Roof Repair Scams

Roof Repair Scams
After a storm, there are a host of unsavory characters that will descend upon neighborhoods to prey off unsuspecting victims. I’m going to first give you tell tale signs to watch out for, then I’m going to tell you best practices for getting your roof fixed if you do need work done.
Here are the typical tactics scammers use:
1. Door-to-door Solicitation: You should be immediately suspicious of anyone that solicits home repair or insurance adjusting services door-to-door.
2. Unnecessary repairs or exaggerated damage: The contractor will exaggerate the damage in hopes of overbilling you or your insurance company. In some cases, the contractor will create additional damage.
3. Upfront payment: Demanding payment in advance but the contractors disappear, or never starts or completes the work.
4. Lowball quotes / bids. Contractors will bid much lower than other contractors.
5. Unlicensed / uninsured contractors: General contractors are not required to be licensed in some states but some municipalities may require permits. All contractors should have insurance that includes property damage coverage. Their insurance should cover damage to the property of their clients or other third parties in the even that the contractor causes accidental damage. Make sure to check the contractor’s insurance because insurance is necessary to mitigate risk to both you and the contractor.
6. Lack of written contracts: In general, all contracts should be written, not oral. Contracts lay out the scope of work and clearly outline responsibilities and deliverables. A written contract will be invaluable if disagreements occur. Contracts should also include a project timelines, cost and payment terms, and specifications about materials and quality standards.
7. Low quality materials or workmanship: The contractor does the work but does a poor quality job with poor quality materials.
Best Practices:
Do not sign or pay any contractor up front for a roof repair after a storm. Your first call should be to your insurance agent to make a home insurance claim for roof damage. The insurer will send out an adjuster to inspect the damage.
Make sure you never pay in cash.
Public adjusters do not work for your insurance company and may charge additional fees. Your insurance company will provide an adjuster to review your claim at no additional cost to you.
Contractors have no say over the approval or denial of your insurance claim. You do not need a contractor handling your insurance claim for you. Many contractors want to be present with your adjuster, so if the claim is approved, you will feel obligated to hire them. If you hire them, you are giving away your entire insurance budget without even knowing the actuals costs.
If you are replacing your roof, you may want to consider upgrading to a Class 4 Impact resistant roof which could get you about 30% off your insurance premiums. Also worth considering are attic solar fans or ridge venting to reduce the heat build up in the attic.
Actual legitimate roof installers are much less costly than large storm restoration companies.
Works Cited:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/roof-repair-scams/
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-warns-residents-to-be-on-alert-for-storm-related-repair-scams
https://www.honestroof.com/homeowners-avoid-roofing-scams/
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