Roofing scams are much more common than people think. The best way to avoid them is to make sure that the roofer you hire has been thoroughly vetted. But there are tricks that roofers will use to appear trustworthy, only to hit you with a nasty surprise at the end. Knowing how the bidding process works and some red flags to look out for is very important. It’s also important that you don’t pick the first roofer you come across. Here are some of the signs that a roofer cannot be trusted.
Nobody Knows them In Your Community
If your roofer hasn’t been established for long enough and doesn’t have a formal place of business, you should avoid them. This could be a sign of someone new, but also someone who switches company names often to defraud clients.
This is why you need to go with people who have a solid history in your community. If you live in Michigan, go with a company that has a great reputation. For example, Rock Solid Exterior has been called the best roofing company in Michigan and has been in operation for over 25 years. Companies like these will also proudly display the reviews they’ve received and will have an extensive list of local references, so you have nothing to fear here.
Their Quotes are too Good to be True
Another sign that you should look for is if someone gives you a quote that seems too good to be true. The best way to tell is to ask multiple contractors at once. Their quotes should be consistent, and if there’s a clear outlier, there’s a strong chance they’re trying to swindle you. Or they might add some hidden costs inside the contract, so be careful.
They Came to You
Storm chasers are not always bad contractors, but they’re not always the best either. Someone knocking at your door after a storm or natural disaster might be hurting for clients, which is not a good sign. Some may even try to convince you that you need to get work done. Do not get pressured and only get work done if an inspection shows that it’s necessary.
They Ask for Too Much Upfront
This is one of the clearest signs of a scammer. While you should expect to cover some of the costs in advance, it shouldn’t be above the 20% mark. The average contractor will ask for something around 10% to 20%, so don’t pay a cent more.
They Only Make Verbal Quotes
This is a very dangerous pitfall to avoid. Someone giving verbal quotes can change them at any given time. Everything should be down in writing down to the last detail. Also, beware of clauses that would give them too much leeway, like in the choice of materials, for instance.
These are all clear signs that a roofer might either not be very good or a scammer. Be careful, and interview as many as you can until you find your perfect match.
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