If you follow the news, you’ve likely read at least one story about a roofing scam. In some instances, unlicensed contractors go door to door in an attempt to scam homeowners out of their hard-earned money. In other instances, they start a job only to disappear, never to be seen again.

Roofing scams cost homeowners millions of dollars each year. Below are just a few of the steps you can take to ensure you’re protected.

Do your research

Before you hire a SWFL roofing contractor, do some research on them. Check their website, reviews, and ratings on online platforms such as Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), among others. You can also ask the roofer you’re speaking with to provide you with references from past clients.   The best way to get a random sampling is to ask them for 3 prior clients whose last name begins with a certain letter.

Get multiple estimates

As we’ve noted in the past, if you need to hire a roofing contractor, be sure to get at least three estimates from different companies. This will give you a good idea of the average cost of the project and help you avoid overpriced or underpriced quotes. Be wary of any estimate that is significantly lower than others. If one quote is far lower than the rest- this is a big red flag. In most instances, companies that underbid their competitors (by a significant amount) are unlicensed and/or uninsured.

Don’t be afraid to ask for their credentials

It’s OK to ask the roofer you’re speaking with for proof of their credentials, such as their license information, certifications, and insurance information. This will ensure that they are legitimate and qualified to do the work. A legitimate company will have no issues providing you with this information. If you get a lot of pushback, you’re likely talking to an unlicensed service provider.

Don’t let them pressure you into paying upfront, in full

Be wary of any roofer who asks for full payment upfront. A reputable roofer will typically require a deposit (that’s equal to the materials costs) and they’ll invoice you for the balance due upon completion of the work.

Do you need help with roof repair or roof replacement in SWFL? We can help. Call the experts at Kleinberger Corporation today to get started. What are you waiting for? Call us now to speak with a customer care agent in your area.