If you’re looking for a roofing contractor for your project, there are a few things you have to watch out for. Certain roofing scams run rampant, especially after a major storm. As a homeowner, you have to steer clear of circumstances where you may be left short on money or stuck with a poorly installed roof. Here’s a look at some of the scams to avoid.
Roofers, particularly the reputable ones, aren’t supposed to roam around offering their services to those who need them. Ideally, it is the homeowner who will call to request an inspection. However, if you notice some roofers going around house to house, especially after a storm, these are so-called “storm chasers.” What they do is trick homeowners into thinking their roof was damaged and then take advantage of the situation by offering a new one. Storm chasers typically offer cheap services or a huge discount to entice you to sign a contract. However, the resulting work often leaves a lot to be desired. Since they offer subpar workmanship and use low-quality materials, you end up with a shoddy roof. Before you know what’s wrong, these storm chasers are gone.
Whether you need a roof repair or replacement, a reputable roofer should not demand a large down payment at the start of the project. While some may ask for a small down payment to cover the cost of some materials, the full cost of labor and everything else should never be charged until the project is completed. Take it as a red flag when a potential roofer asks for a down payment that exceeds 50% of the projected total bill. It’s also a good idea to be wary of contractors that offer lowball estimates. To avoid this from happening, you may want to get a few quotes from different roofers.
If a roofer is offering to handle your insurance claim, take caution. This is especially true if they offer to cover your deductible as a “free” incentive. By “covering your deductible,” they actually mean they will charge less, pay the deductible and charge the insurance company more than the work they did. The extra money will automatically go into their pockets, leaving you with more than roofing problems. If you need to file an insurance claim for storm damage, be sure to keep track of how much is approved and how much the service totals.
When it comes to honest roofing work, look no further than NorthWest Construction! Our team of reputable roofers is determined to assist you with your home improvement needs, be it replacing your roof or repairing gutters. To request an estimate, call us today at (313) 277-7676, or fill out our online contact form. We proudly serve homeowners in West Bloomfield, Dearborn and Taylor, MI, and the surrounding areas.