Top Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Roofer

Hiring a contractor to repair or replace your roof is one of the most important decisions you will make for your home. Your roof is the primary shield protecting your family and your property from the elements, especially in a place like Apopka, Florida, where it must endure intense sun, torrential rain, and hurricane-force winds. The quality of that shield depends heavily on the skill and integrity of the person who installs it.

Unfortunately, many well-intentioned homeowners fall into common traps during the hiring process. These mistakes can lead to disastrous outcomes, including shoddy workmanship, voided warranties, unexpected costs, and even legal liabilities. A decision made in haste or based on the wrong criteria can turn a necessary home improvement project into a long and expensive nightmare.

This guide will illuminate the top mistakes homeowners make when hiring a roofer. By understanding these pitfalls, you can arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate the selection process confidently and choose a truly professional, reliable contractor who will protect your home for years to come.

 

Mistake #1: Making Price the Only Deciding Factor

It’s natural to be budget-conscious, and a new roof or a major repair is a significant investment. However, one of the most frequent and costly mistakes is choosing a contractor based solely on the lowest bid. In the roofing industry, an unusually low price is almost always a major red flag, signaling that corners are being cut somewhere.

The Hidden Costs of a “Cheap” Roof

A bid that is significantly lower than the competition often means the contractor is compromising on critical aspects of the job:

• Substandard Materials: They may be using lower-grade shingles, thinner underlayment, or cheaper flashing materials that will not stand up to Florida’s harsh climate and will fail prematurely.
• Unskilled Labor: A low price can be a sign that the contractor is using an inexperienced or untrained crew. Proper roofing installation is a craft that requires precision. Improper nailing, faulty flashing installation, and poor sealing are common with unskilled labor and are the leading causes of roof leaks.
• Lack of Insurance: This is a huge liability. A contractor who doesn’t have to pay for proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance can offer a much lower price. However, this puts all the risk directly on you, the homeowner. If a worker is injured on your property, you could be held financially responsible.
• Cutting Corners on Safety: They may not invest in proper safety equipment for their crew, creating a dangerous work environment on your property.
• No Overhead or Longevity: The roofer might be a “fly-by-night” operator working out of a truck with no physical office or support staff. They have no long-term commitment to the community and will be nowhere to be found when their cheap repair fails in a year.

The Right Approach to Cost

Instead of just looking at the bottom-line number, evaluate the overall value. A quality roof is an investment, not an expense. A slightly higher price from a reputable contractor buys you superior materials, expert installation, comprehensive insurance coverage, and a solid workmanship warranty. This is the combination that provides real, long-term value and peace of mind. A cheap roof often becomes the most expensive one when you have to pay a professional to tear it off and do the job correctly a few years later.

 

Mistake #2: Failing to Verify Licensing and Insurance

This is a non-negotiable step that far too many homeowners skip. They either feel awkward asking for credentials or simply assume that anyone with a truck and a ladder is a legitimate business. This assumption can have devastating consequences.

Why Credentials Are Your First Line of Defense

• State Licensing: In Florida, a roofing contractor must hold a state-certified license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This license proves the contractor has passed competency exams, demonstrated financial stability, and has a clean professional record. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is illegal and leaves you with zero recourse if the work is subpar.
• General Liability Insurance: This policy protects your property. If a roofer accidentally damages your siding, breaks a window, or causes a leak that damages your home’s interior during the job, their liability insurance covers the repair costs. Without it, you would have to pay out of pocket or file a claim on your own homeowner’s insurance.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This is arguably the most critical protection for a homeowner. It covers the medical bills and lost wages of any worker injured on the job. If you hire a roofer without it and one of their employees falls from your roof, you could be sued personally and held liable for their extensive medical costs. This is a life-altering financial risk.

How to Verify Credentials

Do not just take their word for it. A professional contractor will be happy to provide documentation.

1. Ask for the license number and verify it on the DBPR website.
2. Request a certificate of insurance for both general liability and workers’ compensation.
3. Call the insurance provider listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is active and has sufficient coverage limits.

At HW Roofing, we are a fully licensed and insured company, and we encourage all homeowners to perform this vital due diligence.

