From outright scams to bad roof contractors who attempt to undercut their larger competition by cutting corners, using low quality materials or cheap labor, getting ripped off is easier then ever!
With today’s technology, it’s simple to fake a website, paperwork, flyers, even reviews to make someone look legitimate or more qualified then they are, it happens all the time.
Fortunately, the very same technology that makes it easier for companies to misrepresent themselves can also be used to avoid them. You don’t have to rely on their word or info they provide. You can do your own homework and check your roof contractor before you hire them!
Avoid scammers and bad roofers by doing the following:
1. Make sure your roofer is local
- Call the Better Business Bureau of Atlanta (404) 766-0875
- Check Kudzu.com or Angie’s list, Google, Yelp, and any other site that accepts reviews.
- Google them and check their social media pages and other sites (Facebook, Twitter)
- Check the Roofer and Sheet metal Contractors Association of GA (404) 766-1631.
- Check their vehicle tag for an out of state license plate!
2. Know your roofer
- Use a company that specializes in roofing not a construction company. If the owner of a construction company has never personally installed a roof, how does he know if the installer is doing it properly?
- Make sure the company you use is qualified to do the job. Ask for qualifications and check them all out.
- Make sure they have both general liability and worker’s comp. Ask for a certificate!
- The insurance certificate should have the correct billing address, make sure it’s local.
- Call 10 – 20 referrals (Great contractors have a list of hundreds at the ready at any time)
3. NO NAIL GUNS!!!
- Nail guns are good for framing (with wood) but not for a fiberglass shingle!
- Nail guns shoot nails through the shingles or not in deep enough leaving nails sticking up.This is the biggest reason for roof failure today!
- Hand nailing is the only way to assure consistent quality.
4. No “toe-boards”!
- Toe-boards” are boards that are nailed through the shingles on steep roofs so installers can work without sliding off.
- When removed they leave holes in your new roof!
- The correct way is to use toe-board brackets (fastened under the shingles) or ropes and harnesses.
5. Use a company that has a REAL warranty
- How can you trust a company that offers a five or ten year warranty but has only been in business for a year or two?
- What about these “storm chasers” from out of state? Will they be here if you have a problem later? The answer is NO! When the next storm hits somewhere else they will be there!
6. Always get a second opinion
- It is inappropriate and even unethical for your insurance company/adjuster to try to influence your decision on who to use to repair your storm damage.
- Just because a contractor shows up with your adjuster or even for the insurance company, does not mean you have to use that contractor. You have the right to use whomever you feel comfortable with to work on your home. Don’t sign anything!
- Always get more than one estimate. This could save you and/or your insurance company thousands of dollars. It is very common for “storm chasers” to overcharge (up to 25-30 percent). That’s why they want to deal directly with your insurance company, so you won’t even know!
Don’t become the next roofing scam statistic, research your local roof contractor and know who you are hiring!
In Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Roofing Specialists has been serving the residential and commercial community for over 25 years! Providing the best customer experience from initial quote to final cleanup, our online reputation is second to none!
Free estimates and 10 year workmanship warranty on every roof, call today @ 770-419-2222!