Most Common Roofing Scams and How to Avoid Them

Many people are being duped into paying top dollar for roof repairs and the best way to avoid falling victim to these unscrupulous businesses is to learn some of the most common, top roofing scams. These schemes are a lot like the other scam businesses and will not only cost you money, but it could potentially cost your health as well. Let us take a closer look at what these scams are about, as well as the best way to protect yourself from them. If you do decide to take the risk of hiring a professional contractor to repair your roof, then you should make sure you are well aware of the many types of scams out there, so that you can avoid them and save yourself the headache of going through the frustration of trying to figure out if they are legitimate.

Overcharging

It is common for roofers and contractors to charge an outrageous amount for services and repairs, but one way to avoid them is to find a contractor who offers affordable roofing solutions. Unfortunately, there are also some more than a handful of roofing scams that many consumers have fallen victim to.

Overcharging can happen in a variety of ways, including not having enough in stock to cover your existing needs and making unnecessary repairs after work has begun on a roof. Fortunately, knowing how to spot a roofer and contractor who overcharges is something all homeowners can take advantage of. Here are some common roofing scams to watch out for.

Most commonly, a company will suggest that you pay for expensive repairs and roof leaks right away rather than waiting a couple months for them to complete and make the necessary changes. Unfortunately, this tactic can sometimes be an elaborate scam.

Unlicensed Work

Another way that a contractor or company can charge you extra for necessary repairs is by suggesting they should be done by an unlicensed roofer rather than someone with skills and knowledge in the areas necessary. This is also a scam, as the repairs usually should be done by someone with experience performing jobs like the one to be performed on your roof. Instead of using the word "experienced" to describe their services, ask what training or education they have before they are able to provide this type of service. Also, make sure to verify their license by asking to see a copy. You want to know that the contractor or roofer has received the necessary training in the areas of roof maintenance and repair before they are ready to do this type of work.

Low Initial Prices

Sometimes, a company will suggest a roof repair when they have a problem that requires a larger repair. While this is usually a legitimate repair, it is important to know the repair may be more complicated than what you initially thought. This can be a scam and can often lead to additional costs that you will not be aware of. If you suspect you may need a repair that is more complicated than the original one you were told about, it may be time to seek a new roofing company.

Solicitations After a Storm

In densely populated areas, foreign roofing contractors will oftentimes show up at your door, offering unsolicited services to repair roofs that are in some cases, not damaged. This is a big red flag and you should watch out for it.

While not easy to spot, these scammers can be revealed if they are coming from an area outside of your local community. Again, ask for a verifiable license so that you're sure you contracted an adequate roofer.

How to Avoid These Scams

If the roofing contractor does not have a list of references for past clients, it is a good idea to call around before committing to hiring them. You can ask local homeowners for help. Sometimes they can point you in the direction of someone who can provide references for their roofing contractor services.

When choosing a roofing company to perform your roof repair, choose one that provides excellent customer service, works professionally, and offers quality work at an affordable price. These tips can help you avoid a roofing scam.

Choosing the right company is easy. Just make sure you find a roofing contractor that has a solid track record. It is always a good idea to choose a company that offers a guarantee on all of their work and works hard to satisfy their customers.

Ask about the warranty period, as well. A company that offers longer warranties will generally have more satisfied customers. If the company does not offer warranties, it is a sign that they are a shady company.

Also check to see how long the company has been in business. If a company is very new, you will want to stay away from them. They could be trying to sell you something. You do not want to risk having to replace your roof.

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