What actually happens during a proper roof inspection and how homeowners can spot a trustworthy roofer.
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A roofing contractor in Charlotte NC was recently arrested for attempting to damage a homeowner’s roof and filing a fraudulent insurance claim for $30,000.
This news story raises questions about roofing companies and free roof inspections.
When you know you need a new roof, how can you know which roofing company to trust? How can a homeowner discern if an inspection report is reliable? What questions should they ask before letting an inspector get on their roof?
Well first, we have to understand what makes a bad roofer. And this news story is a prime case study.
The arrest was the result of a two-month sting operation by fraud investigators. Allegedly, the contractor and another man damaged and bent the shingles of a roof in Wake County. They then claimed the roof damage was the result of wind and hail and submitted the insurance claim.
So what happened?
The fraud investigation set up a “bait house” to catch roofers who were intentionally damaging roofs to create repair work and support fake insurance claims.
But did you notice something?
The investigators weren’t targeting all roofers. There’s nothing wrong with giving out free inspections, door-to-door outreach, or the legitimate roofers who are doing honest work.
This is a bad actor, and not reflective of the roofing industry at large.
But it’s still a valid concern for homeowners.
Most homeowners just aren’t experts on roofs, shingles, or construction. Most of us leave and return to our home without even glancing up at our roofs. So when a roofer visits us to offer a free inspection, we don’t know what to ask, what a proper inspection should include, or how to evaluate the information we’re given.
The reality is that roofs get old. Eventually, we’ll all need them looked at. Which means we’ll all need good roof inspections.
Because most of us can’t see damage on our roofs from the ground (unless you’ve got really good eyesight). And getting your roof inspected is the best way to prevent costly issues later on. Not getting your roof checked is risky. The last thing you want is to wake up to a leak in your kitchen ceiling (that looks something like this…)
But we often don’t know what “good” means. And with stories like this one, you’re right to be at the very least curious about what to look for in a good roofer. Bad roof inspection reports can feel like the long, wordy manual that came with your TV written in five languages.
What a Good Roof Inspection Should Include:
- A full visual sweep: Inspect shingles, flashing, vents, and gutters for damage or wear, from ground level and up close.
- Structural check: Look for weak spots, rot, or water damage in the roof deck and underlayment.
- Documented evidence: Photos and notes that clearly show issues, labeled for easy understanding.
- Plain-language explanations: Walk you through what’s serious, what’s cosmetic, and what can wait.
- Normal wear vs. real damage: Helps you prioritize repairs instead of chasing every minor flaw.
- Transparent advice: Answers your questions, explains next steps, and clarifies insurance relevance (without pressure).
Where Trust Is Earned (or Lost) During an Inspection
- Clear explanations: You should leave knowing exactly what’s wrong with your roof and why.
- No pushy pressure: A professional gives you time to decide, never rushing a signature.
- Questions welcomed: Honest answers, willingness to admit uncertainty, and guidance when needed.
- Patience over urgency: Risks are explained calmly; decisions are yours to make.
- Confidence building: A trustworthy inspector leaves you informed, empowered, and in control.
How Homeowners Can Identify a Trustworthy Roofer
- Professional habits: Shows up on time, organized, and prepared for a thorough inspection.
- Honest transparency: Explains costs, scope, and alternatives without overpromising or guaranteeing outcomes.
- Education-first approach: Helps you understand the difference between wear and damage. They should be your informed guide, not a greasy salesman.
- Respect for your pace: Gives you time to make decisions.
How Monaco Roofing Aligns With These Standards
At Monaco, we live by the standards we walk every homeowner through every single day.
- Clear communication is everything. We walk your roof, show you the issues, explain what matters now versus what can wait, and make sure nothing is lost in translation.
- We’re your guides. You get time to ask questions, weigh your options, and even get a second opinion if you want. It’s your home and your decision.
- Transparency in action. Every photo, every note, every recommendation is documented clearly. We avoid jargon and we won’t make you guess.
- Consistency in process. From your 5-Point Roof Scan to the final cleanup, we follow the same checklist for every home, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Respect and care. We treat your home like it’s ours, showing up on time, staying organized, and keeping you updated every step of the way.
This is the standard we hold ourselves to. This is how we believe inspections should be done. Not only because it makes us look good, but because it makes you feel confident in your roof, your decision, and your home.
After an inspection done the right way, you’ll notice a few things.
- You’ll be confident instead of confused, because you know what’s going on with your roof and what really needs attention.
- You’ll have clarity around your roof’s condition. Every issue is explained, every photo labeled, your questions will be answered, and every recommendation makes sense.
- You’ll have control over timing and options. You decide when to act and won’t be rushed to make any decisions.
- You’ll have peace of mind. You can finally relax knowing your roof, your home, and your decisions are all in good hands.
At the end of the day, the goal is to have you feel calm and informed about your next steps.
The next step is simple.
Take what you’ve learned and put it into action with an inspection that you can trust will give you clarity.
- Schedule a consultation with a roofer who follows the same standards we’ve outlined.
- Walk through your report, ask questions, see the findings, and understand what matters most.
- Take your time deciding. You don’t have to sign immediately. But you will be able to make an informed choice you feel good about.
- The inspection is a resource, and a way to turn uncertainty about your roof’s condition into confidence.
Take control of your home’s biggest protection.
Click here to schedule a free Roof Consultation with Monaco Roofing.
