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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in New Washington

Roofing is a significant investment for any New Washington homeowner or business owner. Unfortunately, storm chasers and dishonest contractors often target our community after severe weather. This guide helps you recognize red flags and connect with verified professionals who follow industry standards. Protect your home and your wallet by learning how to spot common roofing scams before they happen.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in New Washington

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser Scams

Out-of-town contractors arrive after storms, offering quick repairs at low prices. They often use high-pressure tactics, collect deposits, then disappear or do substandard work before moving to the next town.

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Insurance Fraud Schemes

Some contractors offer to 'handle your insurance claim' while inflating damage estimates or suggesting you commit fraud. They may promise to cover your deductible or pressure you to sign over insurance benefits.

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Material Switching

Contractors quote premium materials but install cheaper, inferior products. They may use incorrect underlayment, wrong shingle types, or inadequate flashing that voids manufacturer warranties.

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Permit Avoidance

Contractors suggest skipping permits to 'save you money' or 'speed up the process'. This leaves you with unpermitted work that may not meet building codes and could cause issues when selling your property.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Request certificates of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Verify the policies are current and adequate for roofing work. Without proper insurance, you could be liable for accidents or property damage.

2

Licensing

Check with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board to verify a roofer's license status. Legitimate roofing contractors in Ohio must maintain proper licensing for residential and commercial work. Ask for their license number and verify it independently.

3

References

Ask for recent references from New Washington area projects. Contact these references directly and ask about work quality, communication, and whether the project stayed on budget. Visit completed projects if possible.

Protection FAQs

What should I do if a roofer shows up uninvited after a storm?

Politely decline any immediate offers. Take their information if you wish, but never agree to work on the spot. Research them thoroughly, check for local licensing, and get multiple estimates from established New Washington area roofers.

How much should I pay upfront for roofing work?

Reputable roofers typically require a reasonable deposit (often 10-30%) to schedule materials, with progress payments tied to completion milestones. Never pay the full amount upfront. Final payment should only be made after you're satisfied with the completed work.

What roofing licenses are required in Ohio?

Ohio requires roofing contractors to have proper licensing through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. Different licenses may be needed for residential vs. commercial work. Always verify license status independently rather than taking the contractor's word.

How can I verify a roofer's insurance is legitimate?

Ask for certificates of insurance directly from their insurance provider. Contact the insurance company to verify the policies are current and adequate for roofing work. Ensure they carry both liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

What should be included in a roofing contract?

A proper contract should include: complete scope of work, material specifications with brands and grades, project timeline, payment schedule, warranty information, permit handling details, cleanup procedures, and lien waiver provisions upon final payment.

How do I check if a roofer has complaints against them?

Check with the Ohio Attorney General's office, Better Business Bureau, and local consumer protection agencies. Search online reviews across multiple platforms, but be aware that some scammers create fake positive reviews. Look for patterns in complaints.

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