In this article from Louisiana Roof Crafters, we will be discussing how to avoid the top 5 roofing industry scams to help you get through your roofing project.
Every industry is susceptible to scams, including the roofing industry. It is important for homeowners to be vigilant when it comes to selecting a roofing contractor.
It is best to know what scams are if you want to avoid them. If you know what scams are, you will know if the roofing contractor you’re working with is one.
Over the past decade, LA Roof Crafters has educated homeowners about making the best investment for their homes. Our goal today is to explain common scams and give you tips on how to avoid them.
5 Common Scams in the Roofing Industry
There are scams in the roofing industry, so you must know how to avoid them if you want a new roof for your home.
Five of the most common roofing scams are listed below:
Exaggerating the Stakes
A combination of two factors can be used to exaggerate stakes:
1) A roofer says you need to fix a problem immediately, and
2) You’ll get into trouble if you don’t (in addition to a simple leak).
It is a clear case of a contractor attempting to convince you to pick them rather than scout out other roofing companies first.
However, roofers who suggest you make a quick decision may be scamming you only in certain situations.
In the following situations, it may be necessary:
- Time limits: If you are about to miss the deadline, a salesperson might put pressure on you to file a claim.
- Severe roof issues: A falling roof is a sign that you should hire a contractor as soon as possible. Although the salesperson could be lying if you do not see dramatic signs, the roof is about to collapse.
An unreliable contractor might be the cause of your suspicions. Asking a roofing contractor these nine questions will ensure that they fit correctly.
Creating False Damages
Unscrupulous contractors can damage your roof, take pictures, and claim you need to replace it.
Getting accurate information is best achieved by inspecting and photographing your roof before a contractor visits. The advantage of this way is that you can see how your roof looks before they get there.
A roof inspector who causes new damage is committing vandalism, and you can take legal action if he does so.
Threatening Legal Action
Even the most hardened of individuals can be affected by lawsuits.
It is not uncommon for roof scammers to ask for full payment before the job is completed. You may end up getting ghosted, or they will do a poor job once they’ve collected your money.
In the event you don’t pay, they may threaten legal action. Homeowners, especially those who didn’t sign a contract, have certain legal protections. Do not panic if you have signed an agreement. Contact an attorney. Suits require a lot of time, so reputable companies prefer not to deal with them if they don’t have to. It’s likely that a roofing company is scamming you if they threaten legal action after a short period.
Up-Charing Once the Job Begins
When the project begins, you might think you’re getting a great deal on your roof replacement.
Things you didn’t expect were added to the original estimate, and suddenly, you’re being charged.
As an example, they may vastly overcharge you if they discover rotten wood on your roof and must replace the decking.
When you hire a contractor who is trying to increase its profit margin, you might pay more than you would for minor repairs.
Worker’s Comp Fraud
Roofers face high risks. Roofing contractors will pay a lot to ensure Workman’s Comp protects their workers.
Most contractors in your area charge the same amount for materials, as we have mentioned before. Consequently, when companies try to save money by charging you less, they cut corners where they shouldn’t.
Workman’s Compensation is one of these areas where companies misclassify their workers to save on insurance costs.
Workers’ Compensation is not valid if an employee is misclassified while working on your home. This can result in a lawsuit or an OSHA fine if they file for medical bills.
How to Avoid Roofing Scams
It’s probably time for you to start thinking about how you can avoid scams and save yourself the headache.
It would be best if you trust your gut when it comes to avoiding scams. If it seems too good to be true, ask yourself, “Is it really true? The research will help you determine if it really is.
A red flag is if they have a few reviews or are willing to provide references. In the end, you must decide whether to move forward based on the information they share with you and the reviews they have provided.
Call Louisiana Roof Crafters at 985-238-4575 for more information. We service areas in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Hammond, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, and New Orleans, LA.
