Sadly, we read and hear about stories all the time where an unscrupulous roofing company cons unsuspecting homeowners out of money. Unfortunately, it happens all over the country, including right here in the Cincinnati area.
In order to be a savvy consumer, and to be on your toes, here are some of the most common roofing con-artist moves, plus a few tips on choosing a reputable, reliable roofing contractor.
The Door-to-Door Roofing Guy
Most reputable Cincinnati roofing companies are not soliciting by ringing doorbells and walking door-to-door. Such sales tactics are acceptable for selling Girl Scout cookies or newspaper subscriptions, but are not appropriate for a job that may cost thousands of dollars. If someone is just wandering through nice neighborhoods, looking for some gullible homeowner to take the bait, it is best to politely decline.
Instead … keep in mind that most solid, reliable roofing contractors have full, busy schedules, because repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations keep us occupied. That’s not to say that some great roofing contractors may not have some down times where they’re looking to solicit some new work, but most of the time, someone who has the time to knock on your door probably has too much time on their hands for a reason.
The Storm Chaser
Some guys will go out after a big storm, when trees have fallen and power lines are down, offering to save the day. They may suggest that a lot of damage has been done in the neighborhood, and that you and your neighbors all have similar damage due to the nature of the storms. Just say no. Or “no thank you.”
Instead … remember that although a big storm may very well have hit many homeowners with similar damage, each home and roof require an experienced evaluation to determine what (if any) work needs to be done. Roof repair is not a “one size fits all” issue, and anyone who presumes to be able to tell you what work needs to be done on your roof without taking a look at it probably doesn’t intend to do a very good job on it.
The High-Pressure Hustler
A roofing salesman attempting to use high-pressure tactics to win your business – say, an offer that expires that day or that week and cannot be rescheduled or delayed – is trying to manipulate you into acting under duress. Roof work can typically be scheduled weeks or months in advance. A roof repair job is only an emergency if you have, heaven forbid, a big gaping hole in your roof and rainwater pouring in, or a tree where your roof used to be.
Instead … legitimate, professional roofing companies are patient and reasonable when it comes to the decision-making process. They want to make sure you have your questions answered and that both the roofer and the client are on the same page in terms of the scale, scope, and cost of the work to be done. A reputable roofing company expects you to do your homework and to make an educated choice that you are comfortable with. They know that a well-informed customer is far more likely to become a satisfied customer, and that you’re more likely to recommend them to your friends and family, and to call them again the next time that you need roofing work done, if you feel like you were a partner in planning the work on your roof. That’s how good roofing contractors have built their business.
Any of these moves are a red flag that the roofer in question is … questionable. Don’t fall prey to any of these schemes, and be sure to check the online reviews of any roofing company trying to earn your business. Look for a stellar reputation built over years of doing great work.