Hiring a contractor in Illinois: check, red flags, complaints
Check a roofer on the IDFPR lookup, ask for proof of bond and insurance, and get a written contract for repairs over $1,000. (source: IDFPR License Lookup (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the IDFPR website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Choose License Type "ROOFING CONTRACTOR", enter a license number, business or person name, complete the CAPTCHA and search. (source: IDFPR License Lookup (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (roofing) sources. See sources.
Red flags when hiring
- A roofer who is not on the IDFPR lookup as a roofing contractor. (source: IDFPR License Lookup (opens in a new tab))
- Home repair over $1,000 with no written contract or work order. (source: 815 ILCS 513/15: Home Repair and Remodeling Act, written contract (opens in a new tab))
- A plumber who can't show an IDPH plumbing license. (source: Illinois Department of Public Health: Plumbing (opens in a new tab))
Penalties (roofing)
- Unlicensed roofing: $200 per violation, $400 for a repeat within 12 months. (source: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460: Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act rules (opens in a new tab))
- Aiding unlicensed practice: $100 ($200 repeat). Substandard work: $100. (source: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460: Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act rules (opens in a new tab))
Consumer protections
Written contract
- Home repair or remodeling work over $1,000 needs a written contract (Home Repair and Remodeling Act). (source: 815 ILCS 513/15: Home Repair and Remodeling Act, written contract (opens in a new tab))
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- IDFPR License Lookup (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460: Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act rules (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Illinois Department of Public Health: Plumbing (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- 815 ILCS 513/15: Home Repair and Remodeling Act, written contract (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
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