When a storm blows through Florida, it often leaves disaster in its wake. Trees are uprooted. Roofs are damaged. Basements are flooded. Homes are destroyed. Once the skies clear, many property owners are in need of roofing services in Central Florida. If you’re among their number, beware of shady storm chasers.
Who are these unscrupulous scammers? Here’s a quick guide to help you avoid them.
What is a shady storm chaser?
These individuals or companies pose as legitimate providers of roofing services in Central Florida, but are actually out to scam property owners. They wait for opportunities after storms or natural disasters, when people are distraught and desperate. They take advantage of the situation by charging exorbitant rates, taking payments but failing to complete the work or both.
How can I identify a shady storm chaser?
Be on the lookout for these con artists after a major weather event. This is their prime time to crawl out of the woodwork. They often go door to door to solicit business. Typically, legitimate business owners do not use this tactic. Shady business owners may also ask you to provide payment without putting anything in writing. They may charge unreasonable rates and offer undeliverable promises. Watch for deals that seem too good to be true. Their rates may be bargain-basement or astronomical. Either way, they don’t plan to actually complete the work properly. They simply take the money and run.
How can I avoid shady storm-chaser schemes?
If you need roofing services in Central Florida, do your homework. Before hiring a contractor, do your due diligence. Ask the following questions. If any of the answers are “no,” take your business elsewhere. Any trustworthy roofing contractor should be able to answer “yes” to these inquiries (and follow up on their answer).
- Does your company have experience with the type of roofing project I need?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Will you put everything in writing?
- Do you offer any warranties?
- Can I get an exact estimate before you begin the work?
- Do you know when the project will be completed?
In addition to asking these questions of the contractor, ask around about them. Check with friends, family and neighbors. Have they heard of this contractor? Did they have a good experience with them? What does the Better Business Bureau say about the company? Check online for reviews. An established company should have a solid reputation in the community. If you can’t find anyone who has had a good experience with them, or if you find a lot of bad reviews, look elsewhere for roofing services in Central Florida.
Who Can I Trust?
If you’re looking for a trustworthy roofing service in Central Florida, contact the professionals at Winter Springs Roofing & Repair. We’ve been providing quality roofing and chimney services to customers throughout the region since 1983. Our services include tile roof repairs, tile restoration, chimney repair, skylight repairs, re-roofs, roof repairs and carpentry, low sloped roof services and commercial maintenance and restoration. We are Better Business Bureau accredited and a certified and licensed contractor. Contact our experts today to get started on your roofing project.