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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Charleston

Hey family, roofing scams hit hard in Charleston, especially after our coastal storms. Shady contractors can leave you with leaks and empty pockets. Stay safe by spotting red flags early and verifying everything. Take your time—no legit pro will rush you.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Charleston

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser Scams

Out-of-town crews flood Charleston after hurricanes, offer 'too-good-to-be-true' deals, take a deposit, do shoddy work or vanish.

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Deposit Disappearance

Scammer takes a big deposit for materials/labor, then ghosts or starts poor work and demands more cash.

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Bait-and-Switch Pricing

Ultra-low bid to win job, then claims 'unforeseen issues' like bad decking, jacks up price mid-job.

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Fake Materials

Uses cheap, subpar shingles or underlayment, claims it's premium brand to pocket savings.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Request a certificate of insurance (COI) for general liability and workers' comp. Call the insurer directly (using COI contact info) to confirm coverage amounts and that you're listed as additional insured.

2

Licensing

South Carolina requires residential roofing contractors to hold a license from the Residential Builders Commission (RBC) for jobs over $500. Ask for their license number, then verify it's active at llr.sc.gov/rbc/.

3

References

Insist on 3 recent local references from Charleston-area jobs. Call each one to ask about quality, timeliness, cleanup, and if they'd rehire.

Protection FAQs

Do roofing contractors need a license in South Carolina?

Yes, residential specialty contractors like roofers must be licensed by the SC Residential Builders Commission for projects over $500. Verify at llr.sc.gov/rbc/—never hire unlicensed.

Should I pay a full deposit upfront for a new roof?

No. Legit roofers take 10-30% max to start, with rest in stages (e.g., after tear-off, after install). Always written payment schedule.

How do I verify a roofer's insurance?

Get a COI copy. Contact the insurance carrier listed (not the roofer) to confirm active coverage for your job dates and limits ($1M+ liability recommended).

What should a good roofing contract include?

Scope of work, materials specs, start/end dates, payment milestones, cleanup, warranties, lien waivers. Get everything in writing before paying.

Are door-to-door roofers safe to hire after a storm?

Rarely. Many are opportunists. Stick to referred, licensed locals. Avoid cash deals or trailers as 'offices'.

How do I report a suspected roofing scam in Charleston?

File complaints with SC LLR (llr.sc.gov), SC Attorney General, local police, and BBB. Keep all docs/emails for evidence.

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