Good roofs are a great investment. Not only do they protect you better from harsh weather but they also make your building more valuable. For this reason, you do not want inexperienced or illegitimate roofers handling the repair of your roofs, and we cannot deny that we live in a world full of scammers, who can come to you claiming to be professional roofing contractors. How do you know that you are dealing with a scam, and what ideas should raise the red flag that you are being scammed? Read on as in this text are some of the signs to tell you that you are dealing with a scam.
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Roofers who offer to repair your roof at no charge
This is the first tip to tell you that you are dealing with a scam. No roofer should come knocking on your door and offer to repair your roof on the basis that your insurance company will pay for it. After all, how would anyone know about your insurance policy? A reputable roofer should come to your office or home and inspect the damaged roof even before the repair. Moreover, if your insurance company will pay for the expenses, it shouldn’t happen fast and without being notified. You need to be there and sign the documents required before the roofer repairs it. So be aware of storm chasers and do not allow anyone who claims to be a roofer to fix your roof until you can guarantee that the contractor is genuine.
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Contractors who say that they want to inspect your roof
You need to be aware of roofers who come claiming that they want to inspect your roof when they do not have the necessary licenses. No roofer should come to you home requesting to examine the extent of the damage, while they cannot tell you the company they work with or if they do not have the licenses. Avoid allowing any roofer to get to the roof as some scammers want to damage your roof so that they have something to repair. Also, do not believe any repair man who comes down with some pictures claiming that that is the extent of damage after inspecting the roof. Some people come along with pictures just to convince you that you need a fast repair so that you do not hesitate to hire them.
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Roofers who request to assist with your insurance
Some scammers will come and ask to sign your insurance benefits, on the claim that they are well connected with your insurance company and that they can make your compensation fast. Avoid falling a victim of such scams. While this deal may seem great and one to save you much time and money, avoid to accept it. You might end up losing your entire compensation to such people, and even end up losing contact with them.
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Roofers who want you to sign a contract immediately
Be wary of a contractor who asks you to sign a contract with them once you meet them. Think about it, why should someone seem to be pressuring you to repair your roof? Maybe, their service quality is not that good, or they do not offer quality material meaning that they just want you to help them earn as they do not get many customers. So, do not sign a contract until you have visited the company’s place of work and even talked with a variety of clients who have benefited from the services of your roofer. Also, do not sign any contract without fully reading and understanding it. Remember, once you sign a contract without agreeing with several issues stated in it, you will be held liable. So, stay away from people who ask you to sign their contract unless you fully agree to it, and you are sure that you are dealing with legit roofers.
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Roofers without the proper credentials
Reputable roofing contractors always walk with their business cards, licenses, and insurance. So, do not fall prey of people who come requesting to help repair or replace your roof, while they cannot provide you with these documents. How do you prove that such a person is authorized by the state to repair your roofs, and how can you be sure that you will be insured should a damage result? So, if someone who proves to be a roofer cannot prove that he is, do not allow him/her to your roof. Also, if such roofers come with a vehicle that isn’t branded with the company’s name, that should be an indication that they are not legit.
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contractors who promise to replace your roof at a very low cost
This is another trick that scams use. It is no doubt that many homeowners will prefer to hire a contractor who can repair or replace a roof at a low cost, as most people look at the saving factor. However, do you know that you might end up losing more money and even spending more by undertaking such an action? Avoid persons who promise low prices, as this may be an indication that they are not qualified, or that they use inferior materials. You need to research the authenticity of such persons thoroughly. Ask them for references and their certifications. If they cannot provide you any of these, stay away as you do not want to fall a victim.
If you come across contractors with these behaviors, you should have the idea that you are probably dealing with a scam. Always be cautious and avoid giving in to such individuals. Do not let promises blind you, as giving in to promising people may just be the beginning of your problems. Take time to assure yourself that you are dealing with reliable people, and only then, sign an agreement.