How to protect yourself from roofing scams this hail season
We've seen a lot of misinformation going around about what to look for/not, and no real, solid information about what to look for for more than just not being scammed but also for quality and things you want to watch for. I want to arm you all with insider knowledge so you can make educated decisions before you choose which company you’re going to trust with your home. A solid roof is obviously important to your family’s safety and wellbeing, so please use this guide when choosing a roofer.
- They should be established. This may sound like a no brainer, but you need to look beyond a name and a logo. How long has the company been around? Do they have a solid website? How many online reviews do they have? Are they all good?
- Look for a BBB accredited roofer. This takes effort on the part of the roofing company to keep and maintain, and is a sign of good faith. Remember that an A+ rating doesn’t mean that they never have any complaints, but that they are dedicated to working out fair solutions with customers.
- Roofers generally use a lot of different advertising methods so just because someone knocking on your door is obnoxious, doesn’t mean it’s a scam. They should have roofing knowledge and information for you to look at right away, not just an inspection form. If they look sketchy- trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to tell someone you’ll give them a call after you’ve had a chance to think about it.
- If they don’t supplement with insurance, don’t use them. I promise you insurance does not pay a fair amount until supplemented, and if they accept insurance numbers they are cutting corners. Do not allow this. Some may offer cash bids, and this is semi-normal because they really want to make a sale, but ask why they are able to accept those numbers.
- Ask about what their standard upgrades are. Some things to ask for/look for are upgrades to synthetic underlayment, new flashings and roofing vents, and they may throw in upgraded roofing ventilation. They should be using ice and water shield in the valleys, and be familiar with roofing codes in your area.
- Some may ask for a down payment, which is normal. Some companies are large enough that they don’t need it, but NEVER give a down payment to someone before they have already invested time/effort into your home. Many homeowners will give payment when materials are delivered to their home, and this should always be acceptable.
- Look at shingle manufacturers preferred contractors. You have to invest a lot of time, money, and complete quite a few roofs to get onto these lists, and so being a GAF Master Elite, or Owens Corning preferred, etc. is another really good sign you can trust these companies, and you can often get exclusive warranties your basic roofer doesnt offer.
- Look for General Contractors- not just roofers. General contractors have to go through extra licensing steps and then they can help repair every aspect of your home, from dented window frames and gutters to replacing siding and redoing your fencing.
If you’d like to see what our office has to offer- you can give us a call or fill out the form below if you’d like an inspection. We are Innovative Builders, a local roofer founded for our neighbors. You can also message me if you have questions! Stay safe everyone!
By Innovative Builders 6-25-2018
