Beware of these Contractor Red Flags
As we’ve previously written, roof repairs run the gamut in terms of size, scope, and financial investment. There are three main types of repairs: minor repairs, major repairs, and replacement, and prices are fluctuating now more than ever due to supply chain challenges.
It’s understandable for any homeowner to want to get the ball rolling on their project sooner than later. Unfortunately, there are many companies that don’t deliver on their promises, ultimately leaving people in a lurch and with worse problems than before they started.
Knowing how to vet your contractor is Roofing 101, and there are plenty of ways to identify if something’s amiss.
Here’s a list of red flags to look out for when you’re considering with whom to do business:
Not Showing Up
It’s all about first impressions.
If your contractor stands you up on your consultation date, that’s not a good start. If you give them a second chance but they keep rescheduling, that’s a problem.
Of course things come up, and you can make allowances during the holidays or other times when there’s heavy demand for work. Otherwise, flakiness and disorganization are clear signs that something’s wrong on their end. They’re either overstretched to the point where appointments aren’t kept or just downright unreliable.
Not Assessing Your Property Properly
If it seems like your contractor is in a rush to give you a quote and secure a commitment, your Spidey Senses should be tingling. At best, this is a sin of omission, which indicates amateurism, and at worst, it’s a sin of commission, which is shady.
If a contractor doesn’t stop to inspect roof damage or ask about past maintenance, chances are they either don’t know what they’re doing, or they’re just trying to get you to pay. If it’s both of those things, you’re better off taking your business elsewhere.
No Certification or Insurance
As red flags go, this one’s a doozy.
In Illinois, roofing contractors are required to have proof of license as issued by the Department of Professional Regulation, and at the very least, personal liability and property insurance. If a contractor has employees, they must have business insurance and post a $10,000 surety bond.
Without these, a contractor is operating illegally.
Requesting Most Or All Of The Payment Upfront
If a contractor asks you to pay a substantial amount of your dues up front or in cash, you should be on your guard. A discount on cash payment or a lack of a receipt are both practices that fraudulent contractors employ.
Neglecting Paperwork
There are five types of paperwork a roofer needs to provide:
- The estimate
- The contract
- Permits
- Insurance
- Warranties
A contractor who is coy or unknowledgeable about these items isn’t above board
No References
References are an easy way to determine if a contractor has a proven track record or not. There should be no hesitation on their end to connect you with satisfied customers, provided they have permission.
Len Roofing & Remodeling Checks All The Boxes and More
When we say that we’re a top quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