 

Mistake #3: Not Getting a Detailed, Written Contract

A verbal agreement or a one-page estimate with a price scrawled on it is not a contract. A vague agreement is a recipe for misunderstandings, surprise charges, and disputes. Any professional roofer will provide a comprehensive, detailed contract before any work begins.

What a Proper Contract Must Include

Your contract is a legal document that should protect both you and the contractor. Insist that it contains the following details:

• Full Scope of Work: A detailed description of all work to be performed, including tear-off of old materials, decking inspection and potential replacement costs, installation of new underlayment, shingles, flashing, and ventilation.
• Specific Materials: The contract should list the exact materials to be used, including the manufacturer, brand name, and color of the shingles and other components.
• Itemized Costs: A breakdown of costs for labor, materials, and permits.
• Payment Schedule: A clear schedule outlining when payments are due (e.g., deposit, progress payments, final payment upon completion).
• Project Timeline: An estimated start date and completion date.
• Warranty Information: Details on both the manufacturer’s material warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty.
• Cleanup and Debris Removal: A clause stating that the contractor is responsible for cleaning the job site and hauling away all debris.
• Proof of Insurance and Licensing: The contractor’s license number should be on the contract.

Read the entire contract carefully before signing. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. If a contractor is hesitant to put these details in writing, walk away.

 

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Importance of a Local Presence

After a major hurricane or hailstorm, you will see an influx of “storm chasers.” These are out-of-state roofing companies that travel to disaster areas, go door-to-door, and pressure homeowners into signing contracts for quick, often subpar, repairs.

The Dangers of “Storm Chasers”

• No Accountability: Once they have completed the work in an area and collected their money, they are gone. When your new roof starts leaking six months later, their phone number is disconnected, and you have no one to call.
• Lack of Local Knowledge: They are unfamiliar with Apopka’s specific building codes, permitting processes, and climate requirements.
• Warranty Issues: Any workmanship warranty they offer is worthless if the company no longer exists or is based a thousand miles away.

The Advantage of Local Roofing Experts

Choosing an established, local roofing company offers immense benefits. A contractor with a physical office and a long history in the Apopka community has a vested interest in protecting their reputation. They are your neighbors. They will be here for you years down the road to honor their warranty and answer your call if a problem arises. They understand the local environment and build roofs designed to withstand it.

 

Mistake #5: Disregarding Online Reviews and References

In today’s digital world, it is easier than ever to research a company’s reputation. Ignoring this valuable resource is a significant oversight.

How to Properly Vet a Contractor’s Reputation

• Check Multiple Review Sites: Look at Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and other third-party review platforms. Don’t just look at the star rating; read the content of the reviews.
• Look for Patterns: Are customers consistently praising the company’s communication, professionalism, quality of work, and cleanup? Or are there recurring complaints about missed deadlines, surprise fees, or poor service?
• Ask for References: A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers you can contact. Ask these references about their overall experience, whether the job was completed on time and on budget, and if they would hire the contractor again.
• View Past Work: A portfolio of completed projects is a great way to assess the quality of a contractor’s work. A professional company will be proud to show you a gallery of their projects.

 

Mistake #6: Making a Large Upfront Payment

A common scam involves a “roofer” asking for a large down payment—often 50% or more—and then disappearing with the money, never to be seen again.

Safe Payment Practices

While it is standard practice for a contractor to require a deposit to cover the initial cost of materials (typically 10-30%), you should never pay the majority of the project cost upfront. The final payment should only be made after the work is 100% complete, the job site has been cleaned, and you have performed a final walk-through with the project manager and are fully satisfied. Pay with a check or credit card, not cash, as this provides a verifiable record of payment.

 

Your Home Deserves a Professional

Hiring a roofing contractor is a decision that will impact your home’s safety and value for decades. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can protect yourself from the stress and financial loss of a bad hire. The process is one of due diligence: take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts.

Your goal should be to find a partner for your home—a licensed, insured, and reputable local expert who uses quality materials, provides expert craftsmanship, and stands behind their work with a strong warranty.

At HW Roofing, we have built our business on a foundation of transparency, quality, and customer trust. We invite you to put us to the test. Ask us for our credentials, check our reviews, and let us provide you with a detailed, no-pressure estimate for your roof repairs or replacement. Contact us today and experience the peace of mind that comes from working with true professionals who are dedicated to protecting your Apopka home.