Posted May 19, 2025 | Anderson Roofing
No one wants to be scammed and to be honest, most homeowners think they are too smart to fall for scams. However, the reality is that many roofing scammers are out there, and many homeowners do fall for them, often because they haven’t taken the time to do the proper research. If you need a roof repair or replacement in Sandusky County and don’t want to be another victim, you should seek a local, reputable roofing contractor licensed and insured.
You need to avoid two roofing scams at all costs: out-of-town roofers and roofers who aren’t licensed and insured to be roofers. An unlicensed and uninsured roofer is far too significant a risk for a homeowner to take on. If anything goes wrong, if there are any accidents or property damage, you will be liable. You need to ensure that your roofer meets the legal requirements for operating. While anyone can print up a business card and call themselves a roofer, you can determine if they are a legitimate business with some quick verification.
Even if your roofer is legitimate, there are substantial benefits to using a local roofer in your area. After storms, there may be an influx of roofers from outside the area claiming they can get your repairs or replacement done at a discount or more quickly than local roofers. However, local roofers are familiar with local building codes, understand the local weather patterns, and have relationships with local suppliers. More importantly, however, local roofers put a lot of value in their reputation and have a strong incentive to uphold that reputation by doing quality work, being responsive to your concerns, and staying accountable to their clients.
Roofers know they will be in high demand after a storm, and many quality roofers will let their communities know that they are there to help. However, many roofers don’t have good intentions. Storm chasers will troll impacted neighborhoods after severe storms, claiming to have identified damage and offering quick fixes. Sometimes, these roofers will claim to be offering deep discounts on repairs or claim to work with your insurance company, only for you to find out that their rates are inflated, their repairs are shoddy, or, worst of all, they may not be licensed roofers after all, but con artists attempting to pull off insurance or repair scams. They’ll cite damage that doesn’t exist, collect your money, and you may never hear from them again. Sniffing out storm chasers isn’t always easy, especially if you are facing significant damage that needs work immediately, but take the time to verify the legitimacy of any contractor you work with. Make sure they have an established presence in the area, valid paperwork that proves they are licensed and insured, and positive reviews from recent local clients.
Roofing costs vary depending on where you live, what kind of roof you have, what type of damage you have, the size of the roof, and many additional factors. However, you should be able to compare prices and understand the standard rate for repairs or replacements. If a roofing contractor comes in with a quote that is way out of line – either unbelievably low or ridiculously high – they are banking on you not doing your research. Even if you are facing storm damage and need a repair quickly, you can still take the time to collect several quotes to make sure that the repair costs you are being quoted are fair.
You know you need to verify credentials that prove that your roofer is who they say they are. If a roofer is cagey about showing you their proof of licensing and insurance, that’s a big red flag and one that you’ve hopefully avoided. However, there are a few other signs that your roofer is taking advantage of you.
Once the contract is signed, many roofers will require a deposit, but you should never be expected to pay more than 10-20% of the cost upfront. One of the most common roofing scams is contractors that will collect a substantial or even full payment and then disappear.
You need a detailed, written contract that outlines everything, including the scope of work to be done, the materials that will be used, the projected timeline, the payment terms, and warranties. Never trust a roofing contractor – or any contractor – who doesn’t provide a detailed written contract. Verbal agreements, vague language, or incomplete information make it easy for a dishonest roofer to scam you. You should never be expected to pay your roofer anything without a signed contract.
Any roofer who shows up at your door unexpectedly pressuring you into getting roof work done should be treated with extreme caution. Often this happens after a storm when homeowners are worried about damage and needing repairs done. Never fall for the pressure of a solicitation. Even if you are concerned about damage, get a second opinion from a trusted roofing professional.
It’s not only door-to-door solicitations that are guilty of the high-pressure sale. Roofers who may be scamming you will often try to rush you into signing with them immediately, offering limited-time discounts. You should always be given the time to research and verify before agreeing to any services. Quality roofers don’t need to pressure homeowners to get jobs – especially after a storm.
If you need a roof repair or replacement, whether it’s due to storm damage or just time for a new roof, make sure you take the time to do your research. Reach out to local friends, family, and community groups you trust to ask for recommendations. Verify their credentials, read customer reviews, and make sure they have all the necessary insurance and licensing before comparing the quote in their written estimate to several others. Quality roofers in Sandusky County take pride in their reputations, so you will find someone you can trust with just a bit of research.
Don’t take chances with your home—trust the experienced, fully licensed, and insured team at Anderson Roofing. Proudly serving Sandusky County, we stand behind our work and our reputation. Contact us today for a no-pressure, honest roofing estimate.
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