Roofing scams aren’t always easy to spot. However, if you’ve had roofers come knocking after a storm, you’ve seen what happens when the vultures come to town. In most areas prone to storms, like Colorado, you’re going to see storm chasers come to your door if your neighborhood is hit. Some of these roofers are legitimate roofing companies trying to help you; many of them are going to be out of town companies or straight scammers looking to make a quick buck while leaving you hanging. Here’s how to spot a roofing scam and avoid them.
Spotting a Roofing Scam
The easiest way to spot a roofing scam is when you have multiple roofers knock on your door after a storm. If they can’t answer questions, won’t give you information, or won’t perform a free estimate on your roof before giving you a proposal, chances are they’re scamming you. You should trust your gut when dealing with roofers coming to your door, they may not have your best interest at heart.
When looking for a roofer, call one yourself, especially after a storm. If you already have a roofer, great; if not, ask for recommendations from family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors. If a neighbor recently had their roof done, ask them who they used and how the process went. This type of recommendation goes a long way to finding a reliable roofer and avoid roofing scams.
When choosing a roofer, make sure to ask questions. Find out how their roofing process works. Find out how they work with insurance companies. Check out their website, online reviews, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. Learn as much as you can, ask questions, and see how they respond. Reputable roofing companies have no issues answering your questions and putting your mind at ease when choosing them to repair or replace your roof.