The Short Answer: Yes, every legitimate roofing contractor should eagerly provide multiple references and have verifiable online reviews. If a roofer hesitates, makes excuses, or only offers hand-picked testimonials, walk away. Quality references span multiple years, include contact information, and exist across multiple independent platforms—not just the contractor’s website.
The 3 Types of References You Must Check
- Recent Project References (Last 6-12 Months)
- Shows current quality and crew performance
- Ask for 3-5 contacts with phone numbers
- Long-Term References (3-5+ Years Old)
- Proves warranty follow-through
- Tests roof performance through Dayton’s harsh winters
- Validates business stability
- Similar Project References (Your Type of Roof/Home)
- Same shingle type or roof complexity
- Shows relevant expertise for your specific needs
Missing any category? That’s a serious red flag about either quality, longevity, or honesty.
Where to Find REAL Reviews (And Where Scammers Hide)
Trustworthy Review Platforms:
Google Reviews (Hardest to fake)
- Look for 50+ reviews minimum with 4.5+ star average
- Check review dates span multiple years
- Read 3-star reviews most carefully—they’re usually most honest
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Shows complaint history and resolution patterns
- A+ rating with resolved complaints ideal
Facebook Business Page
- Reviews from real profiles with project photos
- Check recommendation count and engagement
Manufacturer Certification Sites
- Owens Corning, GAF directories verify training and status
Red Flag Platforms:
- Testimonials only on contractor’s website
- Reviews all posted same week with generic praise
- Newly created review profiles without history
Questions That Expose Fake References
When calling references, ask:
“What specific problems did you experience, and how were they resolved?”
- Perfect projects don’t exist—honesty about minor issues shows real reference
- How problems were handled matters most
“Would you hire them again, and have you referred them?”
- Ultimate test of satisfaction
- Referrals prove genuine approval
“How long ago was your roof done, and how has it performed?”
- Tests long-term quality and warranty follow-through
- Shows durability through Ohio weather
If references seem rehearsed or too perfect—they may not be real customers.
Red Flags That Scream “Fake References”
✗ Warning Signs:
- Only provides first names or won’t share contact info
- All reviews 5 stars posted within same 2-week period
- References “not comfortable being contacted”
- No project photos accompanying reviews
- Contractor offers to “have them call you” instead of giving direct contact
- Zero negative reviews despite years in business
- Defensive reaction when you ask to verify
Your Reference Verification Action Plan
Step 1: Online Research (15 minutes)
- Google “[Company Name] reviews” and check multiple platforms
- Check BBB rating and complaint patterns
- Note review age distribution
Step 2: Request Reference List
- Ask for 5+ contacts via email with mix of recent and older projects
- Specify you want similar projects to yours
- Note response time and willingness
Step 3: Make the Calls (30 minutes)
- Contact at least 3 references personally
- Ask open-ended questions and listen for genuine responses
- Request to see completed projects if nearby
Step 4: Drive-By Verification
- Visit 2-3 completed projects in your area
- Assess quality and note if roofs show premature wear
Step 5: Check Manufacturer Status
- Verify certifications with Owens Corning, GAF, etc.
- Ask local supply houses about reputation
Bottom Line: The Reference Reality Check
Green Lights to Proceed:
✓ Provides 10+ references without hesitation spanning multiple years
✓ 4.5+ stars across 50+ Google reviews
✓ BBB A rating with resolved complaints
✓ Encourages you to visit completed projects
✓ Responds professionally to all reviews
Red Lights to Stop:
✗ Hesitates or makes excuses about references
✗ Only offers 2-3 “cherry-picked” contacts
✗ All reviews recent despite claiming years in business
✗ Gets defensive about checking references
✗ No verifiable online presence
Next Steps: Don’t Skip This Critical Step
Before signing with ANY Dayton-area roofer:
- Request references in writing before the estimate appointment
- Spend 45 minutes verifying across multiple platforms
- Call at least 3 past customers with specific questions
- Drive by completed projects in your neighborhood
- Trust your instinct—if something feels off, it probably is
Questions that separate legitimate contractors from scammers:
- “Can you email me 10 references right now with contact info?”
- “Which projects in my ZIP code can I drive by to see your work?”
- “How do you respond to negative reviews on your Google page?”
Remember: A contractor confident in their work will practically beg you to call references. Hesitation tells you everything you need to know.
Need expert roofing services in Springboro? Call Rembrandt Roofing at (937) 746-7377 or visit www.rembrandtroofing.com today.