How To Choose A Residential Roofing Contractor After A Hurricane And Not Get Scammed

As the adage goes, safety first. Ensure your family’s safety by keeping away from downed power lines and any structural damage, especially in and around your home. If the damage to the roof is severe, stay with family or friends who have not been affected until your home is safe for habitation again.

As soon as the dust has settled and it’s safe to be around the home, take as many videos and photos from as many different angles as possible. Be sure to cover all the damage that needs repair, even if you deem it to be small. This important visual evidence is required for the insurers to make an accurate assessment of the damage without them trying to “do you dirty” by claiming a lack of evidence or inserting their version of events. Lastly, it will give a clear indication of the scope of work to potential residential roofing contractors.

While remaining safe, take whatever temporary measures you can to prevent further damage to your home. For example, if there is secondary rain, it might be helpful to put a tarp over exposed areas to limit flood damage and water ingress. Try contacting a remediation company that offers emergency tarping services.

Don’t delay in getting hold of your insurance company and public adjuster after the storm. Take a moment before contacting them to read through your policy to gain an understanding of what your coverage is, the deductibles available, and what the claims process looks like. This information is important in discussing estimates with roofing contractors. Stay vigilant and don’t be pressured into signing any contracts before your claim has been approved.

Some contractors have developed a reputation as “Storm Chasers”, as they appear at your home, uninvited, immediately after a storm. While this is a legitimate tactic by businesses to canvas neighborhoods, contractors who are out of state may be fly-by-night operators who do poor work, demand upfront payment, and then promptly disappear. They prey on the vulnerability of the situation and seek to pressure homeowners into making quick decisions. There are many benefits to using a reputable local roofing contractor over somebody who’s not local.

Legitimate residential roofing contractors understand the stress that you are under and will provide you with enough space and time to make an informed decision. Scammers tend to use aggressive, high-pressure tactics to get you to sign on the spot. A favorite excuse is to cite the limited availability of materials and the effect of demand on rising prices.

Deposits are standard in any contract-based business. A deposit protects both parties as the risk is balanced on both sides. Reputable residential roofing contractors will rarely demand full payment up front, and not for as large a project as a full roof replacement. Common scams involve demanding a large down payment, and then using subpar materials, doing menial work, or vanishing altogether.

Scammers want anonymity, and one of the best ways to do this is to demand cash only and have no sign of a contract in sight. Contracts protect both sides of any agreement as they outline the responsibilities of all involved. They define scopes of work, materials, timelines, and payment schedules. Cash payments are often a sign of unregistered businesses attempting to avoid taxes.

We all hope to get the best price possible for any transaction; however, reason needs to prevail when repairing your home. When comparing bids and one is seriously undercutting the rest, this should raise a red flag. A low price is often quoted just to land the job, but then, sudden “unforeseen” circumstances appear that require further payments. Do your homework, and then make an informed decision.

A reputable roofing contractor will guide you through the claims process, but will never prompt you to let them carry the reins. As tempting as it might be to have the grind work out of your hands, it is you who has the contract with the insurer and reputable public adjusters. Some scammers claim that they can get more money out of the insurers and may even encourage you to commit insurance fraud by inflating the damages.

You will get a good idea of market pricing by getting three or more estimates. This exercise will also give you a good idea of the scope of work involved in the repair. Ensure that each estimate is detailed, breaks down material costs. Labor and any necessary, additional fees.

A non-negotiable is that the contractor must have a valid roofing contractor’s license from the local municipality and state. The license ensures that the contractor meets the standards as stipulated by the licensing board and relevant consumer protection agencies. Contractors also need to be covered by professional indemnity insurance to safeguard themselves against general liabilities that are part and parcel of the construction industry. You can verify their insurance by inquiring with the contractor who their insurer is and contacting them directly.

A trustworthy local roofing contractor will come with a proven track record of satisfied customers. You can ask for a list of happy customers that the contractors have worked with. If the contractor is legitimate, they will easily have a list of loyal customers from your area to provide to you.

You can also consult online reviews of companies. Companies that have an online presence are generally more trustworthy as they provide a means for the public to have their say, positive or negative. You can also check a business’s review status by contacting agencies such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), as well as local community forums. Be sure to look for consistent positive feedback from satisfied customers, as well as for how a contractor responds to negative reviews. If there is a pattern of complaints, then this should serve as a warning sign to you.

Companies that have been in business for a substantial time are a safer bet than a newly formed business that has not withstood the test of time. Businesses that can perform well for a sustained period have proven their consistency. It’s also a good idea to check out the physical premises that a contractor claims to work from. If you can’t find their premises, then turn tail and run!

It’s wise to inquire of the contractors who are estimating if they plan to or usually make use of subcontractors to fulfill the work. If they do, ask for their licensing and insurance as well, so that the entire chain of contractors checks out.

Keep your eye on how well the contractor communicates with you throughout the process. The contractor will give you a good indication of their credentials by keeping clear and open lines of communication with you, as well as how well they communicate regarding your roofing project.

It’s critically important not to feel pressured by your insurer when it comes to choosing a contractor. Your insurance company may only recommend certain contractors to you, but you are definitely not obliged to use them! When it comes to your home and your property, you have the right to choose the residential roofing contractor you want.