It doesn’t always happen, but there’s a possibility of meeting an unscrupulous contractor who will take advantage of you and try to pull a scam. Equipping yourself with information is crucial in order to avoid falling victim to such tactics.
Here are some common roofing scams and what you can do to avoid them.
Storm Chasers
Storm chasers, also known as fly-by-night roofers, will knock on doorsteps after a storm in your area. They usually ask for a high down payment and then skip town before the job even starts. To avoid this scam, get a list of your homeowner’s association’s trusted roofing contractors or licensed roofers in your area. If the roofer who knocks on your door after a storm isn’t on the list, it’s best to avoid them.
Insurance Fraud
Be wary of contractors offering to cover your deductible with a free incentive. The deductible seems like a good deal because you get the deductible immediately before work starts. However, they can charge your insurance company a higher fee for their services.
Call your insurer when a contractor presents the deductible offer. Refuse the contractor’s service if the insurer doesn’t have professional relations with the company.
Unlicensed Contractors
Unlicensed roofing companies are operating illegally. They do not carry liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and other certifications. Do not work with these contractors. You can ask for proof of their license or call your local government or roofing association to find out if the contractor is licensed.
Asking for Full Payment Upfront
Reputable roofers may ask for a small down payment to cover the initial material and labor costs, but never the full amount of your project. They must complete the job before getting paid in full. So, if a roofer is asking for full payment upfront, better find a different contractor.
If you need a long-lasting roofing system, you can count on Ganser Company to provide you with excellent roof replacement services. We are a licensed, insured and certified roofing company trusted by local clients. Call us at (608) 222-1243, or fill out this contact form for a free consultation.