Roofing is one of the most critical aspects of maintaining a home, and hiring a reliable contractor is critical to ensure the quality and durability your home deserves. Unfortunately, many homeowners fall victim to roofing scams that can lead to financial losses and further property damage. These scams typically prey on homeowners who lack experience in dealing with roofing projects or who are in vulnerable situations, such as after a major storm. By understanding common roofing scams and learning how to avoid them, homeowners can protect their investments and avoid future headaches.
1. Storm Chasers
Storm chasers are contractors who follow weather events, particularly storms, to exploit vulnerable homeowners needing urgent roof repairs. They often knock on doors shortly after a storm, offering quick fixes for what they claim is storm-related damage. Their goal is to pressure homeowners into making hasty decisions, often without fully assessing the damage or verifying their credentials.
How to avoid: Always verify a contractor’s local reputation before signing any contracts. Check their credentials, insurance, and licensing to spot roofers to avoid, such as those who seem more interested in immediate payments than providing detailed information.
2. Extremely Low Bids
While it may be tempting to accept the lowest bid for a roofing job, an unusually low quote can be a red flag for a roofing scam. These bids often reflect the use of substandard roofing materials or incomplete work that may require costly repairs later. Some dishonest contractors may offer a low price upfront, only to add hidden costs later, resulting in a much more expensive project.
How to avoid: Get multiple quotes from different contractors and compare them carefully. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as they often come with hidden risks.
3. Mysterious or Exaggerated Damage
Fraudulent contractors may create or exaggerate damage during inspections to justify unnecessary repairs. This tactic is designed to convince homeowners that their roof needs urgent work when it may not.
How to avoid: If a contractor finds significant damage, get a second opinion from a licensed contractor or your roofing insurance company. A trusted professional will give you an honest assessment of the roof’s condition.
4. They Ask the Homeowner to Get the Permits
Legitimate roofing contractors typically handle all the required permits for a job. Scammers may ask the homeowner to pull permits, transferring responsibility for potential illegal work to the homeowner.
How to avoid: Ensure the contractor is licensed and responsible for obtaining all necessary permits. This not only protects you legally but also ensures the job meets local building codes.
5. Pay Attention to Deductibles
Some contractors may offer to “waive” or cover your insurance deductible as part of the roofing job. This practice is illegal in many places and can be a sign of dishonest roofing insurance scams.
How to avoid: Only work with contractors who are transparent about costs and respect insurance laws. They should never offer to manipulate deductibles or insurance claims.
6. Always Read the Fine Print
Contracts can include hidden clauses that trap homeowners into unfavorable terms, such as agreeing to extra fees or subpar materials.
How to avoid: Always read contracts thoroughly before signing and consult a lawyer if necessary. Be cautious of terms that seem unclear or one-sided.
7. Avoid Large Upfront Payments
Large upfront payments are risky, as the contractor could disappear without finishing the work. Standard industry practices generally involve a reasonable deposit, with payment upon completion.
How to avoid: Stick to modest down payments and avoid contractors who demand a large sum before starting the work. Payment should be directly tied to reaching project milestones or completion.
8. Large Down Payment
Some roofing scams involve contractors asking for excessive down payments for materials but never returning to complete the job.
How to avoid: Pay only a small, reasonable deposit and keep detailed records of all transactions and agreements.
9. No Online Presence or Reviews
A lack of an online presence or customer reviews can indicate a fly-by-night operation. Trustworthy contractors typically have a solid reputation on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
How to avoid: Research the contractor thoroughly and choose those with a verifiable history of satisfied customers and positive reviews.
Trust Gresham Roofing and Construction to Safeguard Your Home
Protecting yourself from roofing scams starts with choosing a trustworthy contractor. At Gresham Roofing and Construction, we’ve proudly served Portland and Southwest Washington since 1968, building a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and quality craftsmanship. By thoroughly researching contractors, verifying credentials, and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics, you can safeguard your home and investment. Whether you need a full roof replacement or a simple repair, our licensed and insured team is here to provide honest service and reliable results. Don’t take chances with your roof—contact us today for peace of mind and top-quality care.
