How to Avoid Common Roofing Scams: A Homeowner's Guide
Every year, countless homeowners fall victim to roofing scams. Sadly, these types of scams are common and often leave homeowners with subpar work, unfinished jobs, staggering costs, or worse, legal trouble. Unfortunately, a lack of regulation and industry standards makes it easy for bad actors to blend in amongst honest companies.
Here’s a guide on some of the most common roofing scams and steps you can take to avoid them.
1. Mystery Damage
Some roofers will knock on your door, claiming they noticed damage to your roof that you may not have seen. They’ll insist it needs immediate attention and may even offer to “inspect” your roof, oftentimes for free. Once up there, they’ll often report significant damage, even if there isn’t any. Worse, some roofers have been known to cause damage themselves.
How to avoid this scam: A reputable roofer doesn’t need to seek out work, and door-to-door sales are generally seen as a red flag. However, even reputable roofers will visit homes in the vicinity of a current project or recent storm activity to make homeowners aware of potential problems that may exist on their roofs.
How do you know if someone is reputable or not? First, you should never let anyone inspect your roof without checking their credentials first. Keep in mind that licensing requirements vary by state, so it’s important to check and know what you’re looking for. In states where licensing is not mandatory, ask if they participate in a voluntary licensing program.
For example, the Georgia Roofing Contractors Association (GARCA) provides voluntary licensing and member contractors follow standards that typically exceed those of non-members. Second, verify independent review sites such as Google to validate the experience other homeowners have had with the roofer.
Finally, understand their process in documenting damage. Reputable roofing companies will produce video and photographic evidence of damage, allowing you to see first-hand the damage that exists prior to submitting a claim. If you’re concerned about damage, contact a trusted roofing company for a second opinion. You can also check with your insurance company to see if they have any preferred partners.
2. FOMO Sales Pitch
Another sign to look out for is the high-pressure sales pitch. The contractor will offer a “today only” discount, urging you to sign a contract immediately without time for research or a second opinion. They rely on the fear of missing out to trap you into a legally binding agreement.
How to avoid this scam: A reputable contractor will never pressure you into making an on-the-spot decision and will respect, even encourage, your right to seek multiple offers. Take your time to review your options and make an informed choice. Look up the average costs of roof repairs in your area to get an idea of how much you should be paying.
3. Bypass Your Deductible
This roofing scam involves contractors submitting two separate invoices – one to you and a higher one to your insurance company. Scammers will often waive your deductible or offer to pay it for you. Not only is this a scam, it’s also illegal. If caught, both you and the contractor could face legal consequences.
How to avoid this scam: Always pay your insurance deductible. An insurance policy is a legally binding contract between you and the insurance company – no one else. Be wary of people trying to “work the system” for you.
4. Opportunistic Fraudsters
After a severe storm, it’s natural to be concerned about your roof’s condition. This is when “storm chasers” – roofers who follow bad weather events – swoop in. They often go door-to-door offering to repair or replace damaged roofs at a steep discount, citing an insurance claim as a way to cover the costs.
While it may seem like a good deal, storm chasers often inflate damage reports or file false insurance claims. The work they do is typically poor, and they disappear as quickly as they arrived, leaving you with a roof that has a fraction of the lifespan of a well-constructed one.
How to avoid this scam: Always do your own research before hiring a roofer. Look for local roofers with good reviews who can provide credentials and proof of insurance. Again, never let someone onto your roof without verifying their credentials.
5. Too-Good-to-Be-True Bids
Scammers will lure you in with extremely low estimates compared to competitors, only for the price to increase once work begins. They’ll claim “unforeseen problems” or inflated material costs, leaving you stuck with an unexpected bill.
How to avoid this scam: Like the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Get multiple quotes from different companies and be cautious of bids that seem too low. A reliable roofer will walk you through the costs and the choices of material. Keep in mind that unexpected issues can occur, but a trustworthy roofer will be able to show you evidence of the problem.
6. Cheap Materials
Some contractors will charge you high prices but use substandard materials that will lead to more problems down the road. The work might look fine initially, but underneath, the roof is bound to fail sooner than it should.
How to avoid this scam: A reputable roofer will be transparent about the materials they use, and why they choose them. If a contractor avoids going into detail, chances are something is up.
7. Large Down Payments
A big red flag is when a contractor asks for a large down payment before starting work. Some scammers will disappear before or part-way through a job, leaving you to clean up the mess.
How to avoid this scam: A typical down payment for a roofing project is between 10%-30% of the cost. This money typically goes to purchasing materials and other project costs. However, down payments can reach up to 50% of the cost, especially on larger or custom jobs. This is why it is important to get quotes from multiple companies. Anything over 50% means you’re better off looking elsewhere.
Your roof is a vital part of your home and it’s important you find a trustworthy company to carry out quality work. By staying vigilant and informed, you can avoid falling victim to roofing scams and ensure your home gets the high-quality roof it deserves. Do your research. Ask for credentials. Look at reviews. Get multiple offers.