Roofing Scams: How to Tell a Professional Roofer from a Scam Artist
Home improvement scams cost American homeowners a staggering $13.8 million dollars each year. And of these, roof-related projects tend to rank highest in scam reports. Roofing scams include roofing storm chasers, who travel state-to-state selling poor roofing work, and roofer repair insurance scams that involve offering fraudulent insurance coverage of roofing projects.
These companies prey on homeowners who want to protect their homes and families. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from roofing scams:
- Be vigilant, especially after a storm has passed through your area.
- Know how to spot a roofing scam.
- Know the signs and qualities of a professional roofer.
The Top 2 Signs of a Reputable Roofing Company
1. They’re Licensed or Registered in the State(s) Where They Do Business
Not all states require roofing companies to be licensed, and the requirements vary for those that do. North Carolina requires any contractor, including roofers, to be licensed if working on any project worth $30,000 or more. If a roofing contractor is not licensed, they should at least be a registered company with the state and be bonded and insured. We recommend working with a licensed roofer regardless of the size of the project. A license shows that the roofing company has taken responsible actions to be a professional, reputable roofer in your state.
To inquire about a roofing company’s license, you can ask them about it, or you can search this database from the North Carolina Licensing Board of General Contractors. You might also check with the National Roofing Contractors Association — although not all roofing companies will be members of this organization.
2. They Have a Solid Reputation
Professional roofing companies should have a good reputation — both online and through word-of-mouth. The first step to learning a company’s reputation is to look at their roofing reviews. Are they mostly good, at least four- and five-star? And how has the business owner responded to negative reviews? Not only should you check Google and social media, you can also look at more detailed reviews of a company on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
StaDry roofing is a BBB-acredited business. You can also view the many 5-star reviews on our Google profile.
Roofing scams can cost you money and peace of mind.
For reputable, professional roofing services, contact StaDry Roofing and Restoration.
5 Potential Signs of Roofing Company Scams
1. They Demand Payment Upfront
A sure sign of a roofing scam is demanding payment before services even start. They may also be relentless about getting paid. On the other hand, professional roofing companies usually require payment after repairs are complete.
2. They Have No Reviews or Bad Reviews
Be cautious of a roofing company with no public reviews — especially if they’ve been in business a while. This could be a sign they do shoddy work — if they do any work at all — and are trying to conceal it. Equally concerning is a company with numerous bad reviews, especially if the reviews mention the company is a scam.
3. They Lack Licensure or Legal Documentation
As mentioned above, not all states require roofing contractors to have licenses. However, if the roofing company doesn’t have any documentation that they’re a legal entity, it’s best to avoid signing a contract with them. Scammers are not in the business to do real work, so they will avoid spending extra time and money on proper documentation.
4. Prices Are Too Good to Be True
Scam roofing companies may charge very little or nothing to bait you into a contract. Then, at the end of the project, they hit you with more costs and unexpected fees. A general rule of thumb: if a contractor’s prices are suspiciously low, it’s probably a scam.
5. They Do Door-to-Door Sales
Roofers knocking on doors is another sign of a roofing scam. This is one of the telltale signs of a roofing storm chaser. Professional roofing companies do not send salespeople to canvass neighborhoods, hoping to get homeowners to sign contracts on the spot.
Now that you know how to spot a professional roofer, you can more easily identify and avoid roof scams, including roof insurance scams. If you ever feel suspicious about how a roofing company conducts business, it’s best to avoid them. You can also report your concerns to your state’s Attorney General’s office, as well as the Better Business Bureau.
Why take a chance on working with a potential scam company in the first place? Let your first call be to a reputable, professional roofer who will do quality work for you. Contact StaDry Roofing today.
Need a professional roofer with a good reputation in NC, SC, and VA?
StaDry Roofing and Restoration offers a full range of high-quality roofing services, including assessment, installation, and repair.
