Thunder rumbles, rain falls, and the wind blows. Though the home’s roof is designed to protect the interior
from damage due to storms, severe weather can end up causing damage to the roof. When this happens,
it’s crucial to find the right roofing contractor to do the repairs or replacement.
Fly-by-night and scam companies are prevalent, so how do you make sure the roofing contractor will get
the work done and do it right? It takes a little bit of research to find an amazing company, but once the
perfect company is found, homeowners can rely on it for all of their roofing needs.
What are Storm Chasers?
After severe weather in an area, especially if it involves heavy rain, strong winds, and hail, homeowners
may be approached by someone going door to door to ask if roof repairs are needed. Sometimes, they
don’t even ask. They tell the homeowner that the roof is damaged and needs to be repaired immediately,
to try to convince the homeowner to use their services.
These scammers are known as storm chasers. They appear after severe weather in the area and attempt
to convince homeowners to give them a deposit for roof repairs. Then they disappear before any work is
done. They often target seniors, but any homeowner can become a victim. It is always a good idea to
avoid working with anyone who knocks on the door after a storm, as they are likely not from a reputable
roofing company.
If someone is a victim of a storm chaser scam, they should immediately do a stop-payment on all credit
card or debit card funds sent, if possible. Then, document everything. Write down as many details as
possible about the person, what they were driving, the information they provided, and more. The next
step should be to call the police and file a report. This may help to ensure the storm chaser is caught and
arrested, especially if they are still in the area.
Red Flags for Roofing Contractors
Storm chasers will have red flags. They do not work the way a reputable contractor would, which can
make it easier to spot them and know what to avoid. Homeowners will want to know these signs to be
able to avoid the fly-by-night companies.
Excuse for Knocking
They will always have an excuse for knocking. It might be that they noticed damage from the road while
driving by, or they say they just happened to be in the neighborhood. Other times, they may say they have
extra materials from another job and can help the homeowner save money.
Money-Saving Options
Scammers may say they can help the homeowner waive their insurance deductible to save money, but
this is not legal to do. The deductible is paid to the insurance company and is part of the homeowner’s
insurance plan, so it can’t be waived at all. They may have other ways to save money that are not legal or
seem suspicious.
Need to Sign and Hand Over Money Fast
They will pressure the homeowner to accept their estimate fast, without doing research or considering
other companies, and will want a deposit right away. Often, they use high-pressure sales tactics to try to
convince the homeowner to give them money. They will push for an immediate answer or immediate
funds, and then they’ll disappear into the night, and no work will be completed.
Need to Pay in Full Up Front
Many will want half or all of the payment up front before they begin any work. While it is common to pay a
deposit before work begins, reputable companies will only ask for a small deposit, not half of the cost or
more, before work begins. They may say they need the large deposit to order materials, but this is just an
excuse to get more money from the homeowner before disappearing.
Doesn’t Have Proper Licensing
Storm chasers won’t have proper licensing. They may say that they don’t have it on them or aren’t
allowed to provide that information, but this is wrong. Reputable roofing contractors will be able to share
their licensing information, which can be checked with the state before work begins. This applies to
insurance as well. A reputable company will share its insurance information, which can be checked by the
homeowner before the work starts.
Shows Inaccurate Photos of the Damage
Scammers may send up a drone or climb onto the roof to get photos of the damage that can’t be seen
from the ground. However, these photos are likely ones they already had on their phone, not actual
photos of the home’s roof. It’s always better for homeowners to have an inspection done by a reputable
company to see if there is any damage.
Refuses to Provide Written Estimate
A written estimate will take time to create. It has the information for the roofing company, including their
address or phone number, and details about what the job entails. If anything goes wrong, the written
estimate can be used in court. Scammers will refuse to provide a written estimate. This is so they can ask
for more money up front or request more money later because of unforeseen expenses. It’s just a way to
try to get more money from the homeowner.
Doesn’t Have a Local Address
Scammers will not have a local address or phone number. Often, they come from out of state to try to get
money and run, so they’re harder to track and arrest. Reputable companies will have a local address with
a local phone number they can provide to homeowners when requested.
Spotting a Good Roofing Contractor
How can you tell a good roofer? Spotting a good roofing contractor is done by asking questions, checking
qualifications, and looking into licenses and insurance before hiring them. Homeowners may want to ask
family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations on who to use and who to avoid. It’s also a good idea
to read reviews from local homeowners to check the reputation of a company before hiring them.
A few things homeowners can do to spot a good roofing contractor include getting a written estimate,
comparing prices to other roofing companies, and checking out previous work done. A written estimate
shows homeowners exactly what’s included in the quote they receive. It should include all materials that
may be needed, the cost of labor, and other expenses. Always ask for a detailed written estimate before
hiring a roofing contractor.
It’s a good idea to get estimates from at least a few roofing companies before hiring one, so it’s possible
to compare prices and find a good deal. A good deal is not necessarily the cheapest contractor, as they
may be cheaper for a reason. Instead, carefully compare what is included in the estimate and look for one
that’s affordable and fairly priced.
Don’t forget to check out the work the roofer has done in the past. They should have a portfolio of photos
they can provide that shows off their work. Look for pictures that show the overall view of the roof as well
as close-up pictures that show the details. It can also be a good idea to ask for addresses to drive by and
check out the work in person.
Check Qualifications and Licenses
It can’t be overstated that homeowners should check the qualifications and licensing of any roofing
contractor before hiring them. Ask for business licenses and call or check online to confirm they are still
valid. Reputable roofing companies will also be insured and should be willing to provide their insurance
information. Call the insurance company to make sure the insurance is still valid. Scam companies will not
be able to provide this information or, if they do, will provide licenses or insurance information that is no
longer valid.
Interview the Roofing Company
Homeowners looking into local roofing companies will want to make sure they ask plenty of questions
before deciding to hire anyone. The contractor should be able to easily answer all of the questions. Some
questions to start with include the following.
Is your business local, and how long have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured?
Do you have any completed projects that can be reviewed?
Who is the main contact for the project, and what is the expected turnaround time?
Can you provide a written estimate?
How are payments handled?
How soon can you get started?
What is the installation process for the roof?
Can you protect my property during the repairs?
What happens if there are unforeseen weather issues?
Scams are prevalent today, and many homeowners have lost significant amounts of money they needed
to repair their home’s roof. However, simply taking some time to look into a roofing company and getting
an estimate before agreeing to any services can help protect homeowners and prevent them from
becoming victims. Take a close look at a local roofing company and ask the right questions to make sure
they’re reputable and will fix your roof with care.
