It is shockingly easy to get scammed by a dishonest roofer. People who need their roof repaired are vulnerable. They may have one or more leaks that are getting worse. The shingles of their roof may be deteriorating. They want their problem fixed quickly. The bad news is that there are more than enough scammers who understand this. The good news is that these scammers can be defeated. Here is how:

Ask Around

A potential client should ask neighbors, friends and coworkers who’ve had work done on their roofs for recommendations. The client might visit a property where the prospective roofer worked, take a look at the roof and ask the owner if they are pleased with the work. Ideally, the roofer should bring the client to the site themselves. They should at least be eager to provide references. A roofer who is reluctant to do this should be rejected.

Write a Check to the Company, Not the Worker

The client should not write a personal check to the roofer, but to the company the roofer works for. This tells the client that there is at least a company behind the roofer’s work.

Don’t Give a Roofer a Commission

Any commissions paid to the roofer are the responsibility of the company, not the client.

Don’t Give a Credit Card Number via E-mail
Even if the roofer is legit, e-mail is vulnerable to hacking by a third party. If the client needs to give out a credit card number, they should call the billing department of the company or take a trip to the office and provide it in person. By the way, going to the office also reassures the client that the roofer is operating out of a brick and mortar office and not out of their van.

The Roofer Should Be Willing To Meet Face-to-Face

The roofer should visit the property before starting work. This gives them an idea of the job and gives the client an idea of the roofer. The roofer should be courteous, knowledgeable and willing to answer the client’s questions about the job.

Make Sure the Roofer Is Licensed, Bonded and Insured

The roofer should have proof of licenses, insurance and workman’s compensation when they visit the client. They should also be willing to sign a written contract.

The Client Should Trust Their Gut

If the client feels that something just isn’t right about the roofer, they should simply choose another.

We hope you’re finding our roofing blog insightful and entertaining! To learn more about what Eagle Watch Roofing can do for your next roofing project, visit our ‘About Us’ page; or, visit our ‘Testimonials’ page to see what some of our satisfied customers have to say about their experience.

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