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Advice On How To Avoid Unscrupulous ‘Storm Chasers’
The region’s storm season can bring more than rain, wind and the occasional hail storm — it can bring with it a wave of unscrupulous ‘storm chasers’ who are all too happy to take advantage of the homeowner with a sudden need for repairs. If a fierce storm rips through your area and damages your roof, the first concern is protecting your home and your family. But letting the first roofer who knocks at your door rush into a contract with him is a mistake that could cost you. We discuss how to avoid shady storm contractors in Northern Virginia.
However, you can keep from getting scammed by shady contractors, and you can be sure your roof is being restored by qualified professionals like the team at Summit Roofing Contractors by staying informed and keeping your eyes open. In the section below, we explain red flags to watch out for, and offer practical advice on how to find a trustworthy, nearby roofing partner in Northern Virginia.
Know the “Storm Chaser” Tactics
Unannounced visits from a contractor, typically in the hours following a storm, who says they can fix your roof fast and “take care of all the insurance paperwork,” is a big red flag. These storm chasers may sound like the answer, but they often disappear as soon as they get your deposit or rush through a job.
Since they will often travel from region to region as they follow a storm, they are unlikely to be around when you need them for follow up service, warranty repair, or even a phone call. A reputable roofing company in Northern Virginia will already be known in your community and won’t need to use high pressure tactics to get your business.
Request Licensing and Insurance
Always ask to see a contractor’s license and proof of insurance before signing on the dotted line. If you contact a legitimate Virginia roofing company, for example, Summit Roofing Contractors, you can rest assured the company is registered with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). If their website or marketing materials do not display their license number clearly, they should not be hired.
Also, a dependable contractor will have the ability to give you recent certificates of liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation, to safeguard you in case of a mishap. A big red flag is if a roofer avoids the topic or doesn’t provide complete documentation
Research Their Local Presence
The best way to weed out dishonest storm contractors is to make sure they are physically located in Northern Virginia. Check for an established address (not a P.O. Box or a distant out of state headquarters). Locally based roofing companies have deeper roots in the community, they keep good relationships with suppliers, and rely on word of mouth referrals and reputation to keep their business alive in the long run.
For example, Summit Roofing Contractors has been in the area for years, and works with homeowners every day in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties. The best guarantee of work and service you can trust is often a strong local reputation.
Beware of Extremely Low Bids or High Pressure Sales
If the repair estimate seems to be too good to be true, then it probably is. Sometimes rogue contractors offer suspiciously low bids in order to attract homeowners, but then pile on hidden fees or do such a subpar job that it won’t last through the next storm. Just as worrying are the high pressure tactics to get homeowners to agree quickly — ‘sign up now, or the price doubles.’
A reputable roofer should be transparent with what they charge, listing materials, labor and any extra. Get multiple estimates to check services and ensure you get fair value for your money.
Get Everything in Writing
In dealing with contractors, especially after a storm related emergency, make sure to document every aspect of the project in a very detailed contract. It encompasses the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, material specifications, and warranty information. A disreputable roofer will not give you a clear and complete contract for the work to be done, leaving you open to extra costs and shoddy work.
Require clarity from the very beginning; if they can’t provide thorough documentation, it’s time to back out. If you hire a legitimate roofer like Summit Roofing Contractors they will be more than happy to write down every part of the project and answer any questions you may have.
Check Reviews and References of Storm Contractors in Northern Virginia
In the age of digital, there has never been an easier way to find feedback and testimonials from previous customers. Check reputable review sites and ask for references from the contractor.
Contact at least two or three past clients to inquire about their experience, and ask detailed questions: Did the roofer keep the timeline and the budget? Did they quickly deal with concerns or issues? Was the final product what was expected or better? A trustworthy roofing partner is one that receives consistent positive feedback from fellow Northern Virginia homeowners.
Peace of Mind Partner with Summit Roofing Contractors
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense from the elements, so it’s important to choose a skilled, honest roofing specialist at the end of the day. For years, Summit Roofing Contractors has been serving the residents of Northern Virginia with professional, quality workmanship, and a dedication to customer satisfaction. Their experienced team handles everything from emergency roof repairs to complete roof replacements with a focus on transparency, safety and long lasting results.
If storms strike, stay calm, stay informed and avoid shady contractors. The good news is that with a little effort, you can protect both your roof and your bank account by seeking out local expertise, confirming credentials, and a thorough review of contracts. But knowing that with Summit Roofing Contractors you have a tried and true, worthy partner by your side restoring and fortifying your home from whatever Mother Nature throws at it.