Local roofing contractors are generally preferred for several reasons. For instance, they know the local building codes, are familiar with the local climate, offer quality services at fair prices, are easy to contact and many more. That said, it helps to know how to distinguish an out-of-town roofer from a local contractor.
To help you identify which is which, NC Rebuild, Inc. shares a few tips in this post.
Storm Chasers
Before we distinguish local roofers from out-of-town ones, you should first learn the type of roofing contractors to avoid at all costs — storm chasers. They’re named as such because they track down storms and move from town to town to scam panicked homeowners. Storm chasers are shady, out-of-town roofing contractors that engage in unscrupulous business practices and provide subpar services at exorbitant rates. They are known to leave without a trace after they perform services in a town.
Ways to Check if a Contractor Is Local
Here are some ways to identify whether you’re talking to local roofers or storm chasers:
Contact Information
Their contact numbers and email addresses must be valid. Local roofers have the same area code as you, while out-of-town contractors based in other cities or states have a different area code. Storm chasers typically don’t have valid contact information as they move from town to town to avoid being tracked down by past customers and deny accountability for any of the services they rendered.
Physical Address
If a roofing company has a physical address, it means you can visit their offices for any concerns or requests. With local roofers, it’s easier to verify this type of information since you’re from the same area. Storm chasers typically don’t have an address.
Down Payment
While it’s standard practice among roofers to ask for a small amount as a down payment for their services, only scammers and storm chasers will ask — and frequently rush you — to pay a large sum upfront. Reputable contractors will not pressure you into paying for the whole project before it even starts. They might even offer different financing options for lighter payments.
When it comes to reliable local roofing services, you can always count on NC Rebuild, Inc. To request a quote, fill out our contact form or call us at (919) 625-5453.
