How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Brooklyn NY: 7 Things You Must Check Before Signing

Roofing is one of the largest home improvement investments you will make, and unfortunately, Brooklyn has no shortage of unlicensed contractors, scammers, and low quality operators who take deposits and disappear. This guide gives you 7 concrete checks to protect yourself before signing any roofing contract.

1. Verify Their NYC Home Improvement License

Every roofing contractor working in New York City must hold a valid NYC Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license from the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. Ask for the license number and verify it at nyc.gov/dca. MLM Construction Group holds HIC #2130570. Verify it at nyc.gov/dca anytime.

2. Check Insurance: Liability AND Workers Comp

Your contractor must carry two types of insurance: general liability (protects your property if they cause damage) and workers compensation (protects you if a worker is injured on your roof). Ask for certificates of insurance and call the insurance company to verify they are current.

3. Look Up Their BBB Rating

The Better Business Bureau maintains complaint histories for all accredited and non accredited businesses. A contractor with multiple unresolved complaints is a serious red flag. Look for BBB A or A+ ratings with no unresolved complaints. MLM Construction Group maintains a BBB A+ rating.

4. Check Google Reviews. Read Them Carefully

Volume matters, but so does recency. A contractor with 200 reviews from 2019 and none from the past year is concerning. Look for recent reviews (within 6 months), look for responses from the business, and read the negative reviews to see how complaints were handled.

5. Ask About Manufacturer Certifications

Manufacturer certifications like GAF and Owens Corning are only awarded to roofing contractors who meet strict installation standards and training requirements. A certified contractor installs to factory spec and can back your roof with manufacturer backed materials warranty coverage. Always ask to see a contractor's current certifications and license before you sign.

• GAF Certified: Factory standard shingle installation + materials warranty
• Firestone Certified: Required for Firestone commercial systems
• Google Guaranteed: Background check and verification by Google

6. Get Everything in Writing

Your contract should specify the exact materials being installed (including manufacturer names and product lines), the scope of work, payment schedule, project timeline, and warranty details. Never accept a verbal agreement for a roofing job.

7. Never Pay More Than 30% Upfront

A legitimate roofing contractor will ask for a reasonable deposit (typically 10-30%) and the remainder upon completion. Any contractor demanding 50%, 75%, or full payment upfront before starting work is a major red flag.

← Back to all articles