Whenever you spot damages to the roof or have shingles that will not last another season, you know that you need to call a roofing contractor for help. While most roofing companies are reputable and honest, there are some people out there who will scam you and leave you with the damages. By knowing what kind of roofing scams exist and how to avoid them, you will be able to vet a great roofer who guarantees exceptional work.
Here are 8 types of roofing scams to watch out for in 2022.
1. Extremely Low Bids
Homeowners want to save money on their roofing repairs and replacements, you cannot deny that. Still, when a roofing contractor comes to you with a low bid that sounds too good to be true, be suspicious. Compare the extremely low bid to those of other companies. If the bid is much lower than what others are telling you, that price is not true.
Should you go through with the job, that quote is only going to increase with dozens of hidden fees.
The best way to avoid this scam is to do some research on the repairs you need before calling potential roofing contractors. You will have the price in mind and be able to spot a scam quickly.
2. Exaggerated Damages
Roofing contractors should be able to spot damages or pinpoint where a leak is coming from. If they are exaggerating the damages, found mysterious damage, or cannot seem to locate an issue, your roof may not need what they say it does. This also means they may not be the most trustworthy company.
Does the report after inspection seem incorrect? Ask the roofer for guidance on what to do next and what steps are required to fix the issue. Then take their information and cross-reference it with another company. When in doubt, get a second opinion from another roofer.
3. The Homeowner Must Get Permits
You may be unaware as a new homeowner, but the contractors are the ones responsible for securing the permits for any roofing work. If a roofer asks for you to do the work and get the permit, it is a clear sign that they may be ineligible to receive one.
When interviewing potential roofing companies, ask them if they procure any permits or have you do it. Any answer that doesn’t include the roofer getting the permits is unsatisfactory.
4. No Contract
Any roofer who wants to proceed without a contract should not be trusted. Contracts are important, as it keeps you and the contractor safe. Contracts lock in pricing, the payment plan, and explain warranties and other guarantees. Without that, the roofer could raise the price or walk off the job and never return.
Ensure that you are receiving everything in writing, from the quote to the contract. If there is something in the contract that you do not understand immediately, have the roofer explain. What happens if they can’t or refuse to do so? That is just another sign that they may not have the best intentions.
5. Materials on Discount
Special deals and discounts are fantastic in theory—but not with roofing supplies. Any roofer that claims they can give you a price break by offering leftover supplies is trying to sell you poor-quality goods.
Instead, research the cost of materials and get quotes from several roofing contractors. Select the cost that suits your budget but is also not too far from the average.
6. No License or Insurance
Some states don’t require licenses for roofing, so be sure that you check whether your state does or not. If so, ask the contractors for proof of a license and liability insurance before doing the job. Any roofer who does not have insurance is not someone you should be hiring.
7. Large Down-Payment
Contractors should ask for a reasonable down-payment on roofing projects. What is considered reasonable? About 15% or less of the project’s total price. Any down payment that is larger than that could be a sign that the roofer is attempting to scam you. They may take the down payment and then disappear.
Avoid this by putting the down payment in the contract and confirming the percentage. You should also research the company beforehand to check if they are reputable.
8. No Online Presence or Reviews
In today’s world, not having an online presence as a business is odd. Similarly, lacking reviews and testimonials is a sure sign that either the business is new or illegitimate. You should be able to locate a business online, as well as their physical address and contact information. If you can’t, consider it a sign that they may not be trustworthy.
Having a hard time finding reviews? Try looking for the business on the Better Business Bureau site. Other homeowners may have filed complaints against them.
This is also the best way to find reputable roofing contractors. Do they have plenty of great reviews? Is their online presence strong? Do you see before and after pictures? These are all signs that the business is doing well and has plenty of happy customers.
Looking For a Reliable Roofing Contractor?
Now that you know what types of roofing scams exist, be sure to keep an eye out when looking for a reputable roofer. Consider RGB Construction for all your roofing needs. We are a veteran-owned and operated business, and we pride ourselves in our reputation for fantastic workmanship and professionalism. Give us a call at 856-264-9093 to learn more about how we can help.
