When a storm blows through town and rips roofs off of housetops, it’s prime time for scammers to try and rip you off, too. Be wary of contractors who show up at your door unannounced after a big storm moves through, and make sure you’re prepared to protect yourself against roofing scams.It could end up saving you a lot of money, time and embarrassment.
What are roofing scams and how can I avoid them?
Roofing and contractor scams are real, and could potentially cost you thousands. Scammers may show up after a big storm and claim that your roof is damaged, when it isn’t. Even if you actually do have a damaged roof, they may claim to fix it and request a large sum of cash, up front, without actually ever making any repairs.
Homeowners should also watch out for roofing contractors who may seem a little too eager and offer to take care of a job dealing with an insurance company or claims adjuster directly. Once they get their pay from the insurance company, they might take the money and run. It’s best to contact your insurance agent before assigning benefits directly to the contractor.
The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud has several tips to avoid roofing scams, which include using established local contractors, requesting to see a contractor’s state and/or local licenses, and not paying with cash in advance.
Steps you can take to choose the right contractor
Whether it’s storm season or the holiday season, if you are in need of roofing repair or installation, check out our entry on ten questions you should ask to make sure you choose the right roofing contractor. Here are just a few to get your started:
- Is the company properly licensed for the job?
- Does the company carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance?
- Are there more than three testimonials or references you can check?
For more helpful tips on roofing, on check out the rest of our blog.
If you would like to request an estimate or have questions about your roof, fill out the form for a free estimate on our website, email us at office@tadlockroofing.com, or call us toll-free today at 855-964-7663.
