Lake Norman homeowners, we need to talk. I've been roofing in this area for years, and I see it happen too often. Families get taken advantage of by dishonest contractors. They lose thousands of dollars. Sometimes they end up with roofs that leak worse than before.
Here's the thing – I don't know every roofing company around Lake Norman. But I do know the warning signs that scream "stay away!" Whether you're looking at a company called LKN Roofers or any other contractor, these red flags will protect you and your family.
Your home is probably your biggest investment. Don't let a scammer ruin it. Let me share what I've learned from helping thousands of homeowners avoid these traps.
Red Flag #1: They Show Up at Your Door Without Being Asked
Picture this: You're having coffee on a Saturday morning. Someone knocks on your door. "Hi there! I was just working down the street and noticed some damage on your roof. Mind if I take a look?"
Stop right there. ⚠️
Good roofing companies don't work this way. We're usually booked weeks in advance. We don't have time to drive around looking for work.
Here's what these door-knockers often do:
- They claim they have "leftover materials" from another job
- They say they can give you a "special deal" if you sign today
- They pressure you to let them climb on your roof right now
- They take photos of "damage" that looks suspicious
I've seen contractors actually damage roofs during these "free inspections." They'll pull up a shingle, take a photo, and say "See this problem? It's getting worse every day."
What to do instead: If someone comes to your door, be polite but firm. Say "Thanks, but we work with a local company for our roofing needs." Even if you don't have a roofer yet, this usually makes them leave.
Never let a stranger climb on your roof. If you're worried about damage, call a local company you can verify and trust.
Red Flag #2: No License, No Insurance, No Problem (For Them)
Every legitimate roofing contractor needs two things: a license and insurance. If they can't show you both, walk away.
In North Carolina, roofing contractors must have a license for jobs over $30,000. But here's what I tell every homeowner: even for smaller jobs, ask to see their license anyway. It shows they're serious about their business.
Insurance is even more important. What happens if someone gets hurt on your property? What if they damage your house or your neighbor's car? Without insurance, you could be responsible for thousands in damages.
Real story from last month: A homeowner in Cornelius hired an unlicensed contractor to fix some shingles. The guy fell off the roof and broke his leg. Guess who got sued? The homeowner. Their insurance covered some of it, but they still paid $15,000 out of pocket.
How to verify credentials:
- Ask to see their license and insurance certificates
- Call the insurance company to make sure coverage is active
- Check with the NC Licensing Board for Contractors
- Look up their business license with the local county
Don't just take their word for it. One contractor showed me a "license" that was actually just a business registration from the county. That's not the same thing.
Red Flag #3: Written Estimates? Who Needs Those?
"Don't worry about all that paperwork stuff. I can give you a price right now."
Run. Seriously, run.
A good contractor will always give you a detailed written estimate. Always. This isn't just good business – it protects both of us.
Your written estimate should include:
- Exact materials being used (brand names, colors, grades)
- Start and finish dates
- Total cost broken down by labor and materials
- Cleanup responsibilities
- Warranty information
- Permit details (who gets them, who pays)
- Payment schedule
I've seen estimates scribbled on napkins. I've seen them texted to homeowners with zero details. "New roof – $8,000." That's not an estimate. That's a guess.
Last year, a homeowner in Mooresville hired a contractor based on a verbal estimate. The job started at $12,000. By the end, they were asking for $19,000. No written contract meant no protection for the homeowner.
According to the Better Business Bureau, written contracts prevent 80% of roofing disputes. Don't become a statistic.
Red Flag #4: "Sign Now or Lose This Deal Forever"
High-pressure sales tactics are a huge red flag. Honest contractors don't pressure you to make quick decisions about your roof.
Here's what scammers say to create false urgency:
- "This price is only good today"
- "We're leaving town tomorrow"
- "Insurance will only cover this if we start immediately"
- "I can only hold this spot in our schedule for one more hour"
Let me tell you how real roofing works. Good companies are usually booked 2-4 weeks out. We don't need to pressure anyone. Our work speaks for itself.
Also, insurance companies don't work on the scammer's timeline. Your adjuster will work with any legitimate contractor you choose. There's no rush that benefits you.
What legitimate contractors do:
- Give you time to think about major decisions
- Encourage you to get multiple quotes
- Answer all your questions patiently
- Provide references from recent customers
I always tell homeowners: "Take a few days to think about it. This is a big investment. You should feel comfortable with your choice."
Red Flag #5: Cash Only, Payment Up Front
"We need the full payment before we start. Cash only, please."
This is the biggest red flag of all. Never, ever pay the full amount upfront. And be very careful about cash payments.
Here's why contractors ask for cash:
- They don't want to pay taxes
- They're planning to disappear
- They can't get a business bank account (bad credit, legal issues)
- They want to make it hard for you to get your money back
A professional payment schedule usually looks like this:
- Small deposit to order materials (10-20% max)
- Progress payments as work gets done
- Final payment when everything is complete and you're satisfied
I've seen homeowners pay $15,000 upfront for roof work. The contractor took the money and vanished. No materials ever arrived. No work ever started. And cash payments are almost impossible to recover.
