Michigan Roofing Contractor Checklist: What to Verify Before You Hire
A new roof is one of the biggest investments a Michigan homeowner can make. Whether you're dealing with storm damage, an aging shingle roof, or a full replacement after a hard winter, the contractor you hire matters just as much as the materials you choose. One bad hire can mean leaks, voided warranties, or thousands in repair costs down the road.
Use this Michigan roofing contractor checklist before you sign anything.
1. Confirm the Contractor Holds a Valid Michigan License
Michigan requires roofing contractors to be licensed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Specifically, look for a Residential Builder license or a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license with the appropriate category.
You can verify a contractor's license for free on the LARA License Lookup portal. Do this before the first meeting — not after. An unlicensed contractor puts you at legal and financial risk if something goes wrong.
What to check:
- License number and expiration date
- Whether the license is in good standing
- Any disciplinary actions or complaints on file
2. Verify Insurance: General Liability and Workers' Comp
Insurance is non-negotiable. Ask every contractor for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before work begins. There are two key policies to confirm:
- General Liability Insurance — Covers property damage if a crew member drops equipment or causes structural damage to your home.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance — If a worker is injured on your roof and the contractor lacks workers' comp, you could be held financially responsible under Michigan law.
Call the insurance company listed on the COI to confirm the policy is active. Don't just take the certificate at face value.
3. Get at Least Three Written Estimates
Never accept a verbal quote. Get at least three written estimates from licensed Michigan roofers. A proper written estimate should include:
- The scope of work (tear-off vs. overlay, number of layers removed)
- Materials and brand names (shingle type, underlayment, ice-and-water shield)
- Timeline for project completion
- Total cost, payment schedule, and what triggers each payment
- Warranty details (both manufacturer and workmanship)
Be cautious of estimates that are dramatically lower than others. In Michigan, storm-chaser contractors sometimes appear after hail or wind events with cut-rate prices — and disappear after the first payment.
4. Review the Contract Line by Line
A solid roofing contract protects both parties. Before you sign, confirm the contract includes:
- Contractor's name, license number, and contact information
- Start and estimated completion dates
- Detailed materials list (manufacturer, product line, color)
- Payment terms — Michigan law prohibits contractors from requiring more than a reasonable deposit upfront; be wary of anyone asking for more than one-third before work starts
- Lien waiver clause — This protects you if the contractor doesn't pay their subcontractors or suppliers
- Cleanup and debris removal responsibility
- Change order process — Any additions to the scope of work should require written approval
If the contract is vague or mostly verbal, walk away. Start a free intake at LeadGod if you have questions about what a fair roofing contract should include.
5. Check Reviews, References, and Local Track Record
Online reviews are a starting point, not the finish line. Go deeper:
- Ask the contractor for three local references from jobs completed in the past 12 months
- Actually call those references and ask about timeline, cleanup, and whether the contractor came back to fix any issues
- Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for Michigan-specific complaints
- Search the contractor's name plus "Michigan" on Google to see if any complaints or lawsuits surface
- Confirm the company has a physical Michigan address, not just a P.O. box
Local track record matters. A contractor who has worked in your county understands Michigan's climate requirements — from ice dams in the Upper Peninsula to high-wind zones near Lake Michigan.
6. Understand Warranties and What They Cover
Roofing warranties in Michigan generally fall into two categories:
- Manufacturer's warranty — Covers defects in the shingles or materials themselves. These can range from 25 years to lifetime, but the fine print matters.
- Workmanship warranty — Covers installation errors by the contractor. A reputable Michigan roofer typically offers at least a 2-5 year workmanship warranty.
Important: Many manufacturer warranties require the installation to be done by a certified installer. Ask your contractor if they hold manufacturer certification (e.g., GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster). Using a non-certified installer can void your material warranty before the job is even finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
H3: Does Michigan require roofing contractors to pull a permit?
In most Michigan municipalities, yes — a permit is required for full roof replacements and sometimes for significant repairs. The contractor is typically responsible for pulling the permit. Be cautious if a contractor asks you to pull your own permit or suggests skipping it to "save money." No permit can mean trouble when you sell your home.
H3: What should I do if a Michigan roofer asks for full payment upfront?
Don't pay in full before any work begins. A typical payment structure in Michigan might be one-third at signing, one-third at start of work, and one-third upon completion and inspection. Full upfront payment is a red flag, especially after storm events when fraud risk rises.
H3: Can I file a complaint against a Michigan roofing contractor?
Yes. You can file a complaint with LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes if the contractor is licensed. You can also file with the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division if you believe fraud occurred. Document everything in writing.
H3: How do I know if storm damage is covered by my homeowners insurance?
Start by contacting your insurance company to open a claim. An independent adjuster will inspect the damage. Some Michigan homeowners also hire a public adjuster to negotiate on their behalf. Be cautious of contractors who offer to "handle your insurance claim" — this practice raises regulatory concerns in many states.
H3: How long do I have to sue a bad contractor in Michigan?
For breach of contract claims in Michigan, the statute of limitations is generally 6 years. For fraud or misrepresentation, it may differ. Confirm the applicable timeframe with a licensed Michigan attorney based on your specific situation.
Ready to Find a Trustworthy Michigan Roofer?
A little due diligence before you hire can save you tens of thousands of dollars and months of headaches. Use this checklist as your starting point — and don't let anyone rush you into signing before you're ready.
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