Residents across Northwest Florida know just how devastating a hurricane can be on a community. Unfortunately, worried homeowners trying to pick up the pieces can be easy prey for opportunistic scammers after a big storm. These storm-chaser roofing companies often follow bad weather events across the country. These con-artists get by with shoddy work and low- quality materials and leave town before you ever experience a problem…or sometimes just take your money and run. Unethical contractors can be hard to spot, but there are some red flags to look for when hiring a roofing company:
Be cautious of the door-to-door roofing sales pitch. Storm-chaser roofing companies and contractors often flood into town after a hurricane, preying on people when they are most desperate. If someone knocks on your door and offers a “too good to be true” deal, chances are it’s a scam. Oftentimes, they will claim to have leftover materials from a roof they just completed down the road, and offer you a special discount if you agree to start today. Don’t fall for it!
Get multiple written estimates. Don’t make a verbal agreement with any contractor. Get two or three written estimates that include the cost of labor and materials and include the scope of work, payment schedule and warranty information. After you’ve compared a few contractors and are ready to get started, make sure you don’t sign a contract that has blanks.
Be wary of rock-bottom pricing. Some dishonest companies will try to entice unsuspecting homeowners with a low bid that inevitably goes up due to “unforeseen problems” and increased materials cost.
Ask for licenses, proof of insurance and credentials. Your roofing company should be able to provide you with proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance in addition to their roofing license. You can also make sure the company is licensed to work in the State of Florida by searching the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Ask for references, search for online reviews and check the Better Business Bureau to make sure they are in good standing. A company that lists a P.O. Box instead of a full address can be a red flag they are not a local business.
Contact your insurance company before hiring anyone. It’s important to be in close contact with your insurer’s field adjuster throughout the entire repair process. Know what your deductible is and make sure you understand what repairs will be covered by your home insurance policy.
Don’t pay in cash. Paying by check or credit card ensures you have a record of all payments made. Although it is reasonable to make a down payment before getting started, be cautious of any contractors that require you to pay in full before the work has even started.
Specialty Roofers, Inc., is a roofing company you can trust! We aim to provide the highest quality workmanship and customer service at a competitive and fair price. We only partner with the best manufacturers in the country to ensure our roofs can stand the test of time. As a locally-owned and operated company, you can count on us to stand by our work. Contact us to get a quote at 850.974.ROOF.
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