You are interested in roofing services. Your existing roof may need repairs or replacement; however, you don’t want anyone just working on it. The roof is an integral part of your home. You don’t want to pay too much for roofing work or get inferior work that will cause you to pay even more to fix. Here are some tips to help stay safe and to build trust with your roofer.
What is a Roofer Scam?
People will pose as a roofer to scam a homeowner out of their money. They pose as a contractor and may ask for money upfront without starting or completing the work. They may also request more money than was previously agreed on and claim they can only finish the job if you pay the higher amount. They could also threaten legal action or liens against you for payment.
Identifying Legitimate Roofing Contractors
A legitimate roofing contractor may willingly provide proof of license/bond and insurance. They will have an actual place of business and offer you their contact information as well as a phone number. They may also provide a tax identification number.
Other ways to identify a real roofer include obtaining a list of previous customer references, and a list of past completed projects. They may have an extensive warranty outlined in the contract as well as a written proposal regarding the project costs and what work they will perform.
Warning Signs of a Roofing Scam
A scammer may try to convince you that you won’t have to pay for anything as they will handle all the insurance claims for you. All you need to do is sign over the homeowner’s insurance to them to make the process easier. However, this is typically a sure sign of a scam.
Many scammers also watch the weather reports for any storms in the region. They will plaster flyers on mailboxes or knock on doors trying to offer cheap and fast work. They may give you poor work quality or just take your money and disappear without doing the job.
Other warning signs include asking for more money before completing the job or asking for an enormous deposit before the work begins. While asking for a deposit is normal practice, substantial amounts may indicate that it’s a scam and the person will disappear with the money.
Avoid falling for a roofing scam by practicing due diligence. Always research the roofing contractor before hiring them and ask to see their business license and warranty information. You want a contractor who has a list of references, can provide you with a portfolio of previously completed work, and is willing to provide you with accurate contact information. For more details, reach out to Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.
