What checks do you use before hiring a roofer after scam allegations?

Recent reports from North Carolina and Texas describe separate roofing-related enforcement matters. North Carolina officials announced guilty pleas in a roofing-scam case, while the Texas attorney general sued a DFW roofing company, alleging it accepted payments without completing work. Florida reporting has also examined how regulators handled contractors accused of deceptive practices. These matters involve different companies and states, and allegations are not proof of guilt.

For homeowners comparing bids, what verification steps do you consider essential before signing or paying? I’m thinking about checking the state license and complaint history, confirming liability and workers’ compensation insurance directly with the carrier, calling recent references, and searching court or enforcement records.

How much upfront payment is reasonable, and what should the written contract say about the scope, permits, change orders, milestones, retainage, completion date, and warranty? Have you found any reliable way to verify that a roofer’s references and certifications are legitimate?

Sources for the current development:
Charlotte brothers plead guilty in Wake County roofing scam | NC DOI
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues DFW Area Roofing Company for Scamming Customers and Targeting Texans | Office of the Attorney General
State-licensed scams: Florida regulators allow contractors accused of deception to keep licenses
State-licensed scams: Florida regulators allow contractors ...