Nothing is more important than finding a high-quality roofer who you trust. To help you, we’ve created a list of 3 common roofing scams — and how you can avoid them.
The storms arrived – and left you with missing shingles and leaks. You get a knock on your door – and ominous news from the “Roofing Contractor” who greets you.
You have just received your check from your insurance company – and now you feel like the contract signing is going too fast for your own comfort.
Roofing scams are not just urban legends. There’s a reason that you’ve heard so many horror stories about home and business owners who were taken in by unscrupulous roofers.
What Are Common Roofing Scams?
Roofing scams are a common way for the unsuspecting to lose a lot of money, with little recourse for getting it back.
It’s easy to visit a site like the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker, and see how many of these schemes are active at any given time.
With the possibility of major storms rolling into our area this winter, even the best-prepared person can find themselves dealing with a sudden need for roof repairs.
This fall, it’s a good time to prepare your home for winter – and also prepare yourself by learning how to avoid the most common roofing scams.
1. The Really Great Deal
These contractors come in at the outset with a low bid that has you breathing a sigh of relief, and making plans for your surplus that’s left over from the insurance check.
They’ll tell you that they got an awesome deal on the shingles, because they’re repairing so many wind damaged roofs in your neighborhood.
They’ll do your job for much less – because someone else canceled out on their roof work.
– Red Flags
Unfortunately, when it seems like it’s too good to be true – it’s probably too good to be true. Once you’ve committed to your original bid price, the trouble starts.
- There will be much more hail damage than they first thought.
- The price of materials jumped dramatically in the middle of the project.
- Worst case scenario – the contractor pulls off the old roof, and then demands the extra money to complete the project.
– How to Avoid
Don’t get caught on the “elevator ride”. Know the facts: You aren’t responsible for a jump in material prices – which are unlikely to happen without several weeks notice to the contractors.
Decking – which is the bottom layer of the roofing, and cannot be completely assessed at the beginning – should have a special section of the contract dedicated to repairs and assessment.
A trustworthy roofing contractor knows that damaged decking can turn up on a job, and will talk about this from the outset.
A good contract will divulge the total cost of labor plus materials. If either of these are missing from the process – look elsewhere.
2. The “Hero on Your Doorstep”
The big storm has come right through your neighborhood – and you’re still numb and trying to deal with the aftermath.
Before you can even sit down with the phonebook, your computer, and your phone, the doorbell starts ringing, and the fliers start showing up on your door.
– Red Flags
When you talk to the roofing contractor, he sounds knowledgeable and ready to get to work. He’s got crews working right down the street.
He’s ready to get out his ladder and get you an estimate on the spot.
It’s great to see all that enthusiasm from a roofer, but pump the brakes a little bit.
It’s common to have “storm chasers” turn up after a disaster – ready to take advantage of tired and anxious homeowners.
– How to Avoid
Dig a little deeper into what their actual qualifications are.
In Virginia, roofing contractors should be licensed by the state.
In addition, ask them to verify their insurance coverage. They should have Code 5551 coverage in place – this is workers compensation insurance specifically for workers who are performing roofing installations.
Be wary of contractors who have out-of-state vehicle tags, or who say they have just moved into the area.
You’ll want to work with someone who will be around to guarantee any problems with their work.
In general, be patient, don’t get pushed into a contract by the first person who shows up. Instead, give the advantage to a reliable local company.
3. Asking for a Check Up-Front
Any contractor who pressures you into signing over your insurance check for your roofing damage claim for things like materials is one to regard with suspicion.
A reliable company won’t do this.
In the worst case scenario, the company will skip town – leaving you with a still-damaged roof, and no money.
Or, the contractor may make a show of slapping on a few new shingles, say they’ll be back – and that’s the last you’ll see of them.
– Red Flags
Unscrupulous contractors know that the insurance payout for a roofing repair is likely to be substantial, and by having the homeowner sign the check over to them, they are looking at a nice lump sum.
They also know that it’s easy to fake additional damage to your roof by peeling back shingles and pointing out problems that weren’t there before.
– How to Avoid
How do you protect yourself?
Never sign over an insurance check. Insist on an invoice, and pay directly from it.
When you do pay, it’s best to use a credit card, which can offer you additional consumer protection, should there be a problem.
Lastly, be aware of the condition of your roof before a contractor looks at it. Even with the storm damage, take photos if possible.
If new damage suddenly shows up, you’ll have a record. A good way to document the condition of your roof is by checking it annually, and logging the notes on a form.
Conclusion
Roofing scams are everywhere, and the aftermath of a major storm, unfortunately, brings out the worst examples of those who will prey on the anxious and impatient.
If you should fall victim to storm damage, don’t fall for the most common roofing scams.
Be observant, be aware, and remember – if it sounds like a deal that’s too good to be true – sad to say, it probably is.
Your best bet is to keep it local, and always do your own background checks.
