Avoid Roofing Scams in Matthews, GA
Hey, if you're dealing with roof repairs or replacement in Matthews, GA, watch out for scammers who prey on homeowners after storms or leaks. They might seem helpful at first, but knowing the red flags can save you thousands and a lot of headaches. Stick to verified pros who do things right.
β Verify contractors β’ β Spot red flags β’ β Avoid common schemes
Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Matthews
Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators
Storm Chaser Scams
Fly-by-night crews show up door-to-door after storms, scare you with fake damage assessments, take a deposit, start shoddy work, then vanish.
Upfront Payment Trap
Contractor demands 50%+ cash upfront for 'materials,' then disappears or does minimal work and asks for more.
Bait-and-Switch Materials
Quotes cheap shingles but installs low-quality ones, or 'discovers' extra damage to jack up costs mid-job.
Unlicensed Fly-by-Night Operators
Pose as locals but have no GA license, cut corners, leave you with code violations and no warranty.
How to Verify a Professional
Insurance
Always request a certificate of insurance (COI) for general liability (at least $1M) and workers' comp. Call the insurer directly using the contact on the COI to verify it's currentβno relying on the contractor's word. This protects you if workers get hurt on your property.
Licensing
In Georgia, roofing contractors handling jobs over $2,500 must hold a license from the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Search for their license on the Georgia Secretary of State website (ecorp.sos.ga.gov) or call (844) 753-7825 to confirm it's active and in good standing. Unlicensed work is illegal and risky.
References
Ask for 3-5 recent references from jobs in Jefferson County or nearby. Call them yourself to ask about work quality, cleanup, timeliness, and any surprise costs. Trustworthy roofers have happy local customers happy to vouch.
Protection FAQs
How do I check if a roofer is licensed in Georgia?
What should a legitimate roofing contract include?
Is it normal to pay upfront for roofing?
What if a roofer shows up after a storm?
How can I spot fake insurance certificates?
What to do if I think I've been scammed?
Hire with Confidence
Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Matthews.