Choose the roofer who is licensed and insured under the same business name that appears on the bid, gives you a written scope you can compare line by line, and doesn’t push for cash, full payment up front, or a same-day signature. Those last three are the scam warning signs the FTC lists for home improvement work. Get two or three written bids for the same scope, and compare what each one includes, not just the totals.

Screen out the risky bids first

The FTC’s home improvement guidance flags these tactics:

  • knocking on your door because they’re “in the area”;
  • asking you to pay for everything up front, or accepting only cash;
  • pressuring you for an immediate decision.

Then verify the basics yourself:

  • License. Confirm it with your state or county licensing office. The FTC advises considering only contractors who are licensed and insured.
  • Insurance. Ask for proof of liability coverage, and ask how workers on the roof are covered, including any subcontractors.
  • Same name everywhere. The business name on the bid, license, insurance certificate and contract should match.
  • References. The FTC suggests recommendations from people you know and checking complaints with local consumer protection officials.

Compare bids on the same scope

A low total often means something is missing. Ask every roofer to answer the same lines in writing:

Line item Why it matters
Tear-off or overlay These are different jobs. An overlay leaves the old layer and hides the decking.
Decking How damaged decking is found, priced and approved before replacement.
Flashing Whether flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights, valleys and pipe boots is replaced or reused.
Underlayment and ventilation What goes under the shingles and whether attic vents change.
Permit Who pulls it, and whether a final inspection is included.
Cleanup and disposal Dumpster, debris removal and a magnetic sweep for nails.
Warranty Which parts the manufacturer covers and which labor the roofer covers, and for how long.
Change orders How extra work is priced and approved before it starts.

If one bid leaves a line blank, ask for it in writing before you compare prices.

Repair or replace?

A repair fits when a leak traces to one detail, such as a pipe boot, flashing at a wall, or a small damaged area, and the rest of the roof is sound. Ask the roofer to name the failed detail and how they’ll fix it. Repeated leaks in different places, widespread curling or missing granules, or soft decking in several areas point to a broader evaluation. A roofer who can’t explain where the water is getting in is guessing.

Before you sign

The FTC says a home improvement contract should include:

  • the contractor’s name, address, phone number and license number;
  • estimated start and completion dates;
  • a written statement of your right to cancel within three business days, when you sign at your home or somewhere other than the seller’s place of business.

On payment, the FTC advises not paying the full amount up front, notes that many states limit down payments, and says not to make the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction. Be wary of financing arranged by the contractor. Shop for a loan yourself and understand the terms first.

Keep the contract, permit sign-off, invoices, warranty papers and before-and-after photos together. If the crew leaves spare shingles from the same lot, store them for future small repairs.

Sources

This is desk research from FTC consumer guidance. State and local rules on licensing, permits, down payments and cancellation can add requirements.