Home Building Contractor Tips - How to Spot a Roofing Contractor Scam

Unfortunately, building contractor scammers can be found in any community.  The worst offenders seem to be roofing contractors.   No matter what part of the country, a homeowner is likely to run into a roofing scammer at one point or another.

Roofing contractor scammers tend to target the elderly, but no one is immune. In Florida, for example, the scammers go door-to-door, offering their services before or during the hurricane season, which is a time when homeowners are vulnerable because they are worried about the integrity of their roofs.

Scammers Love Using the Problem-Reaction-Solution Method

Blurb Alert! If you need more information on home improvement ideas, be sure to use our search function at the top of the page to find the best prices on books, electronic books, audio tapes and CDs.  The search is also programmed to call up the latest eBay auctions for specific items that you're seeking.

Under the problem-reaction-solution scenario, the perpetrator has already thought up a solution to get what he wants long before there was ever a problem.  There is usually some kind of twist with the solution in that the victim will feel like he or she is getting saved from a tragedy of some kind.  In the roofing scams, the “roofing contractor” offers to conduct a free inspection, and then reports trouble.  Sometimes the scammer has created the trouble himself!  By creating a problem that didn't exist ithe first place, the scammer knows that his victim will have a reaction.  By making the problem sound very bad and dangerous, the reaction will be more fearful.  Once the scammer has the reaction he wants from his victim, he is already prepared with a solution - he can repair or replace the roof for a certain fee, which is often depicted as a real bargain.  Once the homeowner pays a deposit for the roof repair, the “contractor” is never seen or heard from again.

Avoid Roofing Contractor Scams by Following These Tips

Avoiding a roofing scam isn’t difficult if homeowners arm themselves with facts and take steps to only deal with reputable companies. A good rule of thumb is to never let anyone do a “free inspection” on your home unless his credentials have been checked out. If you didn’t solicit a contractor, don't trust whoever shows up at your door. Do not let someone on your roof to “inspect it” if you didn’t call him in the first place.

To ensure that you're hiring a legitimate roofing contractor, follow these tips:

• Employ licensed contractors only.  Ask for their contractors license number and then check it out.  Because contractor scams are so prevalent, many states have online services where you can verify a roofing contractor's license number.
• Insist on a written contract before work is performed and make sure that you understand the contract, even if it means talking with an attorney.  You should also request a detailed, written estimate.
• Never pay in cash.  If a roofing contract insists that he requires cash only payments, tell him to take a hike.
• Don’t pay a down payment that is the greater of either ten percent of the job’s total or $1,000.  Scammers take the money and run. 
• Don't trust "door to door contractors."   
• Don’t deal with roofing contractors who require that customers allow the use of “left-over” materials. These materials might be stolen.

A good roofing contractor will expect to be checked out and will understand and respect any wariness you may have about scammers.  If you are concerned about your roof, start calling contractors and don't wait for a scam artist to show up at your front door. 

"Home Building Contractor Tips - How to Spot a Roofing Contractor Scam," contributed by Ellen Sanderson