How To Avoid Roofing Contractor Scams in Austin
Austinites are used to living with severe weather. Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year, especially in the fall and spring. If your home needs a new roof, either because of storm damage or because it is wearing out, you won’t have to look far to find a contractor. When devastation hits a neighborhood, contractors will travel door to door in search of business. In fact, scam contractors account for billions of dollars homeowners lose each year to theft or fraud. As a homeowner, you can’t afford to lose your hard-earned money to contractor fraud. If you are thinking about replacing your roof, here are some tips that will help you avoid contractor scams in the Austin area.
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Tip 1: Get a Roof Inspection from a Licensed Roof Inspector with a Good Reputation
Whether you are replacing your roof due to damage or due to wear, you need to have a roof inspection. Do your homework ahead of time, and ask friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers about roof inspections. They may be able to give you information on a great roofing company. Nearly all roofing companies have roof inspectors available, so if your co-worker has a great suggestion for a roofing company, you can call and ask if they do roof inspections. Not only will a roofing company give you a roof inspection, but they will also give you a quote for your roof replacement or repair.
Tip 2: If a Contractor Is Going Door-to-Door For Business, Do Not Use Them
News channels are filled with reports of scam contractors who immediately show up after a natural disaster to offer you cut-rate prices on your roof repair or replacement. Any contractor who wants to go door to door to sell their business during a natural disaster is not a contractor you can trust. Also, if a contractor stops by your house to mention they noticed your roof needs replacing, do not listen to their sales pitch. You need to find a roofing company you can trust, and they need to be in the Austin area.
Tip 3: Check Their Credentials
If your roofing contractor says the company is bonded, licensed, and insured, you will want to check their credentials. All reputable roofing companies can provide proof of their coverage as well as their licenses. While Texas roofers do not need a license to repair or replace roofs, most companies obtain licenses anyway from the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas.
You may also want to check with your homeowner’s insurance company for names and information of reputable roofing companies they recommend. That way, you can be sure you will get reimbursed for your roof repair or replacement if it is covered by insurance.
Tip 4: Meet with More than One Roofing Contractor
You will want to get an estimate from more than one roofing contractor when you are planning to replace your roof or to have your roof repaired. Not only will you get the best price for your money on a new roof, but you’ll also cut down on the chances a roofing contractor will overcharge you for roofing supplies or labor. Most experts recommend you get three estimates so that you can get the best price possible for your new roof.
When you get an estimate, make sure that the estimate is detailed and lists all prices and costs. Don’t be worried about asking questions because you need clarification. Reputable contractors are always willing to answer questions about the estimate.
Tip 5: Do Not Pay Upfront, and Do Not Pay with Cash
Reputable roofing companies do not ask for payment upfront. That’s because, in many cases, a roofing company will receive payment on completion through your insurance company. If you are paying for the roof repair or replacement yourself, you still do not need to pay upfront. If the roofing company you are working with asks for the total payment upfront or they want the payment in cash, you need to find another contractor.
Cash payments cannot be traced, while credit card and check payments can be traced. This is important if you are concerned about fraud. Never pay cash for an important roof repair or roof replacement.
Conclusion
Having a sound roof is vital to the overall health of your home. Roof replacement is also one of the most expensive repairs you’ll do on your house, so it is important to get it right with regard to your roofing contractor. If you are looking at repairing or replacing your roof soon, we can help. Contact CCC Roofing in Austin today and let us get started on your roof inspection!
First Seen here: How To Avoid Roofing Contractor Scams in Austin
source https://ccr-roofing.com/how-to-avoid-roofing-contractor-scams-in-austin/