When it comes to residential roof repairs and inspections, it’s important to keep your wits about you. While there are plenty of honest roofing companies out there that are committed to providing quality services, there are a high rate of scammers. These scammers usually target vulnerable communities, such as those with high senior citizen populations or those that have just been hit by severe hail storms. While some roofing scams exist solely to take your money and run, others provide you with low-quality work and materials for high prices.
Before you hire a company for your residential roof repair in Calgary, it’s important to conduct some due diligence. Take time to check online for reviews, ask friends or family if they have recommendations, and ask for proof of Better Business Bureau accreditation. Additionally, it can help you know what to watch for when it comes to roofing scams. Here are seven of the most common ones we’ve seen.
1. Service Without a Contract
If a roofing company offers residential roof repair without providing you with a contract, avoid them at all costs. Contracts protect you from sudden price increases, schedule changes, and cancelled jobs, which is why it’s important to get everything from the price and scope of work to the schedule and payment terms in writing. If you don’t have a contract, you won’t have any legal recourse if things go wrong.
2. Door-to-Door Sales After a Storm
It’s not uncommon for roofing contractors to start door-knocking after a big storm, and when they do, it’s important to know that while the roofer knocking on your door may, in fact, be a licensed roofer, this sales tactic isn’t particularly favourable and can lead to a high-pressure sales situation for the homeowner. In some cases, these storm-chasing contractors may offer to waive insurance deductibles, provide free inspections, or give you a deep discount, but these offers are typically given out of desperation and should be considered red flags.
Instead of falling victim to door-to-door scams, research reputable companies offering residential roof repair in Calgary after you’ve endured a storm. Ensure anyone you hire can provide proof of licenses, insurance, and positive customer testimonials.
3. Dishonest Roof Inspections
Scammers in the roofing industry may offer you a free roof inspection that leaves you with a long list of potentially unnecessary repairs that you weren’t expecting. Remember, you get what you pay for; thus, the person has an agenda of his own. When this happens, it’s important to get a second opinion from a reputable company.
4. Requiring Payment Upfront
Honest, reputable roofers don’t typically require a full payment upfront. In most cases, they’ll request a deposit before the work starts and invoice for the remainder once the job is completed to the customer’s satisfaction. If a roofer demands full payment upfront, it could be a sign that they have no intention of even starting work, or it could simply indicate that they conduct business unethically and, as such, may provide you with poor-quality workmanship or materials. Instead, try paying as soon as you see what you’re paying for. When the material arrives and the crew has begun work, it’s fair to say that payment is justified.
5. Inflated Insurance Claims
If your residential roof repair qualifies for insurance coverage, keep an eye out for roofers that inflate the cost of repairs to get more money out of your insurance company. This practice is considered insurance fraud, and while the roofing company is at fault should the insurer catch on, the inflated cost could affect your premiums in the long run. Avoid falling victim to this scam by getting a trusted contractor and/or collecting multiple estimates from reputable roofers before selecting a company to handle your residential roof repairs.
6. Confusing or Incomplete Estimates
A dishonest roofer could be leaving out quite a bit of detail in regard to the products being used. If the roof has a lifetime guaranteed warranty, make sure you know what kind of vents you’re getting, as often they’ll have a limited warranty then it’s not a true lifetime warranty. It’s also important to make sure the warranty itself is clearly stated in terms of product and workmanship.
7. Not Checking the Attic Space
While the roofer may not be trying to scam you, not checking the attic space could void your warranty and leave you feeling ripped off when problems begin to arise down the road. There are many important reasons to check your attic space, including ventilation and vapour barrier issues which can cause attic rain, framing issues that could result in roof collapse, and many more.
Trust Your Residential Roof Repairs in Calgary to an Honest, Affordable Roofer
Roofing scams come in all shapes and sizes. From insurance fraud to financial theft and low-quality workmanship, there are plenty of ways a dishonest roofing company can scam you out of your hard-earned money.
If you need residential roof repairs in Calgary, it’s important to trust your home to an honest, reputable roofer. No Payne Roofing has years of experience behind us, as well as a solid reputation built on service, quality, and trust. Contact us today for an instant quote.
