Many dishonest contractors are out there looking to take advantage of unsuspecting people. To ensure you’re getting quality work at a fair price, here are some of the most common roofing scams you can easily avoid when hiring a contractor.
Unusual or overblown problems
If a contractor exaggerates the damage or can’t pinpoint what the damage is, your roof might not need the work they’re saying it does. Some roofers are even known to harm the roof during a free inspection to rack up a higher bill.
Before hiring a roofer, check online reviews to assess the legitimacy of the business. Once a roof inspection is complete, get clear guidance on what the damage is, how it occurred, and the steps to fix it. Be sure to always get at least one more professional opinion before locking in a contractor. Source: Angi
Insurance claims
This trick is common after a big storm or natural disaster that damages homes in the area. Scammers will visit homes affected by the weather and offer their services to fix the damage. The scammers say they will handle the insurance claim and payment for the homeowner, which is a common situation for legitimate contractors.
Then, the scammers pocket the insurance money to repair the damages and are never heard from again. Ask contractors for referrals and their credentials to verify their business and avoid getting scammed. Source: BobVila
Extremely low bids and vague details
You should also be wary of low bids and quick assessments. In some scenarios, the contractor bidding on your project will leave off some of the details, knowing that many homeowners focus on the end cost. Pay attention to materials, supplies, construction equipment and subcontractors. “Once the project begins, you realize that some things are not being performed. You confront the contractor, who points to the written agreement you signed which doesn’t include those items. But, of course, it can be added for additional monies,” Costello explains.
“In another scenario, the contractor visits your potential renovation project, quickly assesses it and writes down the bid on the back of a business card or a sheet of paper,” Costello adds. However, your project is too important to let someone set a price based on some scribbled notes. “And you can bet that the costs to do your project will escalate quickly.”
Tip: “Make sure the bids are detailed and include everything that is included in your plans and scope of work,” Costello says. “To this same point, the final written agreement must be detailed and include everything that is in your plans and specs.” Source: MyMove
For additional information on protecting yourself from roofing scams, talk to one of our roofing experts here at Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains. We’ll walk you through every step in the process and ensure you get a quality job right the first time. So don’t let dishonest contractors ruin your home renovation – give us a call today!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
