Every year across the UK, thousands of homeowners fall victim to a roofing scam. These can be significantly damaging to the pocket, the confidence and often to the roof itself as some scammers simply take the money and run or carry out shoddy repair or replacement work.
It can be difficult to detect a roofing scam initially, but there are a few sure signs you can look out for. As long-standing, professional roofers, the Permaroof Brighton team has seen more than enough substandard roofing work over the years. We have been called in to put right shoddy workmanship, replace cheap, failing roofing materials and make safe poor repair work to avoid further damage for the client.
Because of this, we’re here to give you some tips to help you spot and avoid being scammed over these vital roofing works.
1. The surprise visit
Many roofing scams are carried out by opportunists who will arrive at your door, often following a heavy storm. They will have noticed some ‘damage’ to your roof and offer to quote for a potential insurance claim. These types of scams are usually hard-sell and are targeted to your anxiety about damage following a storm.
What to do
Do not be pushed into immediate action. Take your time and ask for details of the damage, a written quotation for the work and to see their credentials and testimonials. It is also advisable to call in another roofing company to assess the roof and provide another quote if necessary.
2. The low price roofing scam
Do not be surprised to find that a scam roofer offers a temptingly low price for roofing work. This will be significantly lower than any near competitor until the work begins. Then, often there will be ‘previously unforeseen’ issues within the roofing that will inflate the price. A roofing scam can occur at many levels, but a lower-than-average price is a warning sign no homeowner should ignore.
What to do
Ask for a breakdown of the costs and check that everything is included in the price. If you are working to a tight budget for your roofing project, you could consider a manageable finance option from a professional roofing company to help spread the cost.
3. The high deposit
Be wary if the roofer asks for a large deposit to begin works. This is a very clear indicator of a roofing scam and is one of the most common.
What to do
It is usual to make a down payment on your works, particularly if it is a big project, such as a roof replacement. This is to cover initial materials and labour, but you should expect this to be around 20-30% of the budget.
The best way to avoid a roofing scam
The best way to avoid a roofing scam is to make sure that you do your research on any roofing business you consider engaging to carry out essential works. Spend some time online, read reviews and ask the roofer for credentials, accreditations, insurance and details of previous work. Any professional roofing business will be happy to do so. Permaroof Brighton provides insurance-backed guarantees in addition to materials warranties to offer this valuable peace of mind for our customers.
However pushy the sales, do not be bullied into engaging any tradesperson if your research or your instincts tell you otherwise. In the UK you are not obliged to engage someone just because you have made an appointment with them or asked them to carry out a survey for a quotation. If you have concerns, ask the contractor to leave.
If you have concerns about a roofing scam in Brighton or the surrounding areas, talk to us and we will give you a free, honest assessment of your roofing to help put your mind at rest.
