There are a lot of roofing scams out there, and as a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of them. Some scammers will offer cheap prices but then do a poor job on the roof, while others may try to take advantage of people who don’t know much about roofs. That’s why the Boise roofers at Madison Roofing would like to talk about some of the most common roofing scams and how to avoid them.
Irresistibly Low Roofing Quotes
One of the most common roofing scams is when a contractor offers an irresistibly low quote. They may say they can do the job for half of what other contractors are charging.
However, these low quotes are too good to be true in many cases. The contractor may not be licensed or insured and may do a poor job on the roof. To avoid this scam, get multiple quotes from different contractors before you make a decision. Don’t just go with the lowest price; instead, look at the overall value that each contractor can provide.
Unlicensed Contractors
Another common scam is when homeowners hire an unlicensed contractor. These contractors may say that they don’t need a license because they’re only doing a small job. However, even if the job is small, it’s important to make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured. Unlicensed contractors may do a poor job on the roof, and you may have difficulty getting compensated if something goes wrong. To avoid this scam, check to see if your contractor is licensed before hiring them. You can typically find this information on their website or by contacting your local licensing board.
Ridiculous, Upfront Payments
Another common roofing scam is when contractors ask for a large, upfront payment. They may say that they need the money to buy materials or pay for permits. However, these contractors take the money and run in many cases. They may never start the job or do a poor job and then disappear. To avoid this scam, don’t pay anything upfront until the job is completed. You can typically make the final payment after the job is done and you’ve had a chance to inspect it.
Asking for Personal Information
Some scammers will try to get your personal information by offering free roof inspections. They may say that they need your Social Security number or bank account information to process the inspection. However, in most cases, these roof inspections are simply a way for the scammer to get your personal information. They may use this information to commit identity theft or fraud.
To avoid this scam, never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. If someone offers a free roof inspection, ask them to come back when you’re not home so that you can verify their identity.
No Job References
When you’re hiring a roofing contractor, it’s important to ask for references. A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with a list of past clients who are happy with their work. However, some scammers will try to avoid providing references. They may say that they don’t have any references or that their previous clients prefer not to be contacted. To avoid this scam, only work with contractors who are willing to provide references. You can also check online reviews to see what other people are saying about the contractor.
Asking for Cash Only
Some scammers will try to avoid using credit cards or checks by asking for cash only. They may say they don’t have a credit card machine or prefer to be paid in cash. However, in most cases, these scammers are simply trying to avoid being traced. They may use the cash to buy materials for other jobs, or they may simply pocket the money and never start the job.
To avoid this scam, only work with contractors who are willing to take credit cards or checks. You can also ask for a receipt when you make a payment so that you have documentation of the transaction.
Get a Free Roofing Quote from Madison Roofing
If you’re in need of roofing services, contact the Boise roofers at Madison Roofing. We’re a reputable, licensed, and insured contractor who provides high-quality roofing services. Contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 344-5379 to learn more about our roofing services or to schedule a free consultation.
