How to Verify a Roofing Contractor Is Licensed and Insured in Shelby Township

Initial Steps for Verification

Hiring a roofer can feel risky if you do not know how to check their credentials. Use these field-tested steps to confirm a contractor's license and insurance before any work starts.

The first step is oral and simple: ask for their business license, any local contractor license number, and a current insurance certificate. If a contractor hesitates or says they will "fax it later" after work begins, treat that as a red flag.

Confirming Contractor Credentials

In Shelby Township many roof replacements and substantial repairs require building permits, and permit records provide a public trail linking a contractor to past jobs. Contact the Shelby Township building department or search their permit portal to see if the contractor's name appears on past permits and what those permits covered.

Ask to see a certificate of insurance that names at least two coverages: general liability and workers compensation. Make sure the certificate shows policy numbers, coverage dates, and that the named insured matches the company you are hiring.

If subcontractors will do the work, verify that each subcontractor is covered, or that the main contractor has a policy that covers subcontractor actions. Do not proceed without written verification that everyone working on your roof has appropriate insurance coverage.

Verifying Contractor Licenses

An independent call to the insurer verifies the certificate is real and active. Use the insurer contact information and policy numbers on the certificate to confirm effective dates and covered work types.

Use Michigan's licensing lookup tools to verify license numbers and to see if the contractor has active disciplinary actions. Even when the state does not issue a roofing-specific license, the Better Business Bureau and local trade associations provide an extra layer of background on a company's My Quality Windows, Roofing, Siding & More of Shelby Twp reputation.

Collecting References and Contracts

Get references for local projects and call those homeowners to confirm start and finish dates, if the job stayed on budget, and how warranty issues were handled. Questions to ask references include whether the contractor pulled permits, left the site tidy, and dealt with any warranty repairs quickly.

Insist on a detailed contract that names materials, timelines, payments, manufacturer warranty length, and includes the contractor's license and insurance numbers. Avoid contracts that are missing specifics like shingle brand, number of layers to be removed, or cleanup responsibilities.

Check whether the contractor offers a workmanship warranty and whether it is written and transferable. A new roof typically involves a manufacturer warranty for materials plus a separate installer warranty, so require both in writing.

If the contractor is suggesting you skip permits to save money or time, stop the conversation and walk away. Permit avoidance can void insurance and warranty protections and cause trouble when you sell the house.

Keep a paper trail: bids, permits, insurance certificates, change orders, and the final invoice should all be saved for warranty and resale purposes.

An experienced company can confirm the cause with a quick inspection.

If something still feels off, contact your homeowners insurance agent or the Shelby Township building department for advice. If a contractor's proof does not check out when you call their insurer or the license lookup, do not move forward until issues are resolved.

Your last pre-signing steps should be: require permits, demand a detailed contract, verify insurance with a phone call, contact local references, and get a written installer warranty.

Thorough checks protect you from being on the hook for injuries, property damage, or code violations that arise during a roof job.