Roofing Red Flags

Roofing Red Flags: Common Shortcuts and Scams Homeowners Should Know

Summary: Not all roofing companies are created equal. Pull back the curtain on the most common shortcuts, scams, and shady practices in the industry.

Here we will reveal what to watch for, how to verify credentials, and why choosing a trusted contractor like Yancey makes all the difference.

California Roofing Industry Top Red Flags

• Down Payment: Contractors not aware of the law in California might try to ask you for 25% or even 50% down! That’s Illegal! California law limits down payments for ANY home improvements, yes including roofing, to either $1,000 or 10% of the contract – Whichever is Less. Asking for more than that means the contractor is from out of state. Maybe a storm chaser or some kind of scammer. Turn them away immediately.
• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: High pressure sales tactics are designed to make you feel like the deal to too good to pass up. They include “one-time offers”, “call my manager” (usually a fake or canned call), “never-ending appointments”, and the “false sense of security” move. You should feel comfortable with the sales consultant and not feel pressured to make snap decisions based on these tactics.
• Extremely Low Estimates: If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. This tactic is used to build in change orders after the fact. You think you’re getting a deal at $10K but after change orders, it turns out to be 3 or even 4 times that amount.
• Rude, Unprofessional Behavior: These tactics include avoiding your direct questions, interrupting and abusing your time by answering texts and phone calls. Maybe you ask about their history or location only to find out they are not an established contractor and work out of their home/remote office only.
• Use of Sub-Contractors: Established and reputable companies hire and train their employees. This is the only way they can adequately guarantee the quality of work and the retention of good workers. Not only that but, they will also be covered by worker’s compensation insurance…more about that later.
• Vague and Undetailed Estimates: A roof has many different components: shingles, underlayment, flashings, starter rows…etc. If you don’t know exactly what you are going to get, you’re probably going to get a substandard job.

Why Are These Concerns Important?

Besides the obvious answer? The roof protects your home, your family, and your possessions from the weather? There are a lot of reasons “less” important that protection of the things you love. Hiring a company from out of the area for example means they are not licensed in the State of California and likely not aware of the permitting process.

Not getting a detailed, written estimate means you may be subject to bait and switch. The sell you one quality or brand of roofing materials and then deliver and install something of lesser quality. If you don’t see it listed specifically on the estimate, you’re not going to get it.

Let’s cover a bit about insurance. You either own your home or maybe you co-own it with the mortgage company. If a contractor works on your home without adequate insurance and makes a mistake that causes extensive damage to your property, you and your insurance policy foots the bill. An example: Let’s say they back a huge delivery truck into your driveway causing it to crack under pressure. Should you be liable? The answer is surely “the contractor/delivery vendor” is liable. It’s your inconvenience but, their problem.

Continuing with the insurance topic, let’s talk about Worker’s Compensation. Think about the issue of uninsured sub-contractors. Do you really want them falling off the ladder on your property when they are not adequately insured? Having employees doing the work is a guarantee of coverage. Sure, some General Contractors can cover subs under their umbrella policy but, do they? Get proof.

Can Yancey Home Improvements Be Trusted?

We are very upfront about our credentials. We display them right here on our website for examination and verification.

We will also have copies of the documents when we visit your home. Here are some links to check:

• Insurance: Yancey Home Improvements and all of our employees are covered with both General Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance.
• Licensing: Yancey Home Improvements is licensed with the California State Licensing Board.
• Experience and Longevity: They Yancey family name has been serving Californians for over Eight Decades! All the way back to The Yancey Insulation Company in 1888. Our roofing division has been around over 35 years.

Okay, Enough About Us…How Do You Get Started?

It’s pretty easy actually. Give us a call, complete the request form, or book an appointment online with one of our links on this page. You’ll be assigned a no-pressure appointment time with one of our roofing estimators. We will complete a detailed estimate after a thorough inspection and evaluation of your needs. Then, the ball is in your court. One Call Does It All. When would you like to start?