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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Ashland

Roofing projects are significant investments, and unfortunately, scammers often target homeowners and business owners. In Ashland and surrounding areas, it's crucial to know how to spot red flags before hiring a roofing contractor. This guide helps you recognize common roofing scams, understand what trustworthy professionals do differently, and learn verification methods to protect your investment.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Ashland

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser Scams

Contractors travel to storm-damaged areas, pressure homeowners into signing contracts for unnecessary repairs, collect deposits, then disappear or do shoddy work.

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Insurance Fraud Schemes

Contractors offer to 'handle' your insurance claim, sometimes suggesting you sign over insurance benefits or inflating damage estimates to maximize payout.

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Material Switching

Contractors quote premium materials but install cheaper, inferior products while charging for the higher quality materials specified in the contract.

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Deposit Disappearance

Contractors demand large deposits (often 50% or more) for 'materials' then disappear or delay work indefinitely while using your money for other purposes.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Always request proof of both liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Legitimate roofing companies carry adequate insurance to protect you from liability if accidents occur on your property. Call the insurance company directly to verify active policies.

2

Licensing

In Ohio, roofing contractors must be registered with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. Verify their license status online through the Ohio Department of Commerce website. Ask for their license number and check for any complaints or disciplinary actions.

3

References

Ask for recent references from projects completed in Ashland County. Contact these references and ask about work quality, communication, timeline adherence, and whether the contractor cleaned up properly. Visit completed projects if possible to see the quality firsthand.

Protection FAQs

What percentage deposit should I pay a roofing contractor?

Reputable roofing contractors typically require 10-30% deposit to secure materials and schedule your project. Be wary of contractors demanding 50% or more upfront. Payments should be tied to project milestones, not paid in full before work begins.

How can I verify a roofing contractor's license in Ohio?

Visit the Ohio Department of Commerce's Construction Industry Licensing Board website. You can search by contractor name or license number. Verify their license is current and in good standing with no disciplinary actions.

What should a proper roofing contract include?

A proper contract should include: contractor's license number, detailed scope of work, exact materials specifications (brand, grade, color), start and completion dates, payment schedule tied to milestones, warranty information, cleanup responsibilities, and permit information if required.

Are permits required for roofing work in Ashland?

Yes, most roofing work in Ashland requires permits from the local building department. Trustworthy contractors will pull permits themselves. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to 'save you money,' this is a major red flag.

What insurance should a roofing contractor carry?

Legitimate contractors should carry both liability insurance (to protect your property) and workers' compensation insurance (to protect you from liability if workers are injured). Always ask for certificates of insurance and verify them directly with the insurance company.

How long should a roofing warranty last?

Quality roofing materials typically come with manufacturer warranties of 20-50 years. Reputable contractors also offer workmanship warranties of 5-10 years on installation. Be wary of contractors offering only 1-year warranties or refusing to provide written warranty documentation.

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Licensed & insured professionals CALL NOW: 1-866-674-2070