Avoid Roofing Scams in Lanett
Hey family, if you're in Lanett needing residential or commercial roofing—especially after a storm—scammers are out there ready to pounce. They promise quick, cheap fixes but leave you with leaks, liens, or worse. Here's how to spot the fakes and protect your home like I'd tell my own kids. Stick to these steps, verify everything, and you'll sleep easy under a solid roof.
✓ Verify contractors • ✓ Spot red flags • ✓ Avoid common schemes
Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Lanett
Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators
Storm Chaser
Out-of-area crews swarm after bad weather, claim your roof is damaged (even if minor), take a fat deposit for 'emergency' work, then do junk repairs or disappear.
Bait-and-Switch
Ultra-low bid for a simple repair, but once on roof they 'discover' major issues needing full replacement—at triple the price. You're stuck mid-job.
Phantom Damage
They drill holes or exaggerate minor wear to 'prove' leaks, then charge for unnecessary full reroofs with cheap materials that fail fast.
Uninsured Worker Injury
No workers' comp means if a laborer falls, they sue YOU for medical bills—even if the roofer seemed legit.
How to Verify a Professional
Insurance
Insist on a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing at least $1 million in general liability and active workers' compensation. Call the insurance carrier listed on the COI to verify it's legit and current—scammers often fake these. This protects you if a worker gets hurt on your property.
Licensing
Alabama requires many roofers to hold a license from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (ALGCB). Get their license number, then verify it online at algcb.alabama.gov or call (334) 242-4156 to confirm it's active and matches the scope of your job. Never hire without this step—unlicensed work can void your homeowner's insurance.
References
Ask for 3+ recent local references in Chambers County or nearby areas. Call them yourself to hear about timeline, quality, cleanup, and if they'd rehire. Cross-check with unbiased sites like BBB.org, Google Reviews, and Angi for patterns.
Protection FAQs
Do all roofers need a license in Alabama?
Should I let unsolicited roofers inspect after a storm?
What's a fair deposit for roofing?
How do I spot fake insurance certificates?
What if the job goes wrong?
Are online reviews enough?
Hire with Confidence
Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Lanett.