Your home is your largest investment. As a homeowner, you want to make sure that any improvements or repairs you make to it are 1.) actually required and 2.) professionally and affordably completed. But when we’re dealing with emergency situations, we tend to make ill-considered decisions, especially when confronted with high-pressure sales tactics.
Say No to Predatory Tactics
Your roof is one of the most important systems of your home. It’s the very thing that keeps you and your family warm, safe and dry and your belongings protected. So the last thing you need are strong-arm sales tactics when it comes to making decisions about repairing or replacing it. Unfortunately, these are the very predatory tactics that some roofing companies use to pressure you to use them, often to your detriment.
When you call any San Jose roofer, there are some things you will want to watch for.
Make Sure You Get a Thorough Inspection
Any professional roofing contractor will want to do the most thorough inspection possible so everyone understands the scope of work. This should include your attic space. If your roofer just goes up to the roof for a quick visual and doesn’t do a thorough interior inspection of the attic space, you are not getting an adequate inspection which can leave you exposed to issues that may not be covered under your estimate.
An Itemized Estimate
You will want a fully itemized scope of work, including all materials, estimated labor hours and rate and start and completion dates. Make sure that tear-off and removal costs are also included. Beware the low-ball offer that leaves room for “things coming up” once you are in too far to back out. An itemized list keeps everyone on the same page and provides documented tangible costs.
Discuss Those Potential “Add-Ons”
If the roofing contractor has done an adequate job assessing your roof, these should be few and far between. But before you sign any contract, make sure you have discussed the need for any change order forms highlighting new material and labor costs to be submitted in writing.
Avoid Roofers Who Ask for Cash
Most professional San Jose roofers will not ask for cash. This may be a red flag and will offer you little recourse if you need to dispute the work.
Avoid Storm Chasers
Storm chasers are roofers who will canvas an area that has been particularly hit by a weather event. Many will offer low repair prices and do inadequate jobs or even take off with money before any work has been completed. This also holds true for out-of-state roofers who may be gone before you realize you have a problem. Not all roofing canvassers are scammers but it’s safer to avoid them.
An educated homeowner is at the least risk of being taken advantage of by unscrupulous roofers. Do your homework and take care to only deal with a reputable San Jose roofing company. For more information about protecting yourself from unscrupulous roofing companies or for a written repair or re-roof estimate, call us at Falcon Roofing.
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