After a storm, aside from the damage and inconvenience caused by the weather, homeowners in Columbus have apparently another thing to worry and be vigilant about: the so-called ‘storm chasers’. These are ‘strangers’ who knock from door to door and offer repair services. They often do their scheme in a hurried manner (or they can delay things a bit until they get the check), because they need to catch up on the next storm-damaged town or city. Of course, they do not come with a genuine license or insurance, which means that you won’t be protected in case a work-related incident occurs.
Thus, if you are planning to have some work done on your roof, it is important that you know which local Columbus roofer to trust. Here are some tips on how to spot a storm chaser:
- Check their vehicles for out-of-state tags. The very first red flag is when the truck or automobile of the so-called “roofer” is registered in another state.
- Ask for their business license, insurance information and sales invoice. In any negotiation, homeowners should always demand for legitimate paperwork for protection. If a contractor can’t present any of these, they are definitely frauds.
COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today warned consumers about spring home improvement scams, while stressing the importance of researching contractors to help ensure their reliability.
“Warmer weather brings more door-to-door home improvement sales, and consumers should remain cautious,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Don’t be pressured into a decision on the spot. It’s best for you to research both the reputation of the business and the individual contractor first. Too often we see an individual contractor who is operating under different company names.”
- Research on contractors by yourself. If you’re searching for a roofing contractor,your best bet to find a trusted company would always be someone who has a good reputation:
Check with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau to determine if complaints are on file against the company.
Conduct general Internet searches using the company’s name and the individual’s name.
To attend to your roofing needs, pick up your phone and call Muth & Company Roofing. We have earned Complaint Free Awards from the BBB, which means two things: one, we are licensed, reputable and recognized roofing contractors in Columbus, Ohio, and two, we provide our clients with superior service and workmanship. We also have certifications from various major manufacturers, which show that we only provide quality equipment and materials.
(Article Excerpt from, DeWine urges consumers to research home improvement contractors, May 14, 2014)