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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Lansing, OH

Roofing projects are a major investment for your home or business, and unfortunately, that makes them a target for scammers. In Lansing and across Belmont County, storm chasers and unlicensed operators often appear after bad weather looking to take advantage of property owners. Knowing what to look for can save you thousands of dollars and endless headaches. Here's how to protect yourself when hiring a roofer in Lansing.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Lansing

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser Scam

Out-of-town roofers who show up after a hailstorm or wind event, go door-to-door offering inspections, and pressure you into signing a contract immediately. They often claim your roof is severely damaged when it may not be.

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The Insurance Claim Takeover

A roofer offers to handle your insurance claim directly, asks you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form, and then inflates the claim. You end up with higher premiums or uncovered repairs, while they get paid upfront by the insurer.

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Upfront Payment & Disappear

The roofer demands a large deposit — often 50% or more — before starting work. After collecting payment, they either do shoddy work or vanish entirely without completing the job.

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Material Deposit Scam

The roofer asks for a large deposit to "order materials" but never actually orders them, or orders cheap materials while billing you for premium. They may show photos of a materials delivery that never happened at your property.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Request a certificate of insurance directly from the roofer's insurance provider, not just a card. Verify they carry both general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. In Ohio, contractors must carry workers' comp — if they don't, you could be liable for on-site injuries.

2

Licensing

Ohio does not have a statewide contractor license, but the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates certain trades. Check with Belmont County and the City of Lansing for any local licensing or registration requirements. Always ask for a valid business license and verify it with the county clerk's office.

3

References

Ask for at least 3 recent roofing jobs in Lansing or nearby Belmont County communities. Call each reference and ask about the quality of work, timeliness, cleanliness, and whether they stuck to the quoted price. Check online reviews on Google and the BBB, but be aware fake reviews exist.

Protection FAQs

Do roofers in Lansing, Ohio need to be licensed?

Ohio does not have a statewide contractor license, but your city or county may have local requirements. Check with Belmont County and the City of Lansing for any registration or permitting rules. Always ask for proof of a valid business license regardless.

What should a roofing contract include?

A trustworthy contract includes: full scope of work, specific materials and brands, start and completion dates, total price and payment schedule, warranty details, clean-up procedures, and a clause about change orders for any extra work.

How can I tell if a roofer has proper insurance?

Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) issued directly from their insurance agent. Verify it includes general liability insurance ($1 million minimum recommended) and Ohio workers' compensation coverage. You can call the insurance company to confirm the policy is active.

What should I do if a storm just damaged my roof in Lansing?

Document the damage with photos. Contact your insurance company first to start a claim. Then get at least 3 written estimates from local, established roofers before deciding. Avoid out-of-town storm chasers who show up uninvited.

Is it normal for a roofer to ask for full payment upfront?

No, this is a major red flag. A reputable roofer typically asks for a small deposit (10-15%) with the balance due upon completion and final inspection. Never pay in full upfront, never pay in cash, and always use a payment method that offers fraud protection.

Does a roofer need to pull a permit in Lansing, Ohio?

Yes, most roofing replacements require a permit from Belmont County or the City of Lansing. A trustworthy roofer will handle the permitting process and schedule the required inspections. If they tell you a permit isn't needed, consider that a red flag and call your local building department to verify.

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