When it comes to selecting a reliable and honest contractor to perform roof maintenance or repairs, it’s important to screen those contractors first. But what questions should you ask during the screening process? And how can you easily identify any red flags while researching roof repair professionals?
Unfortunately, there are dishonest roofing contractors in the field and it’s easy to be taken advantage of by these roofing companies or independent contractors.
At Premiere Roofing, our goal is to provide every single customer with fair pricing, top-quality work, and reliable roofing professionals. That’s why we have compiled a guide to help you feel confident in your choice when selecting someone to take on your roof installation and repair needs.
1. Is your roofing contractor licensed, insured and bonded?
One of the easiest ways to quickly discern whether or not your potential roofing contractor is reliable and honest is by ensuring that they are licensed, insured, and bonded in the state in which the repairs will be performed. This means that any work done by them is backed up by a regulatory body. It also means that if anything goes wrong during the repair, there is a safety net in place to ensure that you will not be responsible for correcting the problem logistically or financially.
The best way to learn whether or not your roof repair professional of choice is licensed, insured, and bonded is simply to ask for proof from them. Most contractors who are will provide that information on their website or will be happy to provide their license number and insurance information to you upon request.
2. Does their roof repair quote sound too good to be true?
If you solicit quotes for your roof repairs and find one that is much cheaper than the others you have received, this is usually a red flag. Whether the contractor’s price is lower or they claim that they can do the work in a much shorter time frame than their competitors, you should dig a little deeper. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they can do the work so cheaply and quickly. As a buyer, you should beware that cutting corners on repair costs often means that the contractor is not licensed or bonded, their work is not ensured and they may be saving money by using subpar roofing materials. Just like the saying goes, “When something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” The money you may save upfront when using these contractors will likely come back to haunt you in the form of shoddy work or additional repairs.
3. Are they asking for money upfront for their roof repairs?
This is the biggest of all red flags when it comes to shady roof repairs. Contractors who show up empty-handed or, even worse, knock on your door to pitch their unsolicited services are likely to scam artists. They will likely quote you a price that is far lower than the market standard for repairs. They will also insist that the work be started as soon as possible. And finally, they will ask for cash or check “deposit” on their work, likely claiming that it will cover material costs to get the job started. All of these are the hallmarks of shady contractors or outright con artists who take that “deposit” money, never to be seen or heard from again. And unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to track them down to recoup your expenses or file charges. It is best to avoid any and all roofing contractors who operate this way.
4. Have you Googled them?
This step may seem like a no-brainer to some, but it’s always your first line of defense when doing due diligence on roof repair companies or contractors. If they are reputable, you should be able to find them easily on local search result pages. They likely will have a web presence that provides information about their contractor screening process, materials used, and positive customer reviews. It only takes a few minutes of online research to learn important information about the contractor which can help you make a more informed and confident decision.
5. Were they referred to you by a friend, family member or coworker?
While Google searches and Yelp reviews can help consumers learn more about the roof repair professionals in their area, there is no substitute for the good, old-fashioned referral by a trusted friend or family member. The first step in your search for a reputable roofing contractor should be to ask those whose opinions and experiences you trust. Many roof repair professionals, especially smaller firms, rely on word-of-mouth referrals after they have provided quality service. Take a moment to ask those around you or on social media who they recommend (or who to steer clear of) and ask about their experiences.
6. What is their Better Business Bureau rating?
Reputable companies will usually tout their BBB ranking on their website or social media page, helping customers feel more comfortable when choosing their roof repair provider. However, the BBB is also key in helping consumers decide who to avoid, based on subpar BBB ratings. Since the Better Business Bureau is an independent consumer protection firm, a bad grade for a roofing contractor with the BBB means that many consumers have had negative experiences with the said contractor. It’s an easy and quick consumer tool to discover what other customers have discovered by hiring that contractor.
While there may not be a single way to immediately gauge a roofing contractor’s reliability and quality of work, technology has made it easier for consumers to research contractors and make a more informed decision when choosing someone to perform roof maintenance and repairs. By spending some time researching possible contractors on your own, you are more likely to find an honest and reliable roofing professional while also avoiding any roof repair scams.
If you have any questions or would like a quote on roofing work for your home or business, reach out to Premiere Roofing online or give us a call anytime at 888-766-3669.
