How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Minnesota (Without Getting Burned)

I've been roofing homes in the Twin Cities for over 20 years. In that time, I've seen homeowners get taken advantage of more times than I can count — by storm chasers, unlicensed crews, and guys who knock on your door with a "deal" that disappears the minute they cash your check. It's the worst part of this industry, and it's why I'm writing this.

Choosing a roofing contractor shouldn't feel like gambling. But if you don't know what to look for, that's exactly what it becomes. Here's what I tell every homeowner who asks me — whether they end up hiring us or not.

This sounds basic, but you'd be shocked how many crews working in the Twin Cities right now don't have a valid Minnesota residential contractor license. After big storms, especially, out-of-state companies flood the market. They set up a temporary office, knock doors for a few weeks, collect deposits, and vanish before the warranty calls start coming in.

Minnesota law requires any contractor doing work over $15,000 to hold a state license. You can check it yourself in about two minutes at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website. Look up their license number and make sure it's current — not expired, not suspended. If they can't give you a license number, that's your answer right there.

Also worth noting: a "registered" contractor isn't the same as a "licensed" one. Registration is for smaller jobs. For a full roof replacement, you want a licensed residential building contractor. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Every legitimate contractor carries two types of insurance: general liability and workers' compensation. General liability covers damage to your property during the project. Workers' comp covers injuries to crew members on your job site. If a contractor doesn't carry workers' comp and someone gets hurt on your roof, guess who's liable? You are.

Don't just take their word for it. Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active. I've seen homeowners handed expired certificates or policies that were canceled months ago. A good contractor won't flinch at this request — we hand ours over before people even ask.

One more thing: make sure the policy limits are reasonable. A contractor with $100,000 in liability coverage installing a $40,000 roof doesn't leave much room if something goes sideways.

There's a difference between "20 years of experience" and "20 years of operating a roofing company in Minnesota." The second one matters a lot more. Longevity in a local market means they've built a reputation they can't afford to trash. It means they've weathered recessions, material shortages, and labor challenges — and they're still here.

Look them up with the Better Business Bureau. Check their Google reviews — not just the star rating, but read the actual reviews. Pay attention to how they respond to negative ones. That tells you more about a company's character than any sales pitch. A contractor who's been serving the same community for 10, 15, 20 years has a track record you can actually evaluate.

Storm chasers, by contrast, might have a slick website they built last week and a Google listing with zero history. They're not planning to be here when your flashing starts leaking in two years.

If a contractor hands you a one-page estimate that just says "Roof replacement — $18,500," that's a red flag. You have no idea what you're getting. What shingles? What underlayment? Are they replacing the drip edge? The pipe boots? What about ventilation?

A proper estimate should break down every component: tear-off, decking inspection and repair, ice and water shield, synthetic underlayment, shingle brand and line, ridge cap, flashing, pipe boots, ventilation, and cleanup. You should know exactly what brand and product is going on your house. There's a massive difference between a builder-grade 3-tab shingle and a Malarkey Vista AR with SBS polymer — and the estimate should reflect that.

When we do estimates, I walk homeowners through every line item. Not because I love paperwork, but because you deserve to understand what you're paying for. If a contractor can't explain their own estimate, what does that tell you about their work?

Any roofer can buy shingles and nail them on. But manufacturer certifications mean the contractor has been trained, vetted, and approved by the shingle manufacturer to install their products to spec. Why does that matter? Because your shingle warranty depends on proper installation. If a non-certified crew installs your roof wrong, the manufacturer can deny your warranty claim entirely.

For example, we're CertainTeed ShingleMaster certified and a Malarkey Emerald Pro contractor. That means both manufacturers have verified our installation practices, insurance, and business standing. We can offer their enhanced warranties that cover both materials and workmanship — not just the shingle itself. Ask any contractor you're considering what certifications they hold and what warranty tier that qualifies you for.

If they just shrug and say "the shingles come with a warranty," they either don't understand the system or they're hoping you won't look into it. Either way, that's not who you want on your roof.

Here's something most homeowners don't think to ask: who's actually going to be on my roof? A lot of companies sub out the labor. The salesperson you met? He's never touching a shingle. The crew that shows up might be a completely different company — one the contractor found last week to fill a gap in their schedule.

Ask directly: do you use your own crews or subcontractors? Will there be a dedicated project manager? How will you communicate during the project? What happens if I have a question at 7 PM on a Tuesday?

We assign a dedicated project manager to every job and give homeowners access to a project portal where they can see updates, photos, and timelines in real time. That's not standard in this industry — most companies hand you a start date and tell you to hope for the best. The project management side of roofing is where a lot of contractors fall short, and it's where homeowners end up frustrated.

After two decades in this business, I can tell you that most homeowners already sense when something's off. Trust that feeling. If a contractor pressures you to sign today because the "price goes up tomorrow," walk away. If they ask for a large deposit before any work starts, walk away. If they can't give you local references from the past six months, walk away.

Other red flags worth watching for: no physical office or yard you can visit, only accepting cash or personal checks, refusing to pull permits, and offering to "work with your insurance company" in a way that sounds like they're inflating the claim. That last one can get you — the homeowner — in serious legal trouble.

A good roofing contractor won't rush you. They'll answer your questions, show you their work, and give you time to make the right decision. That's how we operate, and it's how every reputable contractor I know operates too.

Your roof is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home. The contractor you choose matters just as much as the materials they install. Take the time to do your homework — verify licenses, check insurance, read reviews, get detailed estimates, and ask the hard questions. The right contractor will welcome the scrutiny.

If you're in the Twin Cities area and want to see what a thorough roofing process looks like, we're happy to walk you through it. Give us a call at (952) 206-6339 or schedule a free inspection — no pressure, no gimmicks, just a straight answer about what your roof actually needs.