After a bad storm or when it’s simply time for a new roof, the Detroit Metro area gets flooded with roofing contractors — local companies, regional outfits, and storm chasers who follow severe weather from state to state. Choosing the wrong contractor can cost you far more than the price difference between bids. Here’s how to hire a roofer you can trust.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
In Michigan, residential roofing contractors are required to hold a Residential Builders License issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Ask any contractor you’re considering for their license number and verify it at the state’s online portal before signing anything.
Equally important: general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn’t carry workers’ comp, you could be held liable. Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it’s current.
Look for Local Tenure
Storm chasers are contractors who operate temporarily in areas hit by hail or wind, sign as many contracts as possible, and then move on. They may offer unusually low bids, pressure you to sign quickly, or ask for large upfront deposits. Once they leave town, you have little recourse if problems develop.
A contractor with a proven local presence — an established address, verifiable history, references from neighbors and nearby communities — is far less likely to disappear when you need warranty service. NorthWest Construction has served Dearborn, Allen Park, Livonia, Taylor, and the wider Detroit Metro area since 2003. We’re not going anywhere.
Ask About Manufacturer Certification
Not all contractors can offer the same warranty protection from roofing manufacturers. GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, has a tiered certification program. Only GAF Master Elite contractors — less than 2% of all roofing contractors nationally — can offer the GAF Golden Pledge warranty, which covers both materials and workmanship for 25 years and is transferable to a new owner if you sell.
NorthWest Construction is a GAF-certified contractor. When you hire us for a full roof replacement, you’re getting warranty protection that most other local contractors simply cannot offer.
Get Everything in Writing
A reputable contractor will provide a detailed written proposal before any work begins. The proposal should specify:
- The roofing system and materials (manufacturer, product line, color)
- Scope of work (tear-off, decking inspection, underlayment, flashing, ventilation components)
- Timeline and payment schedule
- Permit responsibility (we pull all permits on your behalf)
- Warranty terms — both manufacturer and workmanship
If a contractor gives you a verbal estimate and wants to get started immediately, walk away.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Asking for full payment upfront — a deposit is normal; full payment before completion is not
- No local address or P.O. Box only — you need to be able to reach them post-job
- Pressuring you to use your insurance claim immediately — get your own assessment first
- Unlicensed or uninsured — there is no legitimate reason to hire someone without proper credentials
- Unusually low bids — below-market pricing usually means cutting corners on materials, labor, or both
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- How long have you been operating in the Detroit Metro area?
- Can you provide references from recent projects in my neighborhood?
- Are you licensed in Michigan? What’s your license number?
- What insurance do you carry and can I see the certificate?
- What manufacturer certifications do you hold?
- Will you pull the building permit?
- How do you handle unexpected decking damage discovered during tear-off?
NorthWest Construction answers all of these questions clearly — and in writing. Call us at (313) 277-7676 or contact us online for a free estimate.