Storm season has arrived, and Illinois homeowners need to be ready! Several rounds of severe weather have already impacted several areas this year, and with the possibility of more in the next few months, it is essential that you learn what you can do and what to watch out for to protect your home.
Schedule An Inspection ASAP With A Reputable Roofing Contractor
After any severe weather event, it is vital to have a trained professional assess your home for any signs of damage. Waiting too long could lead to additional damage, like roof leaks. Also, many insurance companies have specific time limitations when filing a claim – if you wait too long, your insurance company may not cover the damages.
Before you contact any Illinois roofing company, make sure you do your homework! Make sure you only contact State Licensed Contractors in the state where your home is located. They should be certified by the roofing product manufacturer and listed on the manufacturer's website as such. Be sure to check all roofing contractor credibility through reputable sites such as AngiesList.com and the Better Business Bureau.
Beware of Scams
The desire to have a roof quickly replaced and the fact that most people have little experience working with a roofing contractor can set an unsuspecting homeowner up for a variety of scams. Here’s what to watch out for:
Roofing Scam #1: Inadequate Repair
Inadequate repair roofing scams are particularly tricky to spot until after the guilty party is long gone. If you randomly choose a roofer and they offer you a cheap quote, you may be pleased with the results for months before you realize you've been scammed!
Instead, find a local Illinois roofing contractor that can provide references to the work they have done and, more importantly, show that they will be around in the future if a problem occurs.
Roofing Scam #2: The Storm Chaser
Out of all the roofing scammers, the out-of-town storm chasers are the most publicized, yet people all across the country fall victim to them. Storm chasers have no incentive to produce high-quality work, and there's no way for them to be held accountable because they will be gone by the time a problem arises.
Instead, find a local Illinois Roofing contractor with years of experience and a proven track record of high-quality work.
Roofing Scam #3: Offering To Pay Your Deductible
Some disreputable contractors may offer to pay your homeowner's insurance deductible in an attempt to win the job. Homeowners who receive this offer should be immediately suspicious.
You are required by your insurance company to pay the deductible listed in your policy. Any contractor offering to pay this for you is committing a type of insurance fraud.
At Haynes Construction & Restoration, we strongly believe in serving our community and maintaining long-lasting relationships with all of our clients. We believe that honesty, integrity, and high-quality workmanship will continue these relationships for generations to come. Connect with us on Facebook for more tips and information on ways to protect your home!
