As of recently, Monmouth and Middlesex County have seen a huge up-tick in unlicensed roofing contractors, leading to numerous news coverage and Facebook group post’s detailing the horror stories that come with it. These stories, some stemming right in our home of Monroe Township and even Morganville are due to the demand for home exterior services. This unfortunately, has paved the way for a troubling rise in unlicensed contractors—often referred to as “storm chasers” or “trunk slammers.”
While an unlicensed roofing contractor may offer a price that seems unbeatable, the long-term risks to your home, your finances, and your legal standing are immense. At Amore Homes Roofing & Siding, we believe in transparency and community safety. Here is why verifying that you are working with a licensed roofing contractor is the most important step in your roofing journey.
In New Jersey, the law is made very clear: any contractor performing home improvements must be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC License, Ours Is: 13VH10483300). However, many “contractors” operate in the shadows, lacking the credentials required by the state and often trying to very quickly skip by when asked by home-owners for proper credentials.
When you hire an unlicensed contractor, you are often unknowingly stepping into the role of the “Employer.” So if a uninsured worker falls off a ladder at your home in Monroe while replacing your roof, or if a tool causes property damage to your neighbor’s house in Morganville, the financial liability will fall directly on your homeowners’ insurance, leaving you with a bill. Most policies have exclusions for work performed by unlicensed entities, meaning a “cheap roof” could result in a six-figure lawsuit that comes out of your pocket.
A licensed roofing contractor knows that major work—such as a multi-family roof replacement—requires a municipal permit. In Monroe Township, the building department requires proof of a valid NJ HIC license and insurance before a permit is even issued. Unlicensed contractors will often ask the homeowner to pull the permit as an “owner-occupant” or, worse, skip the permit process entirely.
Skipping permits means your roof is never inspected by a township official. If you go to sell your home later and the town finds work was done without a permit, you could face heavy fines and be forced to strip the roof and start over to meet code.
One of the most significant “hidden costs” of using unlicensed labor involves your roof’s warranty. Global leaders in roofing manufacturing, such as GAF and CertainTeed, have incredibly strict requirements for who can install their systems to maintain warranty eligibility.
Amore Homes is proud to be GAF Certified and a CertainTeed Select Shingle Master. These accolades aren’t just for show; they signify that our crews have undergone rigorous testing and that our business is fully licensed and insured to manufacturer standards. If an unlicensed contractor installs a GAF shingle improperly, the manufacturer can—and will—void the material warranty. You are left with a failing roof and no recourse.
Unlicensed contractors often use the same playbook and we see it very often, sometimes even right here in our community. Being able to spot these red flags can save you thousands:
The Door-to-Door “Surplus” Pitch: “We just finished a job down the street in Morganville and have extra shingles.” Professional contractors do not carry “extra” full roof systems in their trucks.
The Cash-Only Discount: If a contractor refuses to provide a written contract and asks for a large cash deposit upfront, walk away.
The Unmarked Vehicle: Legitimate licensed roofing contractors take pride in their brand. If the truck has out-of-state plates or no permanent company signage, it is a sign they may disappear the moment the final check clears.
We have been in the roofing and siding business for 20 years, and we have seen the damage caused by substandard, unlicensed work. This is why we hold ourselves to a higher standard of “Experience” and “Expertise.”
Fully Licensed & Insured: We maintain active NJ HIC registration and comprehensive general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Owner-Led Quality Control: Our owners, Robert and Mario, are physically involved in our Monroe and Marlboro operations. We aren’t a faceless corporation; we are your neighbors.
Proven Track Record: With over 60+ five-star reviews, our reputation in the community is our most valuable asset. We live and work in the same neighborhoods we serve.
At the end of the day, a roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Whether you are dealing with the wind-driven rain common along the Route 9 corridor or the heavy snow loads that tend to hit Monroe Township in February, your roof needs to be installed by professionals who are legally and technically qualified to do the work.
We encourage all homeowners to do their homework. Check the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website to verify a contractor’s status. Also Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate. A legitimate, licensed roofing contractor will be happy to provide these documents.
If you have questions about a recent estimate you received, or if you suspect your roof was installed improperly by a previous contractor, we are here to help. Explore our [Roofing Knowledge Base] for more insights or call our office for a transparent, professional inspection.
