Do you need a new roof for your property? Then it’s vital that you choose a reliable, trustworthy roofing company. Unfortunately, there are many roofing companies that aren’t interested in doing a good job, leaving many people with roof issues. In this blog, we’re letting you know how to spot a roofing scam and tips for hiring contractors in Preston.
Your home’s roof is so important, as it protects your entire house. If your roof starts to have issues, you may have to deal with water damage, electrical faults and much more. It’s important to keep your roof in good condition with regular inspections. If roof damage occurs due to a lack of maintenance, your insurance company may not pay out. Read our blog on: is a leaking roof covered by insurance?
Many homeowners find it helpful to have a designated roofing contractor who can help with all maintenance and repairs. We can be your dedicated roofing contractor in Preston, Blackpool and beyond. With over 25 years of experience, you can rest assured that your property is in safe hands.
What are some common roofing scams?
Before you get started on searching for a roofing company, it’s good to have an understanding of some red flags. Keep your eyes peeled for these common roofing scams.
Asking for a high deposit up front
Asking for a deposit is not uncommon, but this should always be a reasonable figure. When a roofing company has assessed your roof and quoted for the work they will carry out, they may suggest that you pay a percentage of the cost. The deposit acts as a security for the roofing company if you decide not to proceed with the work.
To put things into perspective, most companies will request between 10% – 25% of the entire project cost. Alternatively, the deposit they request may be to cover the materials needed to complete the project.
Make sure that you take time to assess the company and find out more about its reputation before you agree to pay any fees.
Huge discounts for advertising
It’s common to see advertising boards on driveways or homes, and this alone isn’t a red flag. The red flag becomes apparent when the company says it will offer a huge discount as a thank you.
Most trustworthy roofing companies will not be relying on this advertising board; therefore, you may only get a small amount of money knocked off the roof price if you do advertise the company. Remember, you don’t have to!
Before you agree to a lower price, take a look at the quotes you received from other roofing companies. If you didn’t get any, then you need to get some. Read our blog on the average costs for a new roof in Preston.
The price point of work can be very telling, but you also need to look into their reputation by checking reviews and more online. You could also ask neighbours or friends in the area which roofing companies they have used.
Payment schedule based on dates
A reliable roofing company is likely to want to get the job done in line with your timeframe and expectations. They will also respect your privacy and keep you updated at all times. These quality roofing companies will charge payment when certain milestones are completed, not based on specified dates.
A company that charges you by date isn’t giving you a guarantee of what work will have been completed by then, so you should be wary.
No contractual agreements
Having no contractual agreement is a recipe for disaster and means you’ll have no protection for the project. A poor company is unlikely to provide you with a contract, which means they can do what they want during the project process. They may even create extra work to bill you for.
Before signing a roofing contract, ensure you have read it through fully and that it all makes sense. If any aspects are unclear, then ask. A high-quality roofing company will be happy to provide a contract and explain any element you need.
Door-to-door roofers
If a roofing contractor turns up at your door offering services for a discounted price, you need to be wary. It’s common for them to turn up after some extreme weather conditions that may have caused damage to your roof, such as hail or high winds. These people might be referred to as ‘storm chasers’. Read our blog on protecting your roof from rain.
Always do your due diligence before you agree to work with a roofing contractor.
Sales pressure
Many roofing contractors will complete a thorough investigation for no charge. However, after this, they might increase the pressure and make you feel like you need to act quickly. In most cases, a roof issue isn’t going to get much worse if you take a day to consider your options carefully.
Be cautious if they act like you need to ‘pay now’ to get a lower price.
Changing prices
A poor quality roofing company is likely to keep changing the price during the project. They may blame things like materials going up or other issues they are facing.
It’s so important to use a reliable roofing company that provides an accurate quote after a thorough inspection of your roof. They are likely to stick to the costs, and if there are any real issues, such as needing new tiles, they will discuss these with you in a professional manner.
Experienced roofers will have a good understanding of project costs.
How do you know if you can trust a roofer in Preston?
The best way to know if you can trust a roofer is by checking their online reviews and asking people in the area.
Be wary of companies that have a lot of highly rated reviews in a short space of time. If you’re unsure, ask a few people for their opinions too.
You should also check out their website to see if they have a portfolio of roofing projects they have completed.
If you do get scorned by shoddy work from a roofer, you should contact Trading Standards.
Roofing services in Preston
If you’re looking for reliable roofing services in Preston, then you’re in the right place. At PR Roofing, we offer roof replacements and repairs, leadwork, soffits and fascias, dry ridge and dry verge services, external cladding and more.
We always provide a high-quality service, so you can rest assured that your roof project is in safe hands. We cover Preston, Blackpool and the surrounding areas. Find out more about our roof repairs in Blackpool.
We hope this blog has been helpful regarding how to spot a roofing scam. Contact us for high-quality roof services.