When you’re searching for a reliable roofing contractor to redo your poor old roof, the last thing you need is a bad roofer.
Bad roofing contractors are everywhere. They try to scam unaware homeowners by charging extremely high prices, not finishing the job properly, and even faking their credentials. So, how can you avoid bad roofing contractors?
Ebenezer Roofing has been working with homeowners and commercial building owners for over 30 years. We install roofs that will keep your building safe and sound for 10+ years!
In this article, we’ll be going over 8 signs of a bad roofing contractor and how you can avoid them in the future.
How to Avoid Bad Roofing Contractors
Your roof needs to be reliable so you can keep your building safe and dry throughout the seasons. But when you need a minor roof repair or an entire roof replacement, you need to find a good and reliable roofing contractor.
Here are the top 8 signs to be aware of when evaluating roofing contractors in Maryland. If you spot any of these problems, forget about that company forever!
1. No Valid Credentials
Your roofing contractor needs to be insured, bonded, and licensed in your state. When you’re trying to shortlist which roofing contractor to hire, you need to ask the company for their latest credentials. If they are licensed by the state, they won’t have any issues showing you the paperwork!
If the roofing company isn’t insured and licensed, consider it a huge red flag and walk away while you still can.
2. Poor Reviews
Make sure you check the roofing contractor’s Google business reviews before you sign a contract with them. If a company has a bad reputation, chances are that their roofing skills are slacking.
Unless you want to get yourself a damaged or leaking roof, don’t hire a roofing contractor with poor reviews.
3. Looking ‘Too Busy’
If your roofing contractor seems too occupied to answer your questions properly, don’t hire them for your big roofing project. Chances are that they have too many clients and don’t give their customers personalized plans.
4. Bad Communication Skills
An ideal roofing contractor should be able to communicate effectively. If they can’t do that, then they may not be able to complete the roofing job properly either.
Make sure you schedule several meetings with your roofing contractor before signing the official contract. Avail deals such as getting a free estimate or a phone consultation whenever possible!
5. Forcing You to Sign a Contract
Don’t get trapped by bad roofing contractors by committing too soon. Any roofing company that tries to make you sign a contract on the first meeting probably isn’t a reliable one.
Instead of rushing the process, make sure you take your time and do the due diligence.
6. No Written Contract
Some roofing contractors try to lure homeowners by being charismatic. Even if your contractor is a smooth talker, don’t fall for their trap.
To make sure that your roof replacement or roof repair is done properly, ask for a proper written contract beforehand. This contract should include:
· Date of agreement
· Scope of the roofing job
· Estimated cost of roofing project
· Estimated time for completion
7. No Physical Business Location
If a roofing contractor doesn’t have a physical office location, don’t hire them for your project. Many contractors who don’t have an office are “storm chasers.” These companies travel from state to state, do minor repairs with cheap materials, and leave the state so you can never contact them again.
Instead of hiring such lousy roofing contractors, it is recommended to find one who has an address in your area. Even if you face problems in the future, you’ll know where to go.
8. Offering “Exclusive” Discounts
You might think that your roofing contractor is doing you a favor by offering a sudden discount, but it might just be another way to trick you. Any roofing contractor that uses high-quality materials will not be willing to lower their prices to win your contract.
If a company is offering unbelievably low prices, they will end up leaving behind missing shingles, use cheap materials that only last a few months, and ruin your roof forever.
How to Find a Reliable Roofing Contractor
Now that you know what signs to look out for, you’re ready to hire the best roofing contractor for your big renovation project. Before you schedule a meeting, make sure you check out the top 10 questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor.
If you’re based in Northern Virginia, leave your roofing worries to Ebenezer Roofing. We have 30 years of experience, a dedication towards craftsmanship, and a committed workforce.
Look at our portfolio and decide for yourself – we believe that our work speaks for itself!