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How to choose a roofing contractor in Maryland (and avoid storm chasers)
A roof is one of the biggest purchases a homeowner makes, and the roofing industry attracts its share of bad actors — especially after storms. Here's exactly how to separate a real, accountable contractor from a fly-by-night crew.
The 7-point checklist
- Verify the license. In Maryland, every home-improvement contractor needs an MHIC number — look it up on the state site. (Ours: MHIC #111971; VA #2705183185; PA #192325.)
- Confirm insurance. Liability and workers' comp protect you if something goes wrong on your property. Ask for a certificate.
- Demand a local, permanent address. Storm chasers use PO boxes and disappear. A real local company answers for its work years later.
- Check manufacturer certification. GAF factory-certified contractors can register enhanced warranties most roofers can't offer.
- Read the reviews — and the responses. Look for volume, recency, and how they handle the rare unhappy customer.
- Get the full scope in writing. Underlayment, ice-and-water shield, drip edge, ventilation, flashing — the items cheap bids quietly omit.
- Scrutinize the payment schedule. Reasonable: first insurance check at start, balance at completion. Red flag: large cash deposit up front.
Free 24-hour inspection + full photo report — a $400 value, free.
A licensed inspector documents your whole roof and you keep the report either way. If your roof doesn’t need work, we’ll tell you that too. No pressure, no sales script.
Book My Free Inspection →Red flags to walk away from
- High-pressure "sign today or the price goes up" tactics
- Asking you to pay your deductible "out of their pocket" (insurance fraud)
- No written contract or vague scope
- No verifiable license or local address
- Demanding a large deposit before any work
Quick gut check: a contractor who's still going to be in your community next year behaves like it — licensed, insured, transparent, and patient. One who isn't, doesn't.