How to Avoid Roofer Scams

Roofing scams continue to prey on unsuspecting homeowners, often leaving them with subpar workmanship and financial losses.  There are a lot of illegitimate Arlington Heights residential roofing contractors out there. As a homeowner in Arlington Heights, it’s crucial to safeguard your property and investment. As a homeowner, here are some of the red flags you should recognize that an illegitimate company might be trying to get you to fall for a roofing scam.

Storm Chasers

This one won’t catch you by surprise. Right after a big storm, it’s common for opportunistic contractors, often referred to as “storm chasers,” to surface in affected neighborhoods. Most of these are going to be roof repairs or replacements that are irrelevant. They may exaggerate the extent of roof damage, pressuring homeowners into unnecessary repairs. However, there is a proper process to go through with roof damage after a storm.

Legitimate roofing companies follow a systematic approach to assess storm damage and provide accurate estimates, unlike these dubious entities seeking quick profits.

No Down Payment Tactics

Everyone knows that if you can’t pay something in full there will always be a down payment.  Some dishonest roofers engage in unethical practices by offering different quotes. One quote would be for homeowners and another inflated one for insurance claims. This strategy is how they get rid of the down payment. However, such tactic is fraudulent and illegal. Reputable roofers in Arlington Heights adhere to transparent pricing structures and ethical business practices, never resorting to deceitful tactics.

Super Low Quote

When you receive roofing prices that are really cheap, this should automatically set off some alarms. If it seems too good to be true, then it usually is. Fraudulent contractors may initially offer enticingly low prices only to inflate costs later by claiming unexpected repairs or material cost hikes.

Yes, sometimes you don’t see an underlying problem until you start working. However, a company or individual doing a roofing scam will take it to another level with an increase in costs. It could be something they didn’t see or even claim an increase in the price of materials.

Established roofing companies provide comprehensive estimates, explaining the breakdown of costs and potential factors that might alter the final pricing.

Immediate Availability and Pressure Tactics

Like any other industry, roofers have their downtimes and are looking for work. Most roofers will not start work the same day or even the very next.

Scammers often exhibit a sense of urgency; they want to get in and get out. They generally offer to start work immediately without proper assessment or scheduling. These illegitimate companies are also usually from out of town and just want to get their money and run. If you run into this situation take a look at their plates or see if the phone number they give you is from out of state. This could be a sign of a roofing scam in the making.

Legitimate roofers usually have a structured timeline and workload. If a contractor pressures for immediate work or exhibits eagerness to finish quickly without due diligence, it’s a potential sign of a roofing scam.

Lack of Proper Licensing and Insurance Documentation:

One of the fundamental hallmarks of a legitimate roofing contractor is their possession of the appropriate licenses and insurance coverage. Homeowners in Arlington Heights must verify these credentials before engaging with any roofer. Scammers often lack proper licensing or may present fraudulent documents to appear legitimate. Without valid licenses, these individuals or companies might not adhere to local building codes and regulations, compromising the quality and safety of your roofing project.

A legitimate roofer will carry comprehensive insurance coverage, including liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Lack of insurance exposes homeowners to potential liabilities if accidents occur during the roofing project. Reputable companies understand the importance of safeguarding both their workers and clients, ensuring adequate coverage in case of unforeseen incidents.

When considering a roofing contractor in Arlington Heights, always request to see their licensing and insurance documents. Established companies like Davis Roofing & Construction proudly present their valid licenses and insurance details, offering transparency and peace of mind to homeowners. Our commitment to compliance with industry standards and local regulations reflects our dedication to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality roofing services to our valued customers.

Unseen Damage

Some of these people will try to point out damage that they are not detectable by a layman’s eyes. They will actually try to get permission to go up on the roof. They might even fabricate damage or cause harm to justify inflated repair costs, then take pictures of the damage! Don’t let anybody on your property or your roof that you didn’t invite.

Reputable roofers respect your property and conduct inspections only with your explicit permission and explanation of their findings.

Safeguarding Your Investment with a Trusted Roofer in Arlington Heights

These are just some of the roofing scams out there and illegitimate companies will constantly find new tactics to go after homeowners. Given the prevalence of roofing scams, choosing a trusted and established roofer in Arlington Heights, IL like Davis Roofing Companies becomes imperative. With over 60 years of reputable service in the Chicago area, our licensed and insured company stands committed to integrity, transparency, and quality craftsmanship.

At Davis Roofing & Construction, we prioritize customer satisfaction and trust. Our team conducts thorough inspections, provides detailed explanations of required repairs, and offers transparent, obligation-free quotes. We encourage homeowners in Arlington Heights to be vigilant, ask questions, and seek references when selecting a roofing contractor.

Protect your home and investment by choosing a roofing company with a proven track record of excellence and reliability. Contact Davis Roofing & Construction today for a comprehensive assessment and free no-obligation quote. As your Arlington Heights roofing company, we:

• Provide reliable solutions tailored to your roofing needs.
• Sit down with you and explain everything that needs to be done
• Answer any questions you may have and work with you like any legitimate roofing contractor should.

Awareness of common roofing scams empowers homeowners to make informed decisions when selecting roofing services. By partnering with a reputable roofer in Arlington Heights like Davis Roofing Companies, homeowners can confidently protect their homes from scams while ensuring quality roofing solutions and peace of mind.