Putting a brand new roof on your home is one of the best things you can do for it—unfortunately, it’s also one of the costliest. In the grand scheme of things, the cost and the value even out and when it does come time for you to reroof your home, it’s generally a good idea to make the investment and enjoy the benefits. But, before you eagerly give your money away to just any old roofing contractor in Thousand Oaks, it’s important to do your research!
Simple ways to spot a fraud
Have you ever been approached by a door-to-door canvasser after a big storm about installing a new roof on your home or having roofing repairs done? If so, then you may have already been exposed to one of the most common scams in the world of roofing. Often times, scammers visit neighborhoods that have been ravaged by harsh weather in order to prey on people who need a quick fix. These faux roofers will generally look very legitimate and offer you their services with a fractional down payment. Here’s your first red flag.
An experienced roofing contractor in Thousand Oaks won’t ask you for a down payment until an estimate has been given and an agreement has been signed. Anyone looking for a down payment before they’ve inspected your roof or given you a detailed estimate isn’t to be trusted because there’s nothing to stop them from cashing your check and skipping town.
It should be noted that many respectable roofing companies do canvas certain areas as well—so not every roofer who’s ringing your doorbell is a fraud. What sets a real roofer apart from a scammer is in the way they conduct business. Providing you with proper documentation and estimates, as well as contracts is the biggest giveaway between the two.
Do your own research
If you’re thinking about hiring on a roofer that came to you, instead of you going to them, it’s important to do some background work before you hand over any money. Check the company’s website to see if they’re a real entity. Read reviews or search for recommendations from past clients to see how long they’ve been around. These simple tasks can eliminate a lot of frauds quickly.
Another great way to determine whether or not you’re dealing with a scammer is to ask the appropriate questions when interviewing someone. A true professional will know the ins and outs of their business and be able to answer questions with ease, as they’ve probably answered them a number of times before. If you get shady answers or no real information, it’s not worth your time or the risk to continue proceeding with this person.
Make your choice
Many times, it’s a good idea to seek out your own roofing company, instead of letting one come to you. Seeking out your own company will give you better peace of mind about the professionals you’ll be hiring and it gives you a chance to examine a number of options before handing over a check. Don’t fall for the convenient option when it comes to roofing repair—instead make a choice that will give you peace of mind.