A day after a storm, you’re probably going to start seeing roofing trucks driving up and down your street. With the best intentions, these companies will stop in front of your house and offer their services. But beware! You may be about to become a victim of one of the most common scams in the roofing industry: “storm chasers” who make big promises they have no intention to keep. Follow our tips for avoiding this scam so that you can protect yourself from getting ripped off when disaster strikes.
Schedule a roof inspection from a reputable, licensed roofer
After a storm, it’s tempting to trust the first guy who comes knocking on your door. Don’t be fooled! Many shady companies out there will try to con you into paying top dollar for shoddy work or unnecessary replacements. Instead, schedule an appointment with a reputable roofing company and ensure they’re licensed and insured. They will come to your home or business and provide a detailed inspection of your roof that includes pictures before providing you with a written estimate.
Inspections should be done during daylight hours
Much like scheduling an appointment, only allow a roofer to inspect your roof when they can do so when there’s plenty of natural light and it’s easy to see the whole roof. This way, you’ll be able to see any damage better and have a record of it that can’t be altered or deleted.
Unfortunately, these unscrupulous roofers will often try to capitalize on people desperate for help after a storm hits their home. So don’t trust just anyone to assess the damage to your roof. Instead, make sure they are respectful of your time and schedule, have proper documentation, and can show you before-and-after photos of completed roofs in the area where you live.
Ask to see the company’s insurance certificate
When you hire a roofing contractor, they should be able to show you that they’re insured and licensed by the state. Any reputable professional will have this information on hand during your meeting. Of course, there may still be shady contractors out there, but by asking to see their credentials, you’ll be able to tell if they’re reputable.
Ask a lot of questions
The best way to avoid roofing scams is to stay informed! Do some research on the company that you’re looking into hiring. Ask for references from friends and family. If they have a website, check it out for examples of work they’ve done in the past. If you can’t find any information about their business, use caution and make sure to ask them for references before you hire them.
If you’re worried that a storm might damage your roof, that’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment with a licensed professional. They will typically inspect your roof for free, give you a thorough estimate, and even provide you with some great tips about keeping your roof in tip-top condition.
Never pay upfront or with cash
When you’re dealing with a roofing company, it’s important to remember that they should never try to pressure you into paying in cash or upfront for their services. This is another red flag! There are lots of shady companies out there who will ask for money before beginning their work so that you can’t back out. Other customers may report them to the Department of Consumer Affairs for deceptive business practices.
Always make sure you get a written estimate
Roofing estimates should be taken seriously and signed off on by at least one responsible party (that means you!). Make sure that the company has also told you ahead of time what they plan to do and how much it will cost. If you notice any discrepancies in the estimate, it’s okay to ask for a different one! Unfortunately, there are some companies who will try to charge you more than what was written on their original estimate.
Don’t rely on word-of-mouth alone
This is extremely important: don’t trust just anyone with your roofing needs. There are lots of roofing scams out there, and it’s your job to make sure that you’re safe. Don’t ever rely on word-of-mouth alone. If someone recommends a roofer who has turned out to be unreliable, then they could end up costing you money or even damaging your house further.
Key Takeaway
The best way to avoid roofing scams is to stay informed! Do some research on the company that you’re looking into hiring. Ask for references from friends and family. If they have a website, check it out for examples of work they’ve done in the past. If you can’t find any information about their business, use caution and make sure to ask them for references before you hire them.
