The region's leading professional contractor service since 1967.
So you're in the market for a new roof. You did your research, got a few estimates, and finally settled on a roofing contractor. But now, before work even starts, you get a call from another company asking if you'd like to switch to them. Is this a scam?
Probably not. It's not uncommon for roofing contractors to solicit business from their competitor's customers. However, some warning signs can help you spot a roofing scam.
Here are a few tips:
A legitimate contractor will give you time to think about your decision and won't try to push you into making a choice right away. They'll want to know about your roof before making a bid, and they won't pressure you into signing a contract right away.
Many scammers will advertise as a newer company because there is less chance of them being caught. They may not have a website or a phone number listed – be cautious if you can't find any information on Google or Yelp!
A legitimate contractor will never show up at your house without an appointment. They will take their time in making a bid, and they will never try to pressure you into deciding on the spot.
In many cases, legitimate companies should have an office that you can visit in person. This is especially true for significant jobs that require multiple transactions.
Any reputable contractor will not require payment until the job is completed if a contractor asks for money before starting work.
This is a huge red flag! Legitimate contractors always want to be paid by check or credit card if someone asks you to pay in cash.
It's natural to be suspicious of a contractor who offers to do the job for way below market rate. This could be a sign that they plan to do a shoddy job or that they're trying to take advantage of you.
If a contractor is offering a meager price, it's probably too good to be true. This is especially common with scammers – they lure customers in with a low price and then hit them with hidden fees or charges after the job is completed.
Payment should only be made after the work is done. A contractor may ask for some money upfront, but typically it's not more than one-third of the total cost. Also, make sure you get receipts for each payment.
Again, a legitimate roofing contractor will want to inspect your roof before making any bids. If someone immediately asks you to sign a contract without doing an inspection, it's probably a scam.
A scammer will pressure you into signing a contract immediately before you have a chance to think about it. If anything seems rushed, walk away and keep looking for a roofing company!
A legitimate roofing company won't pressure you to sign a contract on their first visit or try to claim they have leftover materials from a previous job.
If you're ever in doubt, it's always best to call your local consumer protection agency. They can help you determine if a contractor is legitimate and advise you on protecting yourself from scams.
At Welland Roofing and Siding, we do things differently.
We know that you want a reliable and affordable contractor, and we believe in giving our customers the information they need to make an educated choice about their roofing job.
We offer free estimates, and all of our contractors are fully trained professionals with years of experience. Additionally, we provide lifetime warranties on all of our workmanship.
We'll take care of your entire roofing project from start to finish – be sure to check us out!
At Welland Roofing and Siding, we're committed to providing quality customer service at every stage of the process. We understand how critical it is for you to find a trustworthy contractor.
Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
