Roofing Contractor Scams Alert–7 Hiring Tips for Homeowners

Nobody wants to be the victim of a scam. But scams come in many forms, including roofing contractor scams. As a homeowner, you want to do what’s best for your hard-earned property investment, and unfortunately, there are people and companies out there that will try to take advantage of you. This article is designed for you to spot roofing contractor scams and help you hire the right people instead. 

1. Identify roofing contractor scams–Understand down payments 

Quality roofing contractors will never ask for down payments in advance. Companies that do this are often in the business of scamming. Once these contractors get your check, they’ll bail on you never to be heard from again. If a roofing company is asking for a large down payment, beware. 

2. Roofing contractor scams don’t come knocking

A reputable roofing contractor rarely will come knocking at your door unannounced. If there is someone at your door claiming to be a contractor, watch out. These are pushy salesmen pitching to get onto your roof. Once up there, these phony contractors will often create damage in order to “sell” you repairs. 

3. Beware of phony storm damage

Keep an eye out for the “traveling roof repairmen” who often appear after a major storm. These roofers do a quick and flimsy job and keep your entire insurance claim though they didn’t use it on the actual repairs. These roofing contractors often don’t have a valid license nor permanent address. If they only offer you a PO Box, watch out. 

Quality roofers, on the other hand, are local and reputable. Do your research fixing your roofing damage after a storm. 

4. Don’t accept the rising bid

Quality roofing contractors will stick to their original bid. They are knowledgeable and have the instincts to know what your roofing repairs will cost. Unfortunately, scammers will try to lock you in with a low bid and continue to raise it as they begin working. If the initial bid is well lower than the other companies around, take it as a red flag. 

5. Forget the pushy salesman 

Quality contractors will never try to get you to sign a contract on the spot. They understand that you want to think it over and get multiple bids. Scamming roofers will try to pressure you to sign immediately. 

6. Watch for quick work

Top roofing contractors will communicate with you throughout the process. With each step, they explain what they are doing and why. Watch out for roofers who are working way too quickly. These scammers do the bare minimum and camouflage their incomplete work. Once you figure it out they did a shoddy job, they are nowhere to be found. 

7. Always get multiple estimates

One of the simplest roofing scams is overcharging for work completed. Luckily, this is one of the simplest to avoid. Always take estimates from multiple roofing contractors to make sure you aren’t being overcharged. 

Don’t be caught off guard by scamming roofers. Follow these steps to always make sure the roofing contractors you hire are honest and reputable. Make sure to do your homework and ask plenty of questions. If you’re unsure, get another estimate.