A couple of weeks have gone by since our blog post on Roofing scams and we’ve received notification on a couple more Roofing Contractors who are in trouble with the law. Fortunately neither is in New Jersey but both highlight problems that exist everywhere. The first report is from Muskogee, OH where one Justin Clark is accused of “allegedly bilking people out of money by contracting to do repairs but not performing the work”. Money changed hands but no work was done. At least half a dozen homeowners are out many thousands of dollars and one has had a lien placed on their home. Read the full story here:
Meanwhile in Denver, CO another company is in hot water after taking payment and not doing the work. The company owners allegedly have a history of starting companies, then going out of business before starting up again under another name. Read the full story here: http://kdvr.com/2015/07/13/better-business-bureau-warns-about-roofing-company-operating-under-different-names/
The second story contains these tips from the Better Business Bureau when choosing a roofing contractor:
- Get more than one estimate. Preferably, get three estimates before making a decision.
- Don’t be pressured into signing a contract right away. Do not make a decision at your doorstep.
- Know that anything you sign — no matter what you are told — can be considered a binding contract so read very carefully before signing anything.
- Get everything in writing. Cost, work to be done, time schedule, guarantees, payment schedule and other expectations should be detailed.
- Ask for references and check them out.
- Never sign a contract with blanks. Unscrupulous contractors might enter unacceptable terms later.
- Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is truly completed. Do not give a down payment unless special materials are being ordered, and even then you may consider writing the check directly to the roofer’s supplier.
- Insurance coverage may be rendered void if intentional misrepresentation by a policyholder is discovered.
- A catastrophe greatly magnifies the opportunity for insurance fraud and abuse. Don’t be tempted to conspire in an insurance claim. Insurance fraud is a felony.
- Beware of warranties offered from companies who are based out of state; question how the services will be honored.
- Find out if the company uses their own workers or if they hire individual, third-party sub-contractors. It is very important to know exactly WHO will be working on your roof and who is responsible if something goes wrong.
- Verify applicable licensing and permits with your city and county. Do not secure the permit on your own, and make sure the permit is posted before the work begins.
For more help use the Contractors Checklist here and make sure that whoever you choose matches up to the experts at George J Keller & Sons, LLC.