Don’t Get Scammed! The Dangers of Unlicensed and Uncertified Roofing Contractors in Chester County, PA
Finding the right contractor can be stressful—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are certain safeguards put in place to help PA homeowners choose a contractor with confidence—and that’s exactly what this article is all about.
TLDR: Article Overview
If you’re hiring a roofer in Chester County, PA, certification and licensing matter.
Here’s why:
- By choosing an unlicensed contractor in Pennsylvania, you risk being scammed, brought to court for injury liability, or being left with shoddy craftsmanship and additional bills
- Homeowners sometimes choose unlicensed or uncertified contractors due to lower bids and being unaware of what a contractor’s license/manufacturer’s certification is
- Manufacturer’s Certifications are an investment in quality craftsmanship, long-term business practices, and an ability to provide stronger warranties for customers
- To vet a roofing contractor, ask if they’re licensed in the state of PA as a residential contractor, along with what manufacturer certifications they have, if any
- View all of E&E General Contracting’s certifications—and what they mean—here!
Don’t Get Scammed! The Dangers of Unlicensed and Uncertified Roofing Contractors in Chester County, PA
It’s sad, but true. Homeowners get scammed by contractors.
Who hasn’t heard horror stories of workers disappearing mid-job, leaving behind a trail of poor craftsmanship, owners having to foot the bill, and maybe even getting sued? And the fact is, roofing is one of the most vulnerable trades here in Chester County for homeowners getting ripped off.
Because of this, finding the right contractor can be stressful—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are certain safeguards put in place to help PA homeowners choose a contractor with confidence—and that’s exactly what this article is all about.
So give it a quick read. You’ll learn why certain certifications and licensing are non-negotiables, what’s at risk if you take your chances on an unlicensed roofing contractor, and how to make the best choice for you and your home.
Why Licensing is a Non-Negotiable for Chester County Roofers
When it comes to hiring a reputable roofer, both licensing and certifications are important. However, insofar as homeowner protection goes, licensing is an absolute necessity.
In the State of Pennsylvania, contractors performing more than $5K in work per year are required to carry a Home Improvement Contractor license.
This license protects homeowners in the following ways:
- By requiring contractors to provide written contracts including the contractor’s registration number, a detailed description of work and materials, total cost, down payment, and approx. start/completion dates
- Forbidding contractors from including waivers of health, safety, or building codes in contracts, or holding harmful clauses that relieve the contractor of liability in the event of an accident
- Protecting the homeowner from being prosecuted in the court of law if a contractor doesn’t include all of the legally required information
- Stating that no advance payments may be made before signing a proper contract, as required by the state
- By requiring contractors to carry a minimum liability insurance coverage amount in the event of an accident
- Penalizing contractors for performing work without a registration license—and enabling homeowners to recover 100% of any money paid for work
- Providing homeowners the right to cancel contracts within three days of signing
Why Are Installation and Product Certifications Important?
Manufacturer’s certifications are not legally required by the state. However, if a contractor is willing to invest in them, they do demonstrate a belief in quality workmanship, doing things right, and keeping an eye on the long-term.
Investing in manufacturers’ certifications shows:
- A contractor is trained to install products by the manufacturer and able to offer the best warranties and guarantees
- Product installation follows the exact technical standards mandated by the manufacturer’s warranty and won’t be voided
- Completed work is inspected or audited for quality assurance
- The contractor is current with material updates and installation technology, as certifications must be renewed every few years
To be fair, not all contractors invest in manufacturer certifications—especially smaller outfits that aren’t ready to invest financially.
That said, nearly all reputable contractors looking to the long-term see them as a worthwhile investment—if only for the peace of mind they bring their customers.
Why Do Some Homeowners Still Choose Less-Qualified Roofers?
When it comes to choosing less-qualified contractors, cost is often a contributing factor—but it isn’t the only reason.
The fact is, many homeowners just don’t know what to look for.
- They assume all roofers are basically the same
- They don’t know what different certifications mean
- Unqualified contractors may market more aggressively
- They don’t realize improper installation often voids warranties
But here’s the good news: all you have to do is keep reading to bridge that gap.
E&E General Contracting’s Certifications—and What They Mean
To our crews, installation certifications are not the end-all-be-all of the roofing world. Rather, they’re a reflection of our commitment to quality craftsmanship and exterior renovations done right—all part of the reason we offer a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty.
Here are our crews' current certifications—and what they mean:
- ProVia Certified Installer (Windows & Doors)
- Ensures precise, energy-efficient installation that meets ProVia’s strict structural and performance standards
- Anderson Certified Installer (Windows & Doors)
- Additional training in advanced flashing, sealing, and installation methods that prevent leaks and preserve energy efficiency
- LP SmartSide Certified Installer
- LP trains contractors on moisture management, proper fastening patterns, advanced trim/soffit installation, and ventilation—reducing swelling, buckling, and premature failure
- DaVinci Roofing Masterpiece Contractor
- Awarded to only top-performing DaVinci installers, this cert demonstrates proven expertise with composite roofing materials and exceptional craftsmanship
- GAF Master Elite Installer
- Awarded to the top 2% of roofers nationwide, this certification allows E&E to offer the strongest GAF warranties and guarantees
- CertainTeed ShingleMaster
- Indicates advanced training in shingle technology, ventilation science, and high-level roof system installation
- Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) Certified Installer
- Hands-on training and testing to learn proper siding installation that prevents warping, blow-offs, and moisture damage
How Do I Choose A Roofing and Siding Contractor?
When choosing a reputable roofing and siding contractor, stick to these basics:
- Ensure they are licensed in the state of PA and have a contractor’s registration number
- Make sure they are insured and bonded—if not, walk away; it isn’t worth it
- Ask what manufacturer’s certifications they invest in, if any
- Get a full list of product warranties and workmanship warranty info from the contractor themselves
- Ask for references, reviews, and pictures of past work completed in your area
If a contractor can’t answer all of these questions confidently, move on to the next—it isn’t worth the risk. With so many reputable builders out there, it isn’t worth the risk.
Get A Roof You Can Be Proud Of
Occasional repairs and renovations are a necessary part of home ownership. And when the time comes for an upgrade, our team encourages you to make the most of that opportunity.
Because E&E knows renovating your home is a big deal. You might only do it once in a lifetime—but here’s the deal: we do it every day. And after 30 years, our crews are still passionate about putting our homeowners’ minds at ease.
Here’s how E&E can help you get a home you’re proud of:
- Exterior home repairs
- Interior and exterior home renovations
- Roof services (roofing installation and repairs)
- Siding installation
- Window replacement
- Custom home additions
- Outdoor living spaces
- And more!
So reach out today for a complimentary estimate and initial consultation. Because you deserve a home to be proud of—for life.
