A home is not a home without a roof. So when your roof needs to be repaired, it’s only natural to want it fixed as soon as possible.
However, it is important to remember that “fast” does not usually mean “good.” Out of town roofers might be able to get the job done quickly, but at what cost? Here are eight dangers when hiring out of town roofers.
1. High Pressure sales tactics
A contractor may show up unannounced or for a scheduled consultation and offer exceptionally low prices or a special deal in an attempt to get you to sign a contract on the spot. This is an easy tactic to fall victim to because most people only replace their home’s roof once or twice in their lifetime. This means most homeowners do not have experience making this kind of decision.
2. Skip town after a storm and not around when you need them
So called “storm chasers” will pay attention to weather radar and head to areas that have recently been effected by storms. The work is usually sub-par, but it is nearly impossible to hold these contractors responsible because they will already be out of town by the time you realize there is a problem.
3. Quantity is the key
Most out of town roofers come to town in order to repair as many roofs as possible before they leave. This means shoddy work is not uncommon, but—as mentioned before—it is hard to hold the roofers responsible or get your money back.
4. Improper insurance
Out of town roofers tend to have improper insurance or no insurance at all. This means if an accident involving a laborer occurred on your property, you would be held responsible and it could cost you big time.
5. High prices, minimum value
Although an out of town contractor may be able to replace your roof for less money than a local contractor, a local contractor will use high quality materials. This means your roof will last for years to come. An out of town contractor will still be expensive, but they will use low quality materials and your roof will need to be replaced after only a few years.
6. Senate Bill 101
SB 101 passed in May of 2011. It says that a contractor cannot promise to pay your deductible, or offer a discount to offset your deductible. This is a common tactic for out of town roofers. This law is meant to protect you, the consumer, from storm chasers; however, entering into a contract with this stipulation can mean you are committing a crime.
7. Disappearing down payment
Some out of town roofers will ask for a down payment to pay for materials or labor. However, once the down payment is in hand, they do not return to actually repair your roof.
8. Local economy
When you hire an out of town contractor, you are boosting their local economy and not your own.