The Hidden Contract
After a hail storm it is very common for roofing companies to target homes that were in the hail zone. They go door to door and ask people if they would like a free roof inspection. The roofer says his company works with all the major insurance carriers. He simply needs your signature on a document that allows him to get on your roof and talk to your insurance company. Sounds like a good plan, right? It did just hail and your roof just might be damaged. So you sign the document.
Did you read it first? Well if you had, you would have seen that you were signing a roofing contract. Not only did you let the roofer get on your roof and talk to your insurance company, but you also just promised him that you would hire his company to replace your roof. If you change your mind there’s probably a hefty cancellation fee somewhere in the fine print. Now you are stuck with this roofer who will probably leave town as soon as the next hail storm hits.
In Colorado there is a three day right of rescission. This allows you to cancel any contract within 72 hours as long as you signed the contract in your home. If you do plan on cancelling, it is a good idea to send it via email so you have the time stamp as proof.
The Roofing Re-Cover
Getting a new roof requires a few days and creates a big mess. But you hired a roofer who promised to be done in a day, and leave your property with no mess. So you leave in the morning, return in the evening and you have a beautiful new roof on your home. Your lawn is immaculate and you couldn’t be happier. So what’s the scam here?
The roofers installed a new roof on top of your old one, replaced the drip edge for a clean and new look and called it a day.
Roofers are supposed to tear off the old roof, install the underlayment and then the new roof. Simply covering the old roof with new shingles means it will age faster, crack in the heat, lose granules and become highly susceptible to hail and wind damage. Tearing off the old roof also allows the roofers to inspect the wood deck. If your decking is in bad shape, it’s much easier to fix before installing a new roof.
Roofers do this because it saves them time and money. They can get more roofs done if they don’t have to tear off an old roof first. They will even remove the first few rows of shingles to eliminate the mounding or stacking effect.
This scam is most common by door-knocking roofing companies in an attempt to maximize their profits.
Tips To Find An Honest Roofing Company
Some roofers, especially the storm chasers, use high-pressure tactics to get you to sign a contract. They may even hand you a document and claim it gives them permission to inspect your roof and contact your insurance company. Bottom line is: don’t sign it. Don’t sign anything a roofer hands you unless you are 100% sure you want this company to roof your home.
Do your research before signing a contract. Make sure the roofing company has good reviews and a local business address. What does Angie’s List say about them? The best roofing companies will have an A+ rating from the BBB, a local business address and Angie’s List Contractor Awards. The roofer will be representing you when dealing with your insurance claim, so you need to be sure they’re trustworthy.
Did you know you can edit a roofing contract? If there is something in the contract you don’t like, simply cross it off. For example, if the contract has a cancellation fee simply cross it out. Things like cancellation fees serve no other purpose than to hold you hostage. If the roofer won’t agree to any reasonable changes you make to the contract, walk away. Once you are happy with the roofing company and the contract, go ahead and sign it.
Never, ever give a roofer any money upfront. If a roofer asks for any money to start your job, don’t walk – RUN – from that roofer and never look back. Giving a roofer any money upfront is the #1 way people get ripped off by roofing companies. Don’t do it. There isn’t any reason for a roofer to need money up front.
Finally, don’t pay until the job is complete and you are satisfied. Make sure the roof is on your home and has passed inspection before you pay. If the inspection fails, have the roofers come back out and fix any issues until your roof passes inspection. If you keep the money until the job is complete, you keep the power.
Beware of our imposter!
There is a company pretending to be Excel Roofing in the Denver Metro area. If their trucks don’t show the Excel Roofing logo, they’re not us!
Excel Roofing is locally owned and has an A+ rating by the BBB. Contact Us today for a free, no-hassle roof inspection. Don’t pay a cent until you’re content.
