5 Signs Your Roofing Contractor is Ripping You Off
Most roofing contractors are honorable people who run a legitimate business. With that said there are also roofers who prey on unsuspecting homeowners. Purchasing a new roof or repairing a roof is one of the most expensive and important things you can do with your home. To avoid being scammed watch for these 5 signs that your roofa roofer may be trying to rip you off.
- Gaining Your Business with a Low Starting Bid
If a roofer entices you with an extremely low bid, beware! It likely means he will come back to you after starting the job and tell you he has to raise the price as he’s just realized he’ll need more materials to complete the job. If this happens you need to suspend work and get the opinion of other roofers. If they’re prices are higher than what you were quoted, you’re being ripped off and should notify the BBB and hire another roofer.
- Overpricing of Materials
Roofers who choose to use overpriced materials are ripping you off. If you can’t verify from their website or proposal that they’re using certified shingles from companies like GAF, Certain Teed, Owens Corning or IKO then beware. Always ask a roofer where they get their roofing materials. If they won’t tell you, they are trying to rip you off.
- Reducing their Labor Time
Replacing or repairing a roof takes man hours. There is no short cutting when re-roofing or repairing a roof. Roofers who take short cuts and hurriedly install shingles don’t care about the quality of the job or their labor. They just want your money. If you notice poorly installed shingles, then you have been ripped off.
- Beware of the Knock on Your Door
Any time you get a knock on your door and a roofer tells you he was passing by and noticed you had storm damage, beware! Some roofers choose to tour neighborhoods after a major storm and use this tactic to drum up business. It’s possible you may have some damage, but your best bet is to call other roofers and have them come out and inspect your roof for damage.
- Asking for a Huge Down Payment
It’s not unusual for some roofers to ask for a down payment in order to start securing materials. But a typical down payment is usually no more than 10-15%. When a roofer asks for 25-30% they are likely ripping you off. Your best recourse is to say no and find another roofer.
To avoid being ripped off always make sure to check the Google reviews, YELP or other platforms to see what prior customers say about the roofers you are considering. And we hope you will call on Bowles Roofing to answer any roofing questions and help you make the best decision for you and your home.