One of the largest outlays of funds you will make for your house is a roof. Regretfully, this makes it a perfect target for con artists trying to make quick money. Roofing frauds are common all throughout the United States, including in Roseburg, where homeowners could feel under pressure to move quickly during seasonal repairs or following a disaster.
Roofing scams may leave you with a damaged roof and empty wallet, whether they include unlicensed contractors, bait-and-switch strategies, or bogus damage claims.
Here are seven of the most often used roofing scams, how to recognize them, and—above all—how to guard yourself.
1. Storm Chasers That Appear After a Major Weather Event
Among the most infamous roofing con artists are storm chasers. Following severe rain, hail, or windstorms, these out-of-town contractors flood local areas. Many times they knock on homes, offering to provide quick, reasonably priced roof repairs or replacements. Many homeowners are more inclined to agree on the location without performing a study, as they are concerned about damage during a storm.
The biggest risk is that many of these roofers lack insurance and are not licensed. They can deliver substandard work or vanish after your payment. Worse, some would purposefully damage more roofs in order to boost their claim and collect more insurance money.
How to avoid it:
- Be cautious of unsolicited visits after storms.
- Never sign contracts on the spot.
- Always verify licenses through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
- Choose local companies with a reputation in your area.
2. The Low Bid, Then Surprise Costs Later
Another typical roofing fraud is a contractor presenting a very low quote to acquire your company—only to increase the cost midway through the project. These con artists depend on the fact that once a roof is taken off, you are in a vulnerable situation and can be under pressure to pay the higher cost in order to get the work completed.
Although these “change orders” might be presented as unanticipated problems like wood rot or concealed water damage, dishonest builders utilize these justifications to increase the final cost much over the agreed-upon level.
How to avoid it:
- Get multiple written estimates before choosing a contractor.
- Ensure your contract outlines specific costs, materials, and a clear change-order policy.
- Don’t pay in full until all work is completed and inspected.
3. Unlicensed or Fake Contractors
Although unlicensed roofers can provide less expensive services, their main disadvantage is that they are not answerable to any professional group or governmental agency. Many times lacking company licenses, insurance, or bonds, these con artists will operate, and you will be left paying the cost should something go wrong.
Some would even utilize stolen names or fictitious contractor numbers taken from actual companies. To seem genuine, others could “borrow” the name of a reputable business.
How to avoid it:
- Ask to see their Oregon CCB license and check it online.
- Make sure the name on the license matches their business cards, contracts, and invoices.
- Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
4. Roofers Who Demand Full Payment Upfront
While a reputable roofer could ask for a modest deposit before beginning the project, con artists often want either full or large upfront payment. Once they get the money, they either start the task but never come back to finish it or vanish without working at all.
Sometimes they start the process, rip off a portion of your roof, and then vanish, leaving your house half-exposed and without means of refunding your money.
How to avoid it:
- Never pay in full before work begins.
- Standard deposits range from 10% to 30% of the project cost.
- Use credit cards or checks—not cash—for a paper trail.
- Avoid contractors who pressure you to make immediate, full payments.
5. Fake or Exaggerated Damage Claims
Using scare strategies, some roofing con artists fool homeowners into believing their roof is more damaged than it actually is. They could scale your roof and “find” nonexistent damage—or worse, they could cause fresh damage to support a costly repair or complete replacement.
With elderly or inexperienced homeowners who blindly accept the roofer’s evaluation, these frauds can be particularly successful.
How to avoid it:
- Get a second opinion from a trusted, licensed roofer.
- Ask for photographic evidence of any damage.
- Be present during inspections if possible.
- If they won’t let you see the damage yourself, that’s a red flag.
6. Insurance Fraud Scams
Some roofers promise to “handle your insurance claim” in ways that verge on criminal. They might bill for services not really done, inflate damage to boost the payment, or promise to eliminate your deductible. These frauds could result in prosecution for insurance fraud as well as loss of future coverage.
In Oregon, covering or absorbing deductibles as a means of undercutting rivals is against the law for contractors. Should a roofer propose to work this into the contract, they most certainly are not acting within legal limits.
How to avoid it:
- Handle your insurance claim directly with your provider.
- Don’t sign over insurance checks to contractors.
- Avoid anyone who offers to “take care of your deductible.”
- Make sure any payments made to your contractor reflect the actual work done.
7. High-Pressure Sales Tactics and “Limited Time” Offers
Some roofers pressure you to make quick decisions using aggressive sales tactics. They could say your “roof is about to collapse,” “materials are running out,” or there is a “limited-time deal.” These techniques are meant to have you sign a contract without considering it or conducting any investigation.
Actually, a reliable roofing contractor will provide you the time and room to evaluate proposals, check qualifications, and analyze proposal specifics. Scammers rely on haste to get beyond reason.
How to avoid it:
- Take your time. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Ask for everything in writing and read the fine print.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away or get a second opinion.
- Reputable contractors never rush you or push for instant decisions.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if a roofer is licensed in Oregon?
You can verify a contractor’s license through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board website.
Q2: Is it safe to hire a roofer who offers a big discount if I pay in cash?
No. Cash payments leave no paper trail and may indicate that the contractor is avoiding taxes or is unlicensed.
Q3: Can my homeowner’s insurance be affected by roofing fraud?
Yes. Insurance fraud can lead to denied claims or even policy cancellation. Always work within legal guidelines.
Q4: What’s a fair deposit for a roofing job?
Typically, 10–30% of the total cost. Anything more should be a red flag.
Conclusion
Though more widespread than many homeowners believe, roofing frauds may be avoided with the correct knowledge and a careful approach. Before signing, always spend some time investigating contractors, checking their licenses and insurance, and closely reading every contract. Especially careful during seasons of aggressive door-to-door sales or following storms is
Roseburg Roofing Inc. takes great satisfaction in integrity, openness, and superior craftsmanship. Our insured and qualified crew is here to guide you toward wise selections and get you the long-lasting, sturdy roof you are due. Get in touch with us right now for a free, no-pressure quote if you’re searching Roseburg for a dependable roofing contractor.