How to Spot a Storm Chasing Roofing Contractor After a Disaster
Be patient and calm., Look for out-of-state tags on their trucks., Be wary of claims of staying in town., Check to make sure that any non-locally engaged roofing contractor has been properly licensed locally., Be aware that roofing insurance is...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Be patient and calm.
Most home owners after a hurricane or hailstorm are desperate to find a contractor.
Being desperate leaves you open to being preyed upon by "drifter contractors" who claim to be local. -
Step 2: Look for out-of-state tags on their trucks.
The vehicle is likely to be registered anywhere but locally if the contractor is not local.
This indicates that the contractor is only in town for storm work and won't be hanging around for upkeep or remedying any damage that is poorly fixed. , Quiz an out-of-town contractor very carefully.
Extract a promise of return for further mending even if the contractor leaves the state; get this in writing.
Long-term warranties, however, won't be much good if your contractor has left town. , Ask for current certificates of workman's compensation and liability insurance.
This is for your protection.
They must have both, as one covers property damage and one covers their workers from injuries if they fall from your roof.
Roofing contractors usually use sub contractors to install the roofs, and a lot have crews that travel with them.
In most states, the home owner or their insurance company will be liable if something happens; you don't want to risk your home. , This can lead some contractors to cut corners to avoid the expense.
Insist on seeing proof of current dated insurance. , These will be very vague, lacking in description of the work to be done and will lack information about insurance proceeds. , Check your local Yellow Pages; go back two or three years to find stability of business continuity.
Check the BBB when they joined, as they often join the local BBB because when they come into town, they will be new members. , There have been instances where storm chasing roofing contractors come in, roof a bunch of houses, and leave without paying the suppliers, thereby leaving the homeowner to pay twice! Ask to see invoices for payments. , In a storm situation, it is always best to buy from an established local roofing contractor as they will be around to service their work afterward.
If your state has any state licensing requirements, you will be able to check these online. -
Step 3: Be wary of claims of staying in town.
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Step 4: Check to make sure that any non-locally engaged roofing contractor has been properly licensed locally.
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Step 5: Be aware that roofing insurance is expensive.
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Step 6: Avoid signing any contingency agreements.
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Step 7: Do your own research.
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Step 8: Make sure that all materials used are paid for.
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Step 9: Prefer the local roofing specialists.
Detailed Guide
Most home owners after a hurricane or hailstorm are desperate to find a contractor.
Being desperate leaves you open to being preyed upon by "drifter contractors" who claim to be local.
The vehicle is likely to be registered anywhere but locally if the contractor is not local.
This indicates that the contractor is only in town for storm work and won't be hanging around for upkeep or remedying any damage that is poorly fixed. , Quiz an out-of-town contractor very carefully.
Extract a promise of return for further mending even if the contractor leaves the state; get this in writing.
Long-term warranties, however, won't be much good if your contractor has left town. , Ask for current certificates of workman's compensation and liability insurance.
This is for your protection.
They must have both, as one covers property damage and one covers their workers from injuries if they fall from your roof.
Roofing contractors usually use sub contractors to install the roofs, and a lot have crews that travel with them.
In most states, the home owner or their insurance company will be liable if something happens; you don't want to risk your home. , This can lead some contractors to cut corners to avoid the expense.
Insist on seeing proof of current dated insurance. , These will be very vague, lacking in description of the work to be done and will lack information about insurance proceeds. , Check your local Yellow Pages; go back two or three years to find stability of business continuity.
Check the BBB when they joined, as they often join the local BBB because when they come into town, they will be new members. , There have been instances where storm chasing roofing contractors come in, roof a bunch of houses, and leave without paying the suppliers, thereby leaving the homeowner to pay twice! Ask to see invoices for payments. , In a storm situation, it is always best to buy from an established local roofing contractor as they will be around to service their work afterward.
If your state has any state licensing requirements, you will be able to check these online.
About the Author
Claire Vasquez
Experienced content creator specializing in crafts guides and tutorials.
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