It’s one of the most important steps homeowners forget—and one of the easiest to do. Before you let someone work on your roof, siding, windows, or gutters, take 60 seconds and check their license.
Why? Because hiring an unlicensed contractor doesn’t just put your home at risk—it could cost you up to $25,000 in lost money, repairs, or damage if something goes wrong.
At Michaelson Roofing Improvements (MRI), we carry licenses in every state we work in, and we encourage you to verify them. We believe transparency builds trust—and we’ve seen too many homeowners burned by contractors who never should’ve been on the job site in the first place.
What Can Go Wrong With an Unlicensed Contractor?
Let’s say a contractor gives you a low bid and asks for a deposit. They tear off half your roof, then disappear. Or worse—they finish the job, but it fails inspection, and now you’re stuck paying someone else to fix it.
If they’re unlicensed, you have no recourse with the state. You can’t file a complaint. You can’t access the contractor recovery fund. You’re on your own.
The Safety Net You Didn’t Know Existed
Most states have a Home Improvement Recovery Fund that can reimburse homeowners up to $20,000–$25,000 if they were scammed or left with unfinished work by a licensed contractor.
The keyword? Licensed. If your contractor isn’t properly registered, that protection disappears.
Licensing Isn’t Just About Legality—It’s About Standards
A licensed contractor must:
- Carry liability and workers’ comp insurance
- Pass exams or demonstrate knowledge
- Follow building codes and state regulations
- Be accountable to a regulatory board
It’s proof that they’re not just someone with a truck and a business card.
At MRI, We Make It Easy to Verify Us
You’ll find our licenses right on our website. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured in every state we work in—and we provide documentation in every proposal.
Our contracts also include language that protects you and ensures we follow all:
- Local building codes
- Manufacturer installation standards
- HOA rules or community covenants
Our Promise: No Final Payment Until the Job Is Verified
We never ask for final payment until you receive your MRI Stages Report – a full photo document showing everything that was installed and how it was done. We walk the job with you, answer questions, and only close out the project when you’re completely satisfied.
No ghosting. No disappearing. No surprises.
Ask Yourself:
- Have I seen proof of licensing and insurance?
- Do I know who to call if something goes wrong?
- Is my contractor offering documentation of the job?
- What happens if they leave before finishing?
If you can’t answer those questions confidently, it’s time to stop and verify.
Protect Your Home and Your Investment
Don’t get taken advantage of. A contractor’s license is your first line of defense against fraud, shoddy work, and financial risk.
MRI is proud to operate with full transparency, every time. Check our licenses. Review our reports. See our work.
We’re here to bring your home back to good health—and we do it the right way, from the start.