When it comes to roofing in Livingston Michigan, most people have to rely on the professional’s opinion as to what needs to be done. Sadly, not every roofer is honest and there are some people out there looking to make some fast money. To give you the best chance of avoiding roofing scams, you need to be able to identify the signs associated with them.
One of the biggest concerns for home owners is that the roof they get installed will last a long time and that they don’t pay that much for it. While you can certainly get a competitive price from reputable roofers, chances are if you’re getting multiple estimates there are going to be some that seem a bit too good to be true. Sometimes these low budget offers can actually be scams and just a ploy to take advantage of you. In order to avoid some of these roofing scams it’s best to know a few items that can help you determine just what is a scam and what isn’t.
You should always try to find a local roofer to do work on your home. This is because different areas have different requirements for contracting work. A local person will be more familiar with the rules of the area, as well as how to get the paperwork done. A travelling roofer will not work in one specific area, but instead move around looking for work. This means that they are far less likely to know the local regulations, making it probable that the work will not be done to code.
Never hire anyone who comes to you. Roofers that knock on your door, or call you are looking for work, whether there is a problem or not. They are far more likely to tell you that they see a problem, when there really isn’t.
If there is a problem with your roof, you should be able to ask questions and get detailed answers. If a roofer is being vague in his responses, this can be a sign of major issues. Either the roofer is making up a problem to get the work, or they aren’t as qualified as they should be. You need someone who is licensed and insured, so always get that information first, then use further questions to find the person with the most knowledge to work with.
Another sign of a scam is someone who quotes you a low price, but then has “unforeseen costs” down the road that require more money. This is why it is so important to get several quotes from different contractors to see what other people are charging. If the quote is significantly lower than other contractors, you will most likely see added costs as the project goes on. This can make the project more expensive than if you had gone with the other quotes.
This is illegal and can cause major repercussions for you.
Contracts are absolutely vital for any work being done. This is what binds the two parties and shows a meeting of the minds. You need to include as much detail as possible, including explaining what is being done, the materials being used, a timeline, payment plan, and a clause explaining what happens if the contractor cannot complete the work. You both need to sign and date it and you need a copy that you can refer to in case of trouble. You also need to put any changes into the contract and initial those additions. If the contractor does not want a contract, you should never work with them.
While there may be a down payment after the contract is signed, you should never pay the full price upfront. You should also never turn any money over until the contract is fully executed.
At Livingston Roof Pros we welcome any questions related to your roof and are totally up front about our services. Talk with one of our representatives today by calling 517-940-8770 and get a free estimate on your roofing project whether it is a roof repair, roof replacement, or just a roof inspection.
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