Safe payment methods:
- Check (creates a paper trail)
- Credit card (you can dispute charges)
- Financing through established companies
- Bank transfer to a business account
Never use payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle for large amounts. These offer no protection if something goes wrong.
Red Flag #6: No Local Presence or References
"We're from out of state, but we do great work everywhere."
Storm chasers follow bad weather across the country. They show up after hail storms, do quick (often bad) work, then leave town before problems show up.
Here's what to look for in a local company:
- Physical business address (not a P.O. box)
- Local phone number
- References from recent customers in your area
- Better Business Bureau rating
- Google reviews from local homeowners
I always encourage customers to drive by our shop. Meet our team. See our equipment. You should feel comfortable with who you're hiring.
Questions to ask about local presence:
- How long have you been working in the Lake Norman area?
- Can you show me three recent jobs within 10 miles of my house?
- What's your local business address?
- Do you have a local supplier relationship?
Storm chasers often give references from hundreds of miles away. How can you verify those? How can you visit a job site in Tennessee when you live in Huntersville?
Red Flag #7: They "Find" Damage During Their Inspection
This is the sneakiest scam of all. A contractor offers a "free roof inspection." They climb up on your roof. Then they come down with bad news about damage you never noticed.
Sometimes the damage is real but minor. They make it sound like an emergency. Sometimes they actually create damage during the inspection. I've seen contractors:
- Pull up perfectly good shingles
- Take photos of damage from someone else's roof
- Exaggerate small issues to scare homeowners
- Claim "hidden damage" that only they can see
How to protect yourself during inspections:
- Go up on the roof with them (if you're comfortable and safe)
- Ask them to show you exactly where problems are
- Take your own photos
- Get a second opinion before agreeing to major work
One homeowner in Davidson had three different contractors inspect her roof after a storm. The first two said everything looked fine. The third claimed she needed a complete replacement for $18,000. Guess which one was lying?
If someone finds major damage you never noticed, slow down. Get another opinion. Real storm damage is usually visible from the ground or shows up as leaks inside your house.
How to Protect Yourself From Roofing Scams
Now that you know the red flags, here's how to hire a good contractor:
Do your research first:
- Check Better Business Bureau ratings
- Read Google reviews from multiple sources
- Ask neighbors for recommendations
- Verify licenses and insurance
Get multiple quotes:
- Compare at least three written estimates
- Make sure they're bidding on the same work
- Don't automatically choose the cheapest option
- Ask about warranties on materials and labor
Take your time:
- Don't sign contracts under pressure
- Review everything carefully before signing
- Ask questions about anything you don't understand
- Sleep on big decisions
Verify everything:
- Call insurance companies to confirm coverage
- Check references by visiting recent job sites
- Look up business licenses with local authorities
- Trust your gut if something feels wrong
What Good Roofing Contractors Look Like
Not all contractors are scammers. Most of us are honest business owners who take pride in our work. Here's what to expect from a good roofing company:
Professional presentation:
- Clean, branded vehicles and equipment
- Uniformed workers with company identification
- Professional-looking estimates and contracts
- Local business address and established phone number
Clear communication:
- Explains work in terms you can understand
- Returns phone calls promptly
- Provides detailed timeline for completion
- Keeps you updated on progress
Proper procedures:
- Gets required permits
- Orders materials from local suppliers
- Uses appropriate safety equipment
- Follows manufacturer installation guidelines
Fair pricing:
- Prices that are competitive but not too low
- Clear breakdown of costs
- No surprise charges or change orders
- Payment schedule tied to work completion
As roofing expert Tom Silva from This Old House says: "A good contractor will educate you about your options, not pressure you into quick decisions. They want you to be happy with your choice."
Your Next Steps
Here's what I want you to do after reading this:
If you're currently talking to any contractor:
- Go through this list and check for red flags
- Ask for written estimates and references
- Verify their license and insurance
- Don't sign anything until you're completely comfortable
If you need roofing work:
- Start with local companies that have been in business for several years
- Get three written estimates for comparison
- Check all references and online reviews
- Take time to make a good decision
If you think you've been scammed:
- Document everything (photos, contracts, receipts)
- Contact your state attorney general's office
- File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau
- Consider consulting with a lawyer
Your roof protects everything inside your home. The people you hire to work on it should be trustworthy, skilled, and local. Don't let scammers take advantage of you or your neighbors.
At Best Roofing Now, we've built our reputation on honesty and quality work. We're here when you need us, and we'll be here years from now if you have questions or concerns.
Ready to work with a roofing company you can trust? Call us at (704) 783-7663 for a free, no-pressure inspection. We'll give you straight answers about your roof's condition and honest recommendations for any needed repairs. No door-to-door sales tactics. No high-pressure pitches. Just honest roofing advice from neighbors you can trust.
