In the time immediately following a storm in Florida, you might be bombarded by storm chasing roofers looking to make a quick buck by offering you roofing services in Central Florida. These storm chasers can often provide the right answers to all of your questions while saying all of the right things, which can make it difficult to tell a storm chaser from a legitimate roofing contractor. Here are five tips that can help you steer clear of these storm chasers and their shady business practices:
- Practice patience: After a storm, you will likely be fretting about any potential damage that may have been caused. It won’t be easy, but remain calm and clearheaded so that you are able to make the best decision about your next move. If you are in a hurry to get the repairs done, you might be tempted to hop on the offer of the first contractor that knocks on your door, and you could end up settling for work that will only end up causing more problems in the not-so-distant future.
- Check license plates: If a storm chaser is not local, their vehicle will probably be registered in another state. Check the license plates on their truck to find out exactly where they are from, as this is one of the telltale signs that they are only in town for storm chasing work.
- Do your research: One of the best ways to keep yourself protected from both storm chasers and local businesses whose work isn’t up to par is to do your own research. A good place to start is by checking any potential contractor’s status with the Better Business Bureau. A storm chaser will only have a short history, if any, while the more reliable and trustworthy companies will have stability that dates back several years.
- Proof of insurance: Insurance for roofing contractors is not cheap, which is why many out-of-town storm chasers will have very little liability coverage, if they even have any insurance at all. Ask for your contractor to provide proof that they are indeed insured locally, so that you are protected if an accident occurs on your property.
- Avoid contingency agreements: A contingency agreement will provide very little upfront information to homeowners. A proper roofing contractor will be able to provide you with a detailed estimate before any contracts are signed, listing both the scope and projected duration of the work, as well as the estimated costs for the project.
It is important to take the time to search for an honest and upstanding roofing contractor so that your repairs are handled correctly the first time. Here at Winter Springs Roofing & Repair, we have been providing top-of-the line roofing services in Central Florida for over 35 years, and you can trust our knowledgeable staff to deliver quality work for your home if your roof has been ravaged by a storm. Make sure you give us a call right away to schedule your consultation.