To choose a roofing contractor in the Twin Cities, verify they hold a Minnesota residential building contractor license, carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance, have a real local address and years of history here, provide a detailed written scope, and back the work with a workmanship warranty. Be cautious with out-of-town crews that show up right after a hailstorm.
Verify the Minnesota license and insurance
Residential roofing work above a small dollar threshold requires a state license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Ask for the license number and look it up. Then ask for certificates of general liability and workers' comp — if an uninsured worker is hurt on your roof, you don't want that coming back to your homeowners policy.
Look for a local address and track record
A contractor with a permanent Twin Cities address, a local phone number, and a decade or more of work in the north metro will still be reachable when a warranty question comes up in year six. Total Home Exteriors has worked here since 2003 — learn more about us.
Ask about manufacturer certification
Shingle makers like Owens Corning, GAF, and CertainTeed certify contractors who meet training and installation standards, and certified installers can offer stronger system warranties. It's a useful signal of consistent workmanship.
Get the scope in writing
A real estimate lists tear-off layers, underlayment, ice-and-water shield coverage (how far up from the eaves, valleys, penetrations), drip edge, flashing, ventilation, ridge cap, nail type and pattern, cleanup and magnet sweep, and permit handling. Vague one-line bids can't be compared fairly.
Understand the two warranties
Material warranty comes from the shingle manufacturer and covers product defects. Workmanship warranty comes from the contractor and covers installation errors — this is the one that depends on the company still being around. Ask how long it runs and what it includes.
Read reviews with a critical eye
Look for reviews that mention the north metro, describe the process, and show how the company handled a problem — not just five-star one-liners. Check more than one platform.
Red flags to walk away from
- Pressure to sign today or "the price goes up"
- An offer to waive or absorb your insurance deductible (illegal in Minnesota)
- Asking for a large payment up front or full payment before work starts
- No written contract, no license number, no local address
- Only a cell phone and a magnetic truck sign
Questions to ask before you sign
- What's your Minnesota license number?
- Will your own crews or subcontractors do the work?
- What ice-and-water shield coverage is included?
- How do you handle decking replacement and the added cost?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover and for how long?
Frequently asked questions
Is the lowest bid ever the right choice? Only if the scope truly matches. Compare line by line first.
Should I pay in full up front? No. Expect a deposit, a progress payment, and a final payment on completion.
Storm chaser or local roofer? Local, for warranty and accountability.
Does a small repair need a licensed contractor? Above the state's dollar threshold, yes.
Talk to a licensed local roofer
Total Home Exteriors is licensed, insured, and north-metro based since 2003. Call 612-388-7795, see our FAQ, or request a free estimate.
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