How to Spot a Roofer Scam

Falling for a roofing scam is easy. These people use different tactics to make you fall for their lies and create a false sense of security to make you think you can trust them. Choosing a trusted roofer is made easy! Follow these tips and look out for the scamming tactics they use and how to avoid them. We want to help you feel confident in your choice.

 

No Online Presence or Reviews

A quick Google search can tell you a lot. You should easily be able to find reviews from other people the company has worked with and ways to contact them. Having little to no online presence should raise a few red flags. Be sure to check out the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against them.

 

Low-Quality Materials

Some shady roofers skimp out on quality materials. They will upcharge their services while using low-quality materials that end up having to be redone. The work they do to fix the damage is more of a temporary cover-up. The problem will worsen and cost you much more in the long run. This scam may be a little tougher to spot until it’s too late, so make sure you choose a trusted roofer.

 

Mystery or Exaggerated Damage

A roofer might contact you about “damage” they noticed while passing by your home. You go out to see if you can spot what they’re claiming. You see nothing, notice no leaks in your home, and think everything is fine. They reassure you there is damage and if it’s not fixed immediately, the damage will only get worse. They even offer to climb up on your roof for a better look.

This is one way a shady roofer scams you. Claiming there is significant damage without the ability to provide any evidence of the claim. If they say they need to climb onto your roof they may damage it themselves to rack up the bill. Look into a contractor before allowing them on your roof.

 

No Licensing or Insurance

If you ask for some documentation to check the credentials of the roofer you are about to hire and they are unable to do so, you’ll want to avoid hiring them. It varies from state to state whether it’s required to be licensed, and here in Massachusetts, it is required. Massachusetts roofers need the proper insurance and licensing to work on your roof. Be sure to contact a local, trusted roofer with the correct documentation.

 

High-Pressure Tactics

Allow yourself to shop around and look at other roofing contractors. You want to make sure you are getting the best, trusted service for the best price. If a roofer pushes you into making an immediate decision, pressuring you to sign contracts without allowing you to get other estimates or even look into them, it may be a scam. Honest contractors want you to be confident about your choice and won’t pressure you to decide on the spot.

 

Storm Chasers

Sometime after a particularly bad storm, a roofer may come to your door claiming significant roof damage. These “storm chasers” follow bad storms in hopes of finding vulnerable homeowners. They may claim to have just finished repairing a nearby roof, luring you into a false sense of security. Finding a trusted, local roofing contractor in your community is the best way to ensure you don’t fall for this scam.

 

Tips to Avoid Scams

● Get multiple quotes and compare them across a few different roofing companies.

● Read contracts carefully and make sure it details all the aspects of the project.

● Look at reviews from previous clients

● Check out previous projects they worked on

● Ask them to provide their licensing and any documentation you may need for peace of mind

 

Choosing StormCare Roofing

StormCare Roofing is your local, trusted roofer. We have all the certification and licensing required to work on your roof. When choosing StormCare Roofing you are choosing honesty, transparency, and quality work. From inspection to insulation, we are here every step of the way.