New roofing can be catastrophic when it is not done right, and roof damage can affect the whole structural integrity of your house over time. This is why you must make sure that you find a trustworthy roofer.
There are many roofing companies out there which seem to offer different expertise. You may have found the right man for the job, but how can you tell that they are legitimate? Here are 5 ways to spot an illegitimate roofer.
1. No certification
Quality roofers will always have certification. This certification is what allows them to be a roofing company and proves that their roofers are trained. Roofers can train at an accredited college, through an apprenticeship, or on the job.
If a roofing company doesn’t hold certification, then they are more than likely illegitimate. If they do hold certification, browsing them can be a great way to make sure that you are able to select the most qualified workers for the job.
2. Bad reviews
One study found that less than 40% of 25- to 34-year-olds looked at online reviews when researching a company. However, online reviews from previous countries can prove extremely useful when verifying the integrity of a company, especially in the trades business.
Read through their reviews and website testimonials before hiring them. This will give you an idea of what the company is like, and it will help you to determine whether the business is legitimate.
3. No insurance
Any legitimate roofing company should have up to date insurance and will be more than willing to prove it to you. This insurance makes sure that they are covered for any liability issues which may occur when they are onsite.
If the roofing company does not have insurance, this means you may not be protected financially, plus they could try and blame you for any incidents.
4. Ask for money up front
Scam roofing business will often ask you for payment up front. However, a legitimate roofer will never ask for the full amount until after the work has been completed.
In fact, most companies will probably give you a quote or estimate, which will then be adapted and honoured in consultation with the homeowner depending on what work needs doing.
5. More damage that you first thought
Another way you can tell a scam company is when they try to persuade you that there is more damage to your roof than you thought. This might be a complete lie, or they may even cause the damage themselves to make it more believable.
To prevent this, always choose a trustworthy roofer, and always be present during roof inspections or get multiple assessments just in case.
So, there you have it, 5 tell tale signs that the roofer you are considering isn’t legitimate. To make sure you never get scammed, talk to your friends and family to find a local Durham roofers that they can recommend. If its good enough for them, its good enough for us!
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