There are untrustworthy roofing contractors out there, you just have to know where to look. So that you know how to avoid!
If you would like work done on your roof, whether that work will be a complete overhaul or simply a repair, you should be very careful which roofing contractor you choose. This is because, sadly, scammers are far from unheard-of in the roofing industry, so you should learn of warning signs.
You should be especially concerned if you are an elderly woman living alone, as scammers could deem you naive and so an easy target. Watch out for any of the following disconcerting signs…
The ‘problem-reaction-solution’ tactic
This strategy is often favoured by roofing scammers. Here’s how it typically works: the roofer will turn up at your door unannounced to tell you that, when driving past your house, they noticed an issue with your roof. The scammer will then offer to inspect your roof for free.
If you let them, they will tell you that the roof has serious issues – and, if you don’t seem too worried at first, try to pile on the scaremongering until you succumb to taking up the “solution” they offer.
Estimates rather than quotes
If you are offered an estimate of the proposed project’s cost, ensure that this estimate is provided in writing – though it might be safe to omit this demand if you only need small emergency repairs.
Still, if the project in question will be refurbishment work, it might be best for you to insist on receiving a quote rather than an estimate. An estimate could too easily change after the contractor has detached the roof’s main covering to unveil the underlying substructure.
Insistence on upfront cash payments
Another classic scamming strategy is to offer some supposedly special, one-off deal, like a discount, on the condition that you immediately sign up and pay cash right there and then.
However, the TraderScams website warns that scammers do this to avoid having to pay tax. Contractors paid in cash are also difficult to track down should they simply disappear without doing any work for you, as is likely to happen if you fall for this trick.
Lack of relevant accreditation
It’s good practice anyway to ask a roofer for details of their credentials, such as what roofing work they have done for past customers. However, if the work you seek is refurbishment to at least 50% of a roof’s area, it can be essential that the roofer is part of the CompetentRoofer scheme.
The only exception would be if your Local Authority Building Control is contacted before work starts, as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) explains – but rest assured that Findley’s is a CompetentRoofer company.
“I’ve got material left over from another job”
Never just take these words at face value if they come out of a roofer’s mouth. A scammer will often utter this to give the impression that you’ve got a good deal on your hands.
A reliable roofer, like one from our roofing company in Yorkshire, won’t mind you asking security questions and for details of work they have previously done.
