8 Red Flags To Watch Out For When Hiring A Roofing Contractor in Troy, MI
If your roof needs repairs or replacing, you’ll have to hire a roofing contractor to do the job. While there are many reputable roofers out there, there are also some bad apples. In order to avoid getting scammed, it’s important to be able to identify the red flags that signal a potential problem.
Here are 8 red flags to watch out for when hiring a roofing contractor
When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, there are certain red flags that you should be on the lookout for. These red flags can indicate that the contractor is not as reputable or experienced as they claim to be, and could end up costing you more money in the long run so keep your eyes open for these red flags.
1. They Don’t Have Insurance
A reputable roofing contractor will always have insurance. This includes both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. If they don’t have insurance, you could be held liable if one of their employees is injured while working on your roof.
2. They Ask For A Full Payment Up Front
It’s not uncommon for a roofing contractor to ask for a deposit upfront, but you should never have to pay the entire cost of the job before any work has begun. Doing so gives them no incentive to actually do the work and leaves you at risk of being taken for a ride.
3. They Have No Reviews Or Bad Reviews
If a roofer has been in business for awhile and has no reviews online, that’s a bad sign. You should also beware of any contractors with mostly negative reviews. While it’s normal for any business to have a few disgruntled customers, too many negative reviews should make you think twice about hiring them.
4. They Can’t Provide References
A good roofing contractor will be more than happy to provide you with references from past clients. If they can’t provide references or refuse to give them to you, that’s a huge warning sign and you should turn the other way.
5. The Price Is Too Good To Be True
If a roofer’s quote is significantly lower than other bids you’ve received, that could be because they’re cutting corners or using inferior materials. In either case, it’s not worth risking your money on subpar workmanship.
6. They’re Not Licensed Or Insured
In order for a roofer to operate legally, they need to be licensed and insured in your state or municipality. You can usually find this information on their website or by asking them directly. If they can’t provide evidence that they’re licensed and insured, move on to someone else.
7. They Don’t Carry The Proper Materials
When visiting a prospective roofer’s worksite, take note of the materials they’re using. If they don’t carry the proper materials for your type of roof, move on. Proper materials are essential for ensuring that your new roof is up to code and will last for years to come.
8. They’re Not Willing To Put Anything In Writing
Any reputable roofing contractor will be more than happy to put their estimate in writing. If they’re not willing to do this, it’s a major red flag. Without a written estimate, you have no guarantee that they’ll actually honor their quoted price after the job has been done, this is commonly done by many scamming roofers.
Hiring a roofing contractor is a big decision. By following these tips, you can avoid getting scammed by a bad one. Keep your eyes out before making the decision to hire a roofing contractor, this can save you money, time, and potential damage to your home’s roof if you’re not careful.
Conclusion:
These are just a few of the red flags you should watch out for when hiring a roofing contractor. By keeping an eye out for these warning signs, you can avoid getting scammed by an unethical contractor. When in doubt, always go with your gut feeling; if something feels off, it probably is. Do some research and take your time in choosing the right contractor that’s professional and experienced enough to work on your homes roof, and your new roof will be sure to meet your expectations.