If two or more items apply, pause and collect another written quote. Pair with our interactive quote scorecard on the vetting page.
What this checklist helps with
Storm seasons bring legitimate contractors and opportunistic chasers. If two or more red flags on this list apply, pause and collect another written quote. Pair with license lookup, insurance certificates, and our quote comparison sheet — nationwide, not just hail corridors.
Safety notes
High-pressure door knocking after storms is a common scam pattern. Never sign financing paperwork before equipment and labor scope appear in writing.
Common situations
- Out-of-state plates + door knocking day after hail — verify local license and physical address.
- Solar lease with production guarantee but no shade study on tree-lined lot.
- Roof bid 40% below peers with no tear-off line — expect change orders.
How to use it with RoofingHut tools
Print this page or save as PDF from your browser. Cross-link your photos and notes with our calculators — location-aware labor adjustments apply in all 50 states when you set state and ZIP in the header bar.
FAQs
Is cash-only always a scam?
Not always, but it removes paper trail for warranties and permits — prefer traceable contracts.
What about 'today only' discounts?
Legitimate crews rarely need same-day signatures for residential re-roofs — treat urgency as a flag.
Related guides
Walk away signals
- Storm chaser with no verifiable local address after hail
- Pressure to sign today for materials discount or expiring credit
- Cash-only, no contract, or lump-sum quote without line items
- Bid far below peers — missing tear-off, permits, or decking
- Financing paperwork before written equipment and labor scope
Solar-specific
- Lease presented as free panels without escalator disclosure
- No written roof penetration or removal-and-reinstall clause
- Production guarantee without shade analysis on tree-lined lots
- Installer cannot name racking and flashing manufacturer
Verify anyway
- Active trade license on state board (not just LLC filing)
- GL and workers comp certificates naming your address
- Manufacturer certification (GAF, CertainTeed, NABCEP) if claimed
- Payment schedule ≤33% upfront before materials on site