There are several roofing companies out there that it is difficult to tell which is legitimate and reliable and which is not. This is a serious problem because many people erect building structures and will need them to be roofed. The ability to decipher whether the roofing contractor is trustworthy is necessary so that scams are avoided. Below are a few ideas to help you determine the authenticity of the roofing contractor you are about to engage.
How do you know a roofing contractor is legitimate?
- They don’t reuse materials
No legitimate roofing company will reuse roofing materials on your roof. The problem with reusing materials is that it comprises the integrity of the roof. In essence, the customer will have to budget extra expenses to take care of the roof earlier than it should be. Scam roofers will also try to switch roof and accessory components, which also jeopardizes the roof’s integrity and strength. Trustworthy roofing companies make sure not to reuse materials or switch them. They make sure that the integrity of the roof can be assured.
- They are insured
The majority of roofing companies will claim to be insured, licensed, and bonded. It is important that you ask for proof of this claim. When a company is bonded, it implies that you, as the consumer, are protected. It means that the company is bound to complete the work and do it well after some money has been paid. A licensed roofing company will be protected for all the liability problems that might occur on the job. To explain further, you will not be held responsible for any injuries that a worker might encounter while working on your project.
It is essential and crucial that you dig deep into researching the contractors you are about to engage. Any reputable and reliable company will have up-to-date bonding and insurance that they must supply in its hardcopy format. You can also check with their previous clients to have a feel of how they operate. It helps you form a better view of the credibility of the company.
- They follow through on their workmanship warranties
A legitimate roofing company will provide warranties on their workmanship to their clients. Apart from this, they will also make sure to follow through on their warranties. This is a big mark of reliability for any roofing company, as it implies that they can be trusted. You should avoid any company that cannot give you the guarantee of a warranty. This assurance should be given in writing to prevent denial and sidesteps.
- They can give adequate replies to your queries
One perfect way to ensure the roofing contractor’s credibility is to ask questions and form opinions from the replies. Your queries could be based on the current project you want them to undertake or about their organization. It can also be both. Reliable and reputable companies are very much satisfied to answer these questions. However, companies or contractors that try to avoid your questions should raise your suspicion. Some of the questions that you should consider asking are;
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have a permanent address, and what is your address?
- How many of this type of job or contract have you completed?
- Have you done this kind of job around this (your) neighborhood before?
- Do you give warranties on your services and products?
Some of the answers to these questions might need to be written and signed to prove their veracity. It is always best to ask for these documents when it is needed. You should raise a red flag to any company that tries to circumvent these questions.
How do you identify scams from roofing companies
- They ask for money upfront
It is a normal practice for genuine companies to ask for partial payment in advance. This payment is for insurance that you, as the customer, are serious about the contract. On the other hand, scam companies will ask for the full payment or a huge percentage in advance. After payment, they can disappear or do subpar work.
- They create more damage than there is
Scam roofing contractors will create additional damage in the quote so that the cost can be high. To avoid this, get quotes from many contractors to be sure of the exact amount you need.
- They give you an incomplete contract to sign
Remember that you should never sign a contract that does not have all the details you want and have discussed. No matter how small the detail that is missing, you should never put pen to paper until it is resolved.
What happens when you fail to hire a legitimate company for your roofing?
People, for so many reasons, hire bad roofing contractors. However, no matter the reason, it is a bad investment to hire an unreliable roofing contractor for your roofing project. The reasons are;
- It can result in financial disaster
Unlicensed contractors are cheaper than licensed and insured ones, so it is tempting to give them your roofing contract. However, this seemingly cheap venture turns out to be expensive later. Since you cannot often carry an unlicensed contractor to court, you may find yourself paying bills that you should not have to pay. Most times, bad contractors do not pay their workers and sub-contractors. Therefore, you will have to pay them or be cast as a debtor. The work quality can also be poor, that you will have to change it faster than you should. In the end, cheap is not always good.
- There is no insurance and warranty protection
Since they are not licensed and lack certification, you are liable for injuries that might occur while they work on your property. You will also not be protected with warranties should anything go wrong with the work. It is best to invite trained and certified professionals to handle your roofing projects and keep your mind at ease.
A reputable and legitimate roofing company will ensure that your work is done properly and even help you avoid legal pitfalls that may come up later. With much-dedicated research, one can identify which company is reliable and which is not, and therefore, decide what contractor to use. However, make sure to remember that cheap is not always good.