The Roofing Industry Has a Trust Problem
We are going to be straight with you: the roofing industry has more bad actors per capita than almost any trade. Low barriers to entry, storm-driven demand, and the fact that most homeowners cannot see their roof from the ground creates a perfect environment for subpar work.
That does not mean every roofer is sketchy. It means you need to know how to separate the professionals from the pretenders.
The Non-Negotiables
Before you even discuss pricing, verify these:
- General liability insurance: Ask for a certificate of insurance. Call the insurance company to verify it is current. If they cannot produce this immediately, walk away.
- Workers compensation: If a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor does not carry workers comp, you could be liable. No exceptions on this one.
- Local business license: Most St. Louis County municipalities require contractors to be licensed. Check with your city hall.
- Physical address: Not a P.O. box. A real location where you could show up if needed. Storm chasers use temporary offices and disappear after the season.
Red Flags That Should End the Conversation
- They knocked on your door unsolicited after a storm
- They offer to "cover your deductible" (this is insurance fraud in Missouri)
- They want a large deposit before materials are ordered
- They cannot provide local references from the last 12 months
- They pressure you to sign a contract immediately
- Their quote is a single page with no material specifications
- They have out-of-state plates
What a Good Roofer Looks Like
A contractor worth hiring will:
- Provide a detailed written estimate with material specs, labor breakdown, and timeline
- Show you their insurance certificates without being asked
- Have a portfolio of recent local work with photos
- Explain the process step by step before you ask
- Offer a workmanship warranty in addition to the manufacturer warranty
- Be patient while you get other quotes
- Not badmouth other contractors
How to Compare Quotes
Get three quotes minimum. But do not just compare the bottom-line number. Compare:
- Material brands and product lines
- Scope of work (are they including the same items?)
- Warranty terms -- both manufacturer and workmanship
- Timeline and crew size
- What happens if they find unexpected damage during tear-off
We Welcome the Comparison
Get your other quotes. Then get ours. We are confident in our pricing because we know what is in our estimate -- and more importantly, what is not missing from it. Transparent pricing is not a marketing gimmick for us. It is how we do business.