Your roof protects everything you love. But scam roofers can turn your safe haven into a nightmare. Here in Charlotte, we’ve seen too many families get hurt by dishonest contractors.
At Best Roofing Now, we believe every homeowner deserves honest service. That’s why we’re sharing the warning signs that help you spot the bad guys. You have the power to protect your family and your wallet.
Why Scam Roofers Love Charlotte
Charlotte’s booming housing market draws scammers like honey draws bees. Our frequent storms create perfect cover stories. After every big storm, fake roofers flood our neighborhoods.
These scammers know homeowners feel scared after storm damage. They use fear to rush you into bad decisions. But you can stay one step ahead when you know what to look for.
Red Flags That Scream “Scam”
Door-to-Door Visits
Real roofers don’t knock on doors randomly. If someone shows up unannounced claiming your roof looks damaged, be very careful. This is the oldest trick in the book.
Storm chasers travel from state to state after bad weather. They knock on doors right after storms hit. They’ll say things like “I was working on your neighbor’s roof and noticed problems with yours.”
Pressure Tactics
Scammers use fear and urgency to rush you. They might say:
- “Your roof could collapse any day”
- “This deal expires today”
- “Sign now or lose this special price”
A good roofer wants you to take time and think. They’ll answer all your questions without pressure.
Money Demands
Be very careful about upfront payments. No roofer should ask for:
- Full payment before starting work
- Cash-only payments
- More than 30% down payment
- Payment for materials not yet delivered
Good companies take small deposits only after materials arrive on site.
Missing Documentation
Every real roofer has:
- A valid license number
- Current insurance papers
- A real business address
- Written estimates
If they can’t show you these things right away, walk away fast.
Common Scams We See in Charlotte
The Storm Chaser Scam
After Hurricane Florence, we saw dozens of out-of-state crews in Charlotte. They knocked on doors in Myers Park and Dilworth. One family paid $4,000 upfront. The crew vanished the next day.
Storm chasers often:
- Have out-of-state license plates
- Claim they’re “working in your area today only”
- Offer to help file insurance claims
- Say they found “hidden damage”
The Disappearing Act
This scam is simple but devastating. A contractor collects a big down payment for “ordering materials.” Then they disappear with your money.
We’ve helped families who lost $5,000 to $15,000 this way. The fake company phone numbers stop working. The business address doesn’t exist.
Insurance Fraud Schemes
Some scammers offer to “eat your deductible” or inflate repair costs. This puts you at risk for insurance fraud charges. Your insurance company could cancel your policy.
Never let a roofer handle your insurance claim directly. You should always file claims yourself.
The Cheap Materials Trick
These scammers do complete the work. But they use the cheapest materials possible. They skip important steps like:
- Proper underlayment
- Adequate flashing
- Correct ventilation
The roof fails within 1-2 years. Then you pay twice to fix it right.
How to Find Charlotte’s Best Roofing Co
Check Licenses and Insurance
Every North Carolina roofer needs a valid license. Ask to see it. Then verify it online with the NC Licensing Board. Don’t just take their word for it.
Call their insurance company directly. Make sure their coverage is current and real.
Look for Local Roots
The best roofing companies have deep local connections. Look for:
- A real Charlotte or Lake Norman address
- Years of local projects
- Neighborhood references
- Chamber of Commerce membership
Read Real Reviews
Check multiple review sites:
- Google Business reviews
- Better Business Bureau ratings
- Angie’s List or Home Advisor
- Facebook business page
Look for patterns in reviews. Real customers write detailed experiences. Fake reviews are often short and vague.
Get Multiple Quotes
Always get at least three written estimates. This helps you spot prices that are too high or suspiciously low.
Good estimates include:
- Detailed material lists
- Labor costs broken down
- Timeline for completion
- Warranty information
- Cleanup procedures
Questions to Ask Every Roofer
Before hiring anyone, ask these key questions:
“Can I see your license and insurance papers right now?”
Real roofers carry these documents. Scammers make excuses.
“Can you give me three local references from this year?”
Good companies are proud to share recent work. Call those references.
“What’s your physical