Why You Shouldn’t Trust 5-Star Reviews

The truth is the roofing industry is flooded with fake reviews. Believe it or not, 5-star reviews can be purchased. An unscrupulous company that buys reviews can look like a “top-rated” contractor.

Other bad practices include paying for a fake Google account to boost their reputation. They have ways to bury bad feedback so those searching for a reputable contractor do not see the negative reviews.

Which 5-Star Reviews Genuinely Reflect Real Customer Experiences?

There are ways to determine which reviews are genuine and trustworthy and to avoid falling for polished profiles that hide poor workmanship or shady practices.

Look for Reviews with Real Stories.

An old truism says, “The devil is in the details.” In the case of authentic reviews, it is important to look for reviews that mention specific details. These reviews may include the names of team members, the type of shingles used, how the project stayed on schedule, any challenges that were overcome, or how the contractor’s crew handled cleanup. Fake reviews sound generic: “Great company!” Fast and professional!” The reviews without any real context are not a true reflection of a company’s professionalism or capabilities.

Photos and Local Mentions Mean a Lot.

The most reliable reviewers often include photos of their homes. Before and after photos or in-progress shots are very effective. Some may mention the town where the work was done – another good indicator that the review is genuine. “Our new roof in Lexington” or “Golden Group replaced our shingles in Worcester” These aspects set a real review apart from a fake one.

Check the Timeline of the Reviews Posted.

A trustworthy roofing contractor builds its online reputation over years, not days. A “red flag” is seeing many glowing reviews posted in the same week. Instead, look for a steady flow of positive feedback, especially reviews of recent projects, to confirm consistent quality.

Look for a Pattern, Not Perfect Scores.

Check the average score. A star rating of 4.8 often indicates honest feedback. A flawless 5-star rating is less believable. Check the reviews over time. You are looking for a steady stream of positive feedback. A sudden spike in the star rating can indicate that outside influences are the reason.

Read How the Company Handles Criticism.

Even the best roofing companies can get a 3- or 4-star review. What really matters is how the company responded. Is there a problem that can be resolved? Did the company respond in a timely manner, respectfully and professionally? Was the reviewer thanked for the feedback? These approaches demonstrate the company’s integrity while ignoring the feedback or arguing with the customer is the mark of a company you don’t want to select as your roofing contractor.

Compare Reviews Over Multiple Platforms.

When checking reviews, you do not want to rely on just one site. In addition to the popular Google, visit the company’s postings on Facebook, Angi/HomeAdvisor, and the Better Business Bureau. You can also check the manufacturers’ websites for their directories of certified installers. Examples include CertainTeed, GAF, or Owens Corning.

Verify Credentials.

Online reviews should support a good reputation, but they cannot replace your own due diligence. Selecting the right roofer depends on checking the following before signing anything. Be sure to confirm:

• The company is licensed and insured in Massachusetts
• They can provide local references.
• They are certified installers for major roofing manufacturers
• They provide a clearly stated warranty.
• The company address has been verified.

Remember: Beware of Red Flags about 5-Star Reviews

Don’t ignore these red flags that indicate you should be looking elsewhere for your roofing contractor.

• A lack of reviews that are older than a few months
• Company name changes or inconsistent branding
• Identical or generic wording in the reviews that do not include details
• Clusters of short 5-star reviews
• Unprofessional (or no) response to negative reviews
• Reviews on only one platform

Rely on the Reviews that Sound Like You

If you are considering replacing an old roof on your Massachusetts home, read reviews on multiple platforms and focus on those from individuals in similar situations. What do they say about communication from the company sales and installation team? What about warranty follow-up or cleanup? The aspects of the project that are most important to you are what will resonate with you and will help you to decide on a contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions about 5-Star Reviews

Can roofing companies buy fake reviews?

Yes, some roofing companies can and do buy fake reviews, just like businesses in many other industries. Third-party services exist that sell reviews or incentivize people who were never real customers. In some cases, reviews may come from friends, employees, or paid contractors instead of actual homeowners.

That said, fake reviews are not the norm for reputable roofers. Established companies that rely on long-term referrals and local reputation typically avoid this practice because it risks penalties from platforms like Google and damages trust if discovered.

How can I tell if a roofing review is real?

Real roofing reviews usually include specific details. Look for mentions of the type of work performed, timelines, materials used, crew behavior, or how issues were handled. Reviews that sound generic, overly polished, or repetitive across multiple profiles can be a red flag.

Also pay attention to review patterns. A sudden spike of 5-star reviews in a short time, especially with little text, can be suspicious. Profiles with no photos, no history, or reviews only for one company may also indicate low credibility.

Should I trust a roofing company with only 5-star reviews?

Not automatically. A profile with only 5-star reviews can happen, but it is uncommon for any service business to satisfy every customer perfectly. A small number of 4-star or even occasional 3-star reviews often makes a company appear more authentic.

What matters more than a perfect score is consistency over time and how the company handles feedback. A mix of ratings paired with thoughtful responses often signals a more transparent and experienced roofing contractor.

Why do responses to negative reviews matter?

Responses show how a roofing company handles problems when things do not go perfectly. A professional, calm reply that explains the situation or offers a resolution demonstrates accountability and customer care.

Negative reviews without responses can suggest avoidance or poor communication. On the other hand, a well-handled response can actually build more trust than a page full of unchallenged 5-star reviews because it shows how the company behaves when challenged.

Why Golden Group Roofing’s Reviews Stand Out

Golden Group Roofing has spent years earning genuine 5-star reviews from homeowners across Massachusetts. Every review you read was written by verifiable customers – people who experienced firsthand our commitment to professionalism, craftsmanship, transparency, and service. We are extremely proud of our well-earned reputation from serving customers in Massachusetts since 2012.

We never buy reviews. We earn them, one roof at a time. 

If you’re looking for a new roof, call the experts at Golden Group Roofing. We offer a full range of options and professional installers serving the Boston, Worcester, and South Shore areas. Our award-winning team will take the time to carefully explain the choices available to you, allowing you to make the best decision for your budget, priorities and style. Contact us today for your free, no-pressure consultation.