If you are considering a roof replacement, it’s important to know the red flags to look for when choosing a roofer.
In this two-part series, we’ll review ten of these red flags so you can go into a discussion with a potential roofer educated and prepared.
In case you missed it, we recently published a series on the Key Questions to Ask a Potential Roofer (Part 1, and Part 2), which includes twenty questions that can help you more easily identify red flags. We also created a downloadable PDF of all twenty questions for easy reference.
That said, let’s jump into the first five red flags to watch out for …
1. THE DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESPERSON
Contractors, or more specifically salespeople hired by a contracting company, can sometimes show up at your door, especially after a local storm. We recommend avoiding interacting with them beyond telling them you’re not interested and taking you off their solicitation list. It’s always better to do your own homework to find a reputable, local contractor to work on your roof — with a solid set of skills and credentials.
Too often, door-to-door solicitations can be a scam. This could include a company claiming to be local when they’re not, as storm chasers and national brands will often portray themselves as “local,” just to win your business (they may have a P.O. Box with a local address, which is not the same as a business address).
In our area, after a hail storm, scammers are more likely to try the door-to-door sales pitch, preying on homeowners who may be upset about a damaged roof, and sign on without thinking it through.
2. BEING ASKED TO PAY IN FULL UPFRONT
Speaking of scams, you definitely don’t want to pay in full before the roofing project is completed to your satisfaction. In other words, NEVER pay in full up front for a roof replacement, and avoid any contractor who suggests you do so. An honest contractor won’t ask you to pay the total cost up front. In addition, requests for large deposits are also a red flag.
It’s also good to be wary of a contractor urging you to pay in full upfront by taking out a loan from a lender that seems sketchy.
Once these scammy contractors get their upfront payment, they often leave the job undone.
3. A LOW-BID ESTIMATE
An extremely low bid on a roofing project is another red flag. And if it happens to be the first estimate you’ve received, it can be tempting to sign on the dotted line right then and there based on price.
Here’s the thing … if it seems too good to be true, it probably is …
Josh Gauwitz, the owner of Legacy Exteriors, encourages homeowners to get more than one bid — if for nothing else just to make sure you are making an educated decision. So resist that initial temptation to “save money,” because it will likely cost you more in the long run when you sign on for a cheap roofing system.
Other times, a contractor may lowball the price to get you to sign, only to request more dollars once the project starts. This is why researching your potential roofer, and asking a lot of questions, is so critical to the process.
That all said, get a minimum of 2–3 written estimates from local companies who have a proven track record in your area.
4. THERE’S A COST FOR THE ROOF INSPECTION
OK, here’s the thing, an inspection of your roof or any other part of your home should always be complimentary. So if a contractor has a fee associated with the inspection, find another roofer.
In addition, before you agree to an inspection, ask the roofing company what the inspection entails. For example, we take photographs of any damage we find on a roof so we can show it to a homeowner, answer questions, and make recommendations. Some less ethical contractors claim to find damage that isn’t actually there just to get more business.
5. THEY APPLY PRESSURE
It’s always harder to make good decisions under pressure. The good news is that when you’re considering a roof replacement, you don’t have to!
So, if a contractor starts pressuring you — be prepared to say thanks anyway and see them to the door. Don’t sign anything under pressure, even if there’s a “limited time deal,” or “today only pricing.”
Instead, look for a roofer who is interested in working WITH you every step of the way, with good communication skills and the willingness to give you space to make decisions.
Next up, in Part 2 of our series, we’ll tackle five more red flags to watch out for when choosing a roofer.
GET IN TOUCH
If you have questions about roofing or a complimentary roof inspection, with no strings attached, feel free to contact Legacy Exteriors any time. We’re always happy to help, even during the winter!