Protect yourself and your investments
Living in Florida, where severe weather and hurricanes are a regularity, having a reliable roof is crucial. Unfortunately, the high demand for roof repairs and replacements after severe weather has created an opportunity for “storm chasers” to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. Storm chasers are people who pose as roofing contractors and come solicit business from you after a big storm, claiming to have seen damage to your roof. Falling victim to roofing scams can not only result in subpar workmanship but also financial losses and false insurance claims. At Stay Dry Roofing, we aim to help our Tampa, FL neighbors avoid roofing scams and get the best results possible every time.
Follow these steps to avoid roofing scams
1.Research and verify contractor credentials
Before hiring a roofing contractor, research their credentials thoroughly. Start by checking if they have the necessary licenses and permits required by the state of Florida. Verify their business address, phone number, and website to ensure they have a physical presence and an established reputation. Look for online reviews and ratings from reliable sources, and even check social media to see if they have good reviews. Request references from past clients to gauge their satisfaction and the quality of workmanship. Remember, a reputable contractor will be transparent and willing to provide this information, a roofing scammer will likely delay you in getting this information, or not have anything credible to show.
2. Obtain multiple quotes
To avoid falling victim to overpricing or underquoting, seek quotes from multiple roofing contractors. These storm chasers try to lure you in and sign a contract right away, but you owe it to yourself to shop around. This will give you a better understanding of the average cost of your roofing project. Be wary of significantly lower quotes as they may indicate inferior materials or workmanship. Also, be wary if a contractor keeps talking about billing your insurance. Ensure that the quotes provided are detailed and include a breakdown of costs, materials to be used, project timeline, and any warranties offered. A professional contractor should provide you with a comprehensive and transparent estimate.
3. Beware of door-to-door contractors
Be cautious when approached by door-to-door salespeople offering roof repair or replacement services. This is how a storm chaser operates, but a reliable roofing company doesn’t need to seek business—business comes to them. Roofing scams often use high-pressure tactics and offer deals that seem too good to be true. Politely decline any unsolicited offers and verify the credibility of any salesperson before considering their services.
4. Check for insurance coverage
Before hiring a roofing contractor, verify their insurance coverage. Ensure that they carry both workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance. This protects you from being held liable for any accidents or damages that may occur during the roofing project. Request a copy of their insurance certificates and contact the insurance provider to confirm the coverage. Avoid contractors who fail to provide proof of insurance, as this can expose you to potential legal and financial risks. Some roofing scammers even use fake or expired insurance, so be sure to look closely.
5. Avoid large upfront payments
Be cautious when a contractor demands full payment upfront or a significant down payment before commencing the work. Reputable roofing professionals usually request a reasonable deposit or progress payments as the project advances. Avoid making substantial payments until the work has been completed to your satisfaction. Use a payment method that provides you with some level of protection, such as a credit card. This ensures that you have leverage in case of any disputes or unsatisfactory work. A common roofing scam is to ask for cash upfront, and then you will never see or hear from the contractor again.
Don’t be another victim—call Stay Dry Roofing today
Falling victim to roofing scams can have devastating consequences for homeowners in Tampa, FL. By following these precautions and tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target. Stay Dry Roofing has over 30 years of roofing experience and we have the reviews, credentials, and referrals to back up our claims. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, relatable company, and treat all our Tampa neighbors as if they were part of our own family. If you suspect you have roofing damage and want to discuss your options, Stay Dry Roofing is here for you.
