There are a lot of roofing companies out there. How do you know which one to choose?
Well, it can be tricky. Some roofing companies are fly-by-night operations that will take your money and run. Others might do a shoddy job on your roof, leaving you with leaks and other problems.
To help you avoid getting ripped off or ending up with a subpar roof, here are eight red flags to watch out for when choosing a roofing company:
1. They Don’t Have Licenses or Insurance
Before hiring a roofing company, ask if they have a valid business license and insurance. A legitimate roofing company will have no problem providing you with this information.
If a roofing company can’t produce proof of insurance or a business license, that’s a major red flag. Hiring an uninsured roofing company is a considerable risk. You could be held liable if one of their employees gets injured on the job.
Similarly, hiring a roofing company that doesn’t have a license is also a bad idea. In most states, roofing contractors are required to have a permit. If a company doesn’t have a license, it may not be appropriately trained or qualified to do roofing work.
2. They Use High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Suppose a roofing company uses high-pressure sales tactics. You should never feel pressured into signing a contract or deciding on the spot.
A reputable roofing company will give you time to think about your decision and won’t try to pressure you into signing a contract.
Some of these tactics include the following:
- Telling you that you need to make a decision right away
- Making unrealistic promises
- Using scare tactics
- Telling you that you need to get the work done before your insurance policy expires
If a roofing company is using any of these tactics, walk away. The last thing you want is to sign a contract with a company you’re uncomfortable with.
3. They Ask for a Large Deposit
When hiring a roofing company, you should never have to pay a large deposit upfront. A legitimate roofing company will usually only require a small deposit (usually around 10%) to cover the cost of materials.
Paying a large deposit upfront is a major red flag. It’s possible that the company could take your money and run. Or, they could start the job and then demand more money before finishing.
If a roofing company asks for a large deposit, that’s a sign that you should find another company to work with.
4. They’re Not Willing To Give You a Written Estimate
When you’re hiring a roofing company, be sure to get a written estimate. This document should outline the scope of work and the project’s total cost.
If a roofing company is unwilling to give you a written estimate, that’s a major red flag. On the other hand, a reputable company will have no problem providing you with a detailed assessment of the work that needs to be done.
Some roofing companies will give you a verbal estimate but be warned that these are often inaccurate. If a company is unwilling to provide you with a written estimate, they may be trying to hide something.
5. They Don’t Have Any References
Suppose a roofing company doesn’t have references. A reputable company will have no problem providing you with a list of references from past clients.
These references can be invaluable when trying to decide whether or not to hire a company. Follow up with each reference and ask about their experience working with the roofing company.
If a company is unwilling or unable to provide references, that’s a sign that you should take your business elsewhere.
6. They’re Not Willing To Put It in Writing
When you’re hiring a roofing company, be sure to get everything in writing. This includes the estimate, the scope of work, and the payment schedule.
If a roofing company is not willing to put anything in writing, that’s a major red flag. However, a reputable company will have no problem providing you with a written contract.
Some roofing companies will try to get you to sign a blank contract. Don’t do it! If a company is unwilling to put the terms of your agreement in writing, they may be trying to hide something.
7. The Company Doesn’t Offer Any Warranty Information
When you’re hiring a roofing company, be sure to ask about warranty information. A reputable company will offer some warranty on their work.
Be wary of companies that don’t offer any warranty information. This could be a sign that they’re not confident in their workmanship. Or, it could be a sign that they’re using subpar materials. In addition, some roofing companies will only offer a warranty if you pay extra for it.
If a company is unwilling to offer you a warranty, that’s a red flag. You should find another company to work with.
8. The Contractor Won’t Discuss Details With You
If a roofing contractor is not willing to discuss the details of your project with you, that’s a red flag. However, a reputable company will be happy to answer any questions you have about the work that needs to be done.
Be wary of contractors who try to avoid answering your questions. They may be trying to hide something. In addition, be sure to get everything in writing. This way, you’ll have a record of what was agreed to.
If a contractor is unwilling to discuss your project’s details with you, that’s a red flag. Instead, you should find another company to work with.
Conclusion
When hiring a roofing company, there are several red flags to watch out for. First, be sure to get everything in writing, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
If a company is unwilling to answer your questions or provide a written contract, that’s a sign that you should take your business elsewhere. Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home, so be sure to hire a reputable roofing company to work on it.
