Key Takeaways:
- Some dishonest contractors will try to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners by luring them with a significantly low-priced bid and then hiking up the price once they begin working.
- To avoid being scammed, do your research and question the roofer about the origin of their supplies.
- If a roofer tries to reduce labor time or requests a substantial down payment, they may be trying to scam you.
- Storms are especially high-risk times for this type of fraud – scammers will take advantage of the chaos and destruction to try and con homeowners.
- If you believe your roof has been damaged, call your insurance agent ASAP so an adjuster can examine the damage more closely.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of contractors out there who are more interested in their profits than in doing quality work for their clients. So how can you know if you’re being ripped off? There’re a few signs to look out for.
In this blog post, RKG Roofing and Construction will discuss some of the warning signs that your contractor is ripping you off. We’ll also provide tips on avoiding getting scammed and what to do if you believe you might be a victim. So read on to learn more!
Roof Scams: How They Work?
Imagine you wake up on a fine Sunday morning and stroll to your kitchen for a refreshing cup of joe, only to find that your roof has caved in. After the initial shock subsides, you start thinking about what needs to be done next. You’ll need to find a good contractor to fix the damage, but how can you be sure you’re not getting scammed?
There are, unfortunately, a lot of deceitful contractors out there who are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. They may promise low prices, quick repairs, or even offer to do the job for free (or at a meager price). But once they have your money (or your insurance claim), they produce a shoddy craft or even disappear without a trace.
Rooting out a roofing scam is tricky- many of them rely on some advanced fee or payment, whether cashing in on your home insurance policy or asking for an upfront cost. Unfortunately, this usually leaves you with even more work to be done after they leave, and the quality of their “completed” tasks is often poor at best.
Although many ethical roofers honorably inspect, quote, repair, and replace roofs, you must still be vigilant. To avoid being scammed by a dishonest roofing contractor, look for the following five red flags:
1. They Start The Bid Low To Get You Interested
Unscrupulous roofers often secure a project with an unusually low bid but then inflate their prices once they have the job by adding hidden fees and expenses. They give various reasons, such as material price increases, worker shortages, or extended time required to complete the job. Be sure to get all price increases in writing before you agree to them. This wastes the homeowner’s money and causes a great deal of frustration.
2. Materials Are Overpriced
Suppose a roofer is using certified shingles from IKO, GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning (which you can check on their website). In that case, they will likely be verified and qualified. However, some roofers may try to cut corners by installing cheaper materials with overpriced costs – so be sure to do your research!
If a roofer tries to scam you, they likely won’t tell you where they sourced their materials. Question them about the origin of their supplies – if they’re being truthful, they’ll have no problem telling you. If they refuse or seem evasive, they hope to make more money from your cluelessness.
3. They’ll Reduce Labor Time
The contractor reduces the number of roofers working on the job. The remaining workers are given a smaller area to work on, so they can’t complete the job as quickly. This method is often used in conjunction with other methods of extending the job, such as taking longer breaks or working fewer hours each day.
The contractor asks the homeowner for more money. This is usually done after the job is finished when the contractor presents the final bill. The contractor may claim that the job cost more than initially quoted or that additional work was required.
Also read: 7 Reasons Why You Should Start Using Drones To Inspect Roofs
4. Requesting An Unreasonably High Down Payment
A key sign that a roofer is interested only in your money is if they ask for more than 20% of the total replacement cost as a down payment. Most roofers charge 10-15% on a down payment to be sure they get quality materials, but no more than that. If someone asks you for a substantial sum upfront, it’s likely because they don’t intend to do the job you’re paying them for.
5. They’ll Always Approach You First
If you’re not careful, a roofing scam can leave you out of pocket & with a shoddy roof. Storms are especially high-risk times for this type of fraud – scammers will take advantage of the chaos and destruction to try and con homeowners. Be cautious if someone comes to your door after a storm offering to ‘inspect’ the damage; more often than not, they’re just looking for an opportunity to exploit you.
Don’t let just any roofer trick you into believing your home has storm damage. The best way to ensure that your dwelling does indeed have storm damage is by scheduling an inspection from a certified professional.
How To Spot And Avoid A Roofing Scammer
Firstly, never sign anything or pay before inspecting the damage for roof repairs after a storm. If you believe your roof has been damaged, call your insurance agent to file a home insurance claim as soon as possible. Your insurer will then send out an adjuster who can examine the damage more closely. Try to get estimates from multiple local and reliable companies so that you can compare and make the best decision for you.
Looking For a Legit Roofing Contractor In Fort Worth, Tx? We Can Help!
Renovating your home can be stressful, but RKG Roofing and Construction are here to make it easy. With 20 years of experience in roofing, restoration, and solar services, we’re the go-to contractors in Fort Worth for all your home improvement needs. We’ll handle any project you throw our way with ease.
