The short version
- Door-to-door pressure is a warning sign
- Out-of-area plates and no local address
- Demands for large upfront payment
- Promises to handle your claim or waive your deductible
Who they are
After big storms, some contractors travel to the area to take on work quickly, then leave. Many of them do honest work, but some take deposits, do poor work or vanish, and warranties become hard to claim.
You want someone who will be around next year.
Warning signs
Unsolicited knocking with an urgent deal, pressure to sign immediately, a request for full payment up front, no local address or references and vague contracts are all warning signs.
Be careful with anyone who offers to waive your deductible.
What to check
Look for a real local address, references you can call, a written contract with scope and price and proof of any required licensing and insurance. Search their name and read reviews with some care.
Ask how long they have worked in the area.
Protect yourself
Do not sign anything under pressure, do not pay in full up front and do not give control of your claim to a contractor. Take your time, even after a storm.
You are allowed to say no.
General information, not engineering, legal, insurance or safety advice. Roofs, policies and local requirements vary, and every situation should be judged on its own facts. If anyone is in danger, call emergency services first.
