Seedy contractors are unfortunately always going to be with us. And frankly, it’s not surprising why this is the case. We make their jobs easy for them by not knowing what to watch out for.
The saddest part: many of these individuals are highly-skilled, but they don’t use their training for good. They depend on ignorant homeowners who don’t know enough about home repairs to spot a scam.
If you’re sick of wondering about whom you should trust and whom you should avoid, look for the following qualities. (Or lack of qualities, we should say.)
1. Company branding matters
Sure, there are a few diamonds in the rough who drive around in unmarked vehicles. But as a general rule, you should avoid these people. Think about it. If you were truly proud of your business and reputable, wouldn’t you want to make it easy for people to reach out and vet you?
Look for company branding on the vehicles they drive. Give them bonus points if they have both a branded vehicle and a company uniform with the appropriate branding. It shows they take their business at least somewhat seriously.
2. Run from anyone who says ‘happened to’
Always be leery of people who show up on your door unannounced. For starters, door-knocking is a good tactic to see if you’re not home for a possible burglary attempt. But even if they’re not outright criminals and there for legitimate business purposes, it’s a good idea to avoid these people.
Any time they say, “I just happened to be in the area,” do or say whatever you have to (within what is legally allowed) to get them off your property. Trustworthy businesses don’t have to beg for your attention.
People find them in the phone book or online. They call them and schedule appointments. They observe the quality of their work. And if it’s good enough, they tell their friends and family, leading to strong word-of-mouth.
3. Steer clear of limited forms of payment
Seedy contractors want their money entirely upfront. They accept only cash payment, or they force you to pay their processing fees when taking credit cards.
Reputable contractors will work with you on forms of payment, payment plans, or insurance billing. They won’t make you feel like a criminal just because you don’t have a lot of money lying around earmarked for home repairs.
4. Cleanup is not important
A seedy contractor doesn’t believe cleanup is part of his job. He figures as long as a new roof gets installed, his job is over. Companies that leave your house looking like a junkyard should be reported to the Better Business Bureau.
5. They like scare tactics
These people are the worst. They take advantage of homeowners who don’t know any better by warning that a problem is worse than it is — that if “you don’t get that taken care of in the next six months, it’ll fall in on you.”
To be clear, some roofs are that bad. But when this is the case, there are plenty of warning signs where you don’t need an expert to tell you. The house tends to let you know through leaks, bowing, and other structural problems.
The Best Way to Avoid Seedy Contractors
Know what makes them seedy. Make note of it when they try one of their tactics. And get recommendations, whether online or from the people you know who are pleased with theirs. At Griffith Roofing, we’ve earned hundreds of customers in exactly such a way, and we’d love to earn your business. Contact us today if you have a project you need addressing.
[Featured Image by Wikipedia Commons]
