Home improvements

Roofing Scams: How to Know the Company You’re Dealing With Is Legit

The average cost of roof repair in the US is $985. However, most households can expect to pay anything between $376 to $1649. So how do you ensure that you get a reputable company to spend the money on?

Unfortunately, poor work and scam artists are common in the industry. Read on as we discuss common roofing scams and how to avoid them.

1. Storm Chasers

Storm chasers are often fly-by-night salesmen. They travel to areas hit by storms, offering their services to repair the damage left behind.

You may get lucky and find a genuinely good one, though it is unlikely. As these workmen are usually from out of town, they don’t have a reputation to uphold. This means work will be done quickly and cheaply before they are on to the next town.

Another part of their scam is to inform a customer about the damage that does not exist. As most homeowners don’t know about roof structures, the storm chaser will tell them about fictional problems. To avoid it, find a roofing company with a proven track record you can trust.

2. They Ask for Money Upfront

Even a legitimate roofing company will ask for a partial deposit upfront. This prevents them from losing out on work if you cancel. It also ensures you pay out on the work when it is finished.

The difference with scam businesses is that they will ask for most of the money before they begin. They will claim this is for materials and equipment. Don’t expect to see the money again or expect the work to get done.

3. Insurance Fraud

Another common roofing scam is for companies to offer to handle insurance claims. This usually comes with an offer to cover the deductible.

A scam company will do this, meaning you pay less. However, they will charge your insurance company a lot more, billing them for work that was never done. This will often come with substandard work, and you will pay later as your premiums increase.

4. Unlicensed Contractors

When wondering what to look for in a roofing service, always find one that is licensed. They have to adhere to a set of professional and consumer standards. You can get peace of mind knowing they are far less likely to do poor work or overcharge.

Be aware that not all states require roofers to have licenses, though people can still get one. You should check online reviews and make sure they at least have insurance.

5. Contract Without All the Details

Never sign a contract that does not have every detail in it. When you do, these points can later be contested. This lets the company get away with doing far less than you expected.

How to Avoid Roofing Scams

Now you know these common roofing scams, you can try to avoid them. Always look for online reviews and testimonials. If you can not get proof of work a company has done before, don’t use them.

If you found this article helpful, we have many more. From property management to DIY, we can help manage your home in the coming year.

Hussnain Ali

www.whatsmagazine.com is emerging as a stellar platform covering the facts around the globe. Our first and foremost objective is to provide our readers with authentic and fruitful information happening in the world

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button