Colorado homeowners are no strangers to severe weather, with hailstorms and high winds often leaving roofs in need of repair or replacement. Unfortunately, these situations create prime opportunities for unscrupulous contractors to take advantage of unsuspecting residents. Roofing scams are on the rise, but being informed can help you avoid costly mistakes. Here’s a look at the most common roofing scams in Colorado and how you can protect yourself.
1. Storm Chaser Scams
How it Works: Scammers follow storms and offer quick repairs or replacements at low costs. They often target neighborhoods recently hit by hail, wind, or other weather-related damage.
Red Flags:
They insist on starting work immediately without an inspection.
They request payment upfront or claim they’ll handle your insurance claim without your involvement.
Impact: Poor-quality work or incomplete repairs leave you with more damage over time.
2. Insurance Fraud Scams
How it Works: Scammers offer to “cover your deductible” or promise to work directly with your insurance company to maximize the claim. They inflate damage reports or even create damage to the roof to secure a larger payout.
Red Flags:
They offer to pay your deductible.
They advise you to falsify details in your insurance claim.
Impact: Legal trouble for insurance fraud or voided coverage.
3. Low Initial Bids/Upcharges
How it Works: A contractor quotes a very low price to secure the job, then adds unexpected costs mid-project, claiming unforeseen issues.
Red Flags:
Unclear or vague contracts.
Requests for additional payments without evidence of extra work.
Impact: Significantly higher costs than originally quoted..
4. Unlicensed or Uninsured Contractors
How it Works: Unlicensed individuals pose as contractors, often offering cheap services. They may perform substandard work or disappear before completing the job.
Red Flags:
No license or proof of insurance.
Refusal to provide references or a written contract.
Impact: Liability falls on the homeowner for injuries or damages caused during the project.
5. Partial Repair Scams
How it Works: Contractors claim only a part of the roof is damaged and offer to patch it rather than replace it. The work is often cosmetic and doesn’t address underlying issues.
Red Flags:
Pushing repairs instead of a full assessment.
No warranty or guarantee provided.
Impact: Short-lived repairs lead to more expensive damage later.
6. Vanishing Down Payment
How it Works: The contractor requests a large down payment for materials but never returns to start or complete the work.
Red Flags:
Asking for large upfront payments.
No physical business address or contact information.
Impact: You lose the down payment and have no work completed.
7. Material Substitution Scams
How it Works: Contractors promise high-quality materials but use substandard or cheaper materials instead, compromising the roof’s durability.
Red Flags:
Refusal to provide proof of materials or let you inspect them.
Significant discrepancies between quoted and delivered materials.
Impact: Reduced lifespan and increased likelihood of future damage
9. Pre-Damage Claims
How it Works: Scammers claim your roof has significant damage that needs immediate repair, even if it doesn’t. They may fabricate damage during inspections or use vague terms to confuse homeowners.
Red Flags:
Contractors suggest damage that you can’t verify or see for yourself.
They avoid involving a third-party inspector.
Impact: Unnecessary repairs cost thousands, or worse, your roof is deliberately damaged
10. Storm Damage Impersonation
How it Works: Scammers dress in official-looking uniforms, claiming to represent your insurance company, FEMA, or a government agency offering free inspections. They use this guise to gain trust and upsell repairs.
Red Flags:
Unsolicited visits after a storm with claims of being from an official agency.
Lack of official credentials or direct contact from your insurance provider.
Impact: You pay for unnecessary or poor-quality work while the scammers disappear.
11. “Leftover Materials” Scam
How it Works: A contractor claims they have leftover materials from a nearby project and can offer a significant discount for using them. The work is often rushed, subpar, and doesn’t meet your roof’s specifications.
Red Flags:
Offers too good to be true.
No written estimate or contract.
Impact: The roof may not meet code requirements, leading to expensive future repairs.
12. Ghost Contractors
How it Works: Scammers create fake businesses or websites that appear legitimate. Once they collect deposits, they vanish, leaving no way to contact them.
Red Flags:
No physical office or verifiable references.
Poor website design with minimal contact information.
Impact: You lose your deposit with no way to recover it.
13. Quick Patch Jobs
How it Works: Contractors provide only temporary fixes instead of addressing the root of the problem, knowing you’ll need further repairs soon.
Red Flags:
Repairs are completed unusually quickly.
No detailed explanation of the work done.
Impact: You end up paying for more extensive repairs later.
14. Fake Free Inspections
How it Works: Scammers offer a free inspection but fabricate or exaggerate damage to secure a costly repair or replacement contract.
Red Flags:
Contractors refuse to show evidence of damage (photos or videos).
Pressure to sign a repair contract immediately after the inspection.
Impact: You’re tricked into paying for unnecessary work.
15. Payment Redirection Scams
How it Works: Scammers impersonate a legitimate contractor and ask you to send payments to a different account. By the time you realize the fraud, your money is gone.
Red Flags:
Requests for wire transfers or payments to a new account without clear communication from the contractor.
Sudden changes in payment methods.
Impact: Your payment goes to scammers, not the actual contractor.
16. Fly-By-Night Operations
How it Works: Temporary businesses pop up after storms, offering repairs at a discount. Once the work is done, they disappear, and you’re left with no way to enforce warranties or address issues.
Red Flags:
No permanent office or local presence.
Contractors disappear when contacted for follow-ups.
Impact: You have no recourse for poor-quality work.
17. Non-Permit Work
How it Works: Scammers skip the permit process to save time and money, completing roofing work that may not meet building codes.
Red Flags:
Contractors insist permits aren’t necessary.
Work starts immediately without city approval.
Impact: Fines, insurance issues, and code violations that require costly corrections.
How to Protect Yourself from Roofing Scams?
Do Your Homework: Research contractors thoroughly. Check reviews, verify licenses, and confirm insurance.
Demand a Written Contract: Ensure the agreement includes detailed timelines, costs, and materials.
Avoid Large Upfront Payments: A reputable contractor will request payment in stages as work progresses.
Work with Local Contractors: Storm chasers often disappear after completing subpar work, while local companies are more likely to honor warranties and provide follow-up services.
The Bottom Line
Roofing scams are a persistent problem in Colorado, especially after severe weather events. By staying vigilant, verifying contractors, and understanding common scams, you can protect your home and your wallet. Don’t let scammers take advantage of you—take the time to find a trustworthy, licensed roofer to ensure your roof is repaired or replaced properly.
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