Don’t Get Nailed! Protecting Your Michigan Home from Roofing Rip-offs

Here in Michigan, we take pride in our homes, and a sturdy roof is essential to weathering our diverse seasons. When it’s time for a roof replacement, you want a reliable, trustworthy company that will deliver quality work and stand behind it. Unfortunately, a new trend is emerging in the roofing industry that homeowners need to be wary of – certain “matching” or “connection” services. While they might sound appealing with promises of lower prices and a hassle-free experience, digging a little deeper reveals some serious red flags.

One such operation claims to be disrupting the industry by offering prices significantly lower than traditional roofing contractors – sometimes touting savings of up to 50%. However, the reality often falls far short of this claim. Homeowners are finding that the final quotes they receive through these types of offerings aren’t substantially cheaper than those from established, local roofing companies. (Their price is not that far off from our price. Get an Instant Estimate) So, where’s the catch?

Here’s the alarming truth: these types of services are not licensed roofing contractors! Instead, they operate as a middleman, a “service” that connects you with an unknown roofing company for a fee. Think of it like a blind date for your roof – you have no idea who you’re going to be matched with until right before the work begins.

This lack of transparency should immediately raise concerns. You have no way of knowing if the company they connect you with is properly licensed and insuredin the state of Michigan. This is crucial! A licensed contractor has met specific requirements set by the state, ensuring a certain level of professionalism and accountability. Insurance protects you, the homeowner, in case of accidents or damage during the roofing process.

Furthermore, you likely won’t even sign a direct contract with the actual roofing company doing the work. Instead, you sign an agreement with this intermediary service that severely limits your recourse. In their own terms, they often state that their liability is limited to the fee you paid them for their connection service. So, if you pay $15,000 for a new roof that leaks or fails prematurely, this “service” might only be responsible for the $3,499 (or similar amount) they charged for connecting you. This leaves you in a precarious position with a significant financial loss and a potentially damaged home.

Adding to these concerns is the fact that roofing salespeople in Michigan are required to be licensed.This regulation exists to protect homeowners from unqualified or unethical sales practices. If a salesperson representing one of these “virtual” services cannot produce their Michigan sales license upon request, do not do business with them.It’s a clear indication they are not operating within the legal framework of our state.

When you’re speaking with a roofing salesperson, make it a point to ask for the following:

• Their Michigan salesperson license:They are legally obligated to show this to you. If they hesitate or cannot provide it, it’s a major warning sign. The person’s name who is selling you the roof MUST be on the Salesperson License.
• Proof of the roofing company’s insurance:Ask to see their current general liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property or if your property is damaged during the job.
• A comprehensive roofing contract:This legally binding document should clearly outline the scope of work, materials to be used, total cost, payment schedule, and warranty details. You should always have a direct contract with the company performing the work, not just the matching service.

These “virtual” operations often tout their lack of a physical office as a reason for their supposedly lower prices. But is this really a benefit to you, the homeowner? Consider this: if you have an issue with your roof after installation, how will you find them? Where are they even located? A local, established roofing company with a physical presence is far more accountable and accessible if you need to address any concerns or warranty claims. This reliance on a purely “virtual” presence can be risky.

Don’t be lured in by the false promise of drastically lower prices and a seemingly convenient service. Protecting your home and your investment means choosing a licensed and insured local roofing contractorwith a proven track record and a physical presence in Michigan. They will provide you with a clear contract, stand behind their work, and offer you peace of mind knowing your roof is in capable hands.

If you are ever in doubt about a company or salesperson being licensed you should visit the State of Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website. You can also call the Licensing Division: 517-241-9221 to inquire.

These companies are claiming they are disrupting the roofing industry. They are not. Stay tuned to our next blog article to see how EverNew Roofing is indeed disrupting roofing!

Don’t risk your home and your hard-earned money on an unknown entity. Choose a reputable Michigan roofing company that you can trust.