construction Lien Act, subcontractors or suppliers who aren't paid by your contractor can file a lien against your property — even if you already paid the contractor. Protect yourself by requesting signed lien waivers from all parties before making final payment.
Ready to Find a Trusted Michigan Roofer?
Knowing the checklist is step one. Finding a contractor who checks every box is another challenge entirely. Whether you're dealing with storm damage, an aging roof, or planning a full replacement, our free intake tool matches you with pre-screened roofing professionals in your Michigan area.
Talk to our 24/7 AI to see if you have a strong case — free, no obligation. → Start free intake