Avoiding Roofing Repair Scams

Is your home due for a new roof? This can be a nerve racking experience for a number of reasons. Not only will you be spending a lot of money, but chances are that you have fear over the job being done wrong. As you know, a bad roof job can lead to major damage both inside and outside your home.

Not everyone can do their own roof repair like Woody detailed in a recent post. Most need to rely on the expertise of others to get the job done.

Here are three tips to ensure that you don't scammed by your roofing contractor:

1. Ask for references. This is one of the first things you should do because it can go a long way in helping you make a final decision. If a contractor does not want to supply references it is time to move on. Three or more references are a good starting point.
2. Money, money, money. There is no denying that you will be paying for your new roof--or whatever type of work you are having done. That being said, you deserve to know the cost upfront. The last thing you want to hear from your contractor is, "Can I have more money?"
3. Get it in writing. You need a contract, no matter what the project entails. It should outline the details of the job, including what exactly is to be done, as well as the overall cost. Along with this, both parties should sign the contract and receive a copy before getting started.

Every summer you hear stories about people getting scammed by their roofing contractor. Follow the tips above to avoid becoming the next victim.

Chris Bibey is a freelance writer and internet marketing consultant based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has two books in print, and is working on a third. Chris manages a popular freelance writing blog, while also writing for sites such as Banks.com and MoneyCrashers.