Much like the roof over your head, you want to hire a local roofing contractor that is both reliable and trustworthy. Hiring a credible roofing professional is a necessity from both a safety and financial standpoint.
You want to know with absolute certainty that you’re hiring an honest, reputable, local roofing contractor that does good work, but how do you go about finding them?
While unethical roofers can sometimes be difficult to spot, there are some clear-cut warning signs that should set off alarm bells in your head, like these common red flags you can look for.
High Pressure Sales Tactics or Storm Chasers
A reputable roofing company will completely understand if you want to obtain quotes from other companies or follow up on their references or insurance coverage before hiring them. Any contractor who hassles you to make a decision right now or puts pressure on you to hire them is someone you do not want to hire.
Also, be on the lookout for “storm chasers”. These scam artists disguised as contractors may show up on your doorstep following a big storm. They will try and convince you that your roof has sustained damage that needs to be fixed immediately by them. Don’t take their word for it. Instead, contact your established, local roofing contractor for an estimate or opinion.
Low Starting Bid
You get what you pay for in terms of a roofing quote, so the price shouldn’t be your main criteria. It’s not uncommon for a shady contractor to offer an extremely low bid, only to hit you with unexpected costs later on. Ask for an itemized estimate, and when comparing quotes pay attention to each line item. If the lowest bid is missing some crucial tasks (like disposal of the old shingles and roofing material) you may be dealing with a less than trustworthy contractor.
No Written Contract
Never enter into any kind of business agreement without a written contract. Whether you’re having repairs performed, or a complete roof replacement, you need a definitive written contract in place before any work is performed.
They Ask for Payment Upfront
A reputable local roofing contractor won’t ask for full payment up front before the job is performed. Agreeing to these terms can leave you stranded without a substantial amount of money, and without a new roof. Many roofing companies will offer payment plans or allow you to make a deposit. If the roofer insists on full payment up front, you’ll want to hire someone else.
Mystery Damage
Another common theme among undesirable roofers is they try to create mystery damage to your roof so they can collect more money. Obtain multiple estimates from roofing companies and be present when they’re taking place to ensure that they’re not creating additional damage to your roof.
Lack of Communication
If you can’t reach your roofing contractor via phone, that’s a problem. While it’s natural for a successful roofing company to be busy, you should still be able to contact them. If the contractor fails to return your calls, then it’s time to find a reliable local roofing contractor who cares about your needs and has better communication skills.
Find a Local Roofing Company You Can Trust
Choosing a local roofing contractor is the best way to ensure you’ll receive quality service. Local companies work hard to plant their roots in their community and have verifiable references you can count on. A legitimate roofing company will go out of their way to make you feel confident that your needs are being met and all of your questions are being answered thoroughly.
You need a trustworthy roofing contractor who values giving attention to the details. A local company with a solid reputation built on years of experience to protect your investment. We go the extra mile to ensure that our customers are happy with the finished product, and we’d love to discuss the benefits a new roof can bring to your home. Contact Armorvue Home Exteriors today for a virtual appointment.
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