3 Signs You Shouldn’t Trust Your Roofing Contractor

When it comes to finding the right contractor for your roof repair or replacement, there is one major question you need to ask yourself before making a hire: can you trust them?

Trust is a vital component when it comes to choosing your roofing contractor. After all, you’re allowing this person to work on the main component of your home that protects and ensures the overall well-being of your family. But what happens when you hire a contractor that turns out to be untrustworthy?

In our 30+ years of experience, we’ve seen too many homeowners get hurt because they trusted the wrong roofing contractor. Your roof is a big investment. Don’t put it in jeopardy just because you’re offered what seems like a good deal.

Instead of getting scammed, we want to make sure you actually get the high-quality roof you’ve been looking for. To help you do just that, let’s go over three signs you might be dealing with a shady roofing contractor.

1. They Offer a "Same Day" Price

If a roofing contractor offers you a same-day price deal, just walk the other way. 

Here’s how the scam works: a roofing contractor will originally quote your roof replacement at an extremely high price, only to later drop their quote by thousands of dollars if you’re willing to sign a contract that very same day.

This type of sales tactic is a gimmick. No matter what a contractor says, roofing prices do not fluctuate by thousands of dollars on a daily basis.

To avoid dealing with this kind of roofing company, check out top review sites like Angi, Houzz, and Porch where every contractor has been vetted for professionalism and work history.

2. They Don't Provide a Physical Address

You should avoid hiring any roofing company that can’t provide a permanent physical address for their business. If your contractor doesn’t have a local office, you may have to deal with longer response times in the event of a warranty claim, an emergency repair, or just general questions about your newly installed roof.

That’s why we always recommend working with a local roofing company that has an established presence in your community.

Local roofers are well-known for their personalized and friendly approach. Because they’re based in your area, it’s likely they have worked on the roof of a family member, friend, or co-worker, and you can ask them questions to verify their reputation.

It’s also easier to access a local roofing company rather than one from out-of-town because you can just drive to their office and meet with them face-to-face.

Another benefit of choosing a local roofing company is their familiarity with the specifics of your region. This means they’ll know how to time projects according to your area’s weather patterns and specific roofing challenges.

3. They Knock on Your Door After a Storm

Any contractor who suddenly appears after a particularly bad storm in the area is likely looking to take advantage of your misfortune. While storm-chasing contractors are a very common roofing scam, hundreds of people across the country fall victim to their tactics every year.

These fly-by-night contractors travel from state to state following the paths of major storms looking for homeowners to exploit. They employ predatory practices such as pressuring homeowners with storm damage to quickly have their roofs repaired or replaced before more rain comes and results in additional damage.

They go door-to-door soliciting work by offering roof inspections and repairs at little to no cost. Unfortunately, a fair number of these companies consist of unqualified roofers that quickly take your money and leave you with poorly-done work–if they complete the work at all.

Some may also ask you to sign an AOB (Assignment of Benefits) before getting on your roof. This is a legalized form that speeds up insurance claims by helping homeowners avoid paying money upfront. It allows roofers, contractors and other third parties to directly negotiate with your insurance companies to settle claims and collect payment.

With an AOB, you’ll be left out of any decisions regarding your roof, and storm chasers will capitalize on this by overcharging for their services and then pocketing the leftover money.

Experiencing a rough storm can leave you worried about the state of your roof. This vulnerability is what a storm chaser preys on. If your roof is ever damaged by a storm, it’s best to have it examined by your insurance company before a contractor even steps foot on your roof. Read this article to learn five steps you can take to avoid getting scammed by a storm chaser.

How Can You Find a High-Quality Roofer?

Now that we’ve gone over four signs your roofing contractor is shady, you’re better equipped to avoid being scammed and get the high-quality roof you’ve been looking for.

But exactly how do you find a roofer that does the quality of work you’ve been searching for? What criteria can you use to make sure a contractor does the best work on your home?

To help you on your search, we put together a checklist of five questions you can ask to find the right contractor for your repair or replacement.

If you live in Raleigh and need help with your roof, consider us! On average, we work with over 900 homeowners a year who are looking for a high-quality roofing experience, just like you. If you want a free estimate or to learn more about our process, don’t hesitate to fill out the form below. We’d be happy to help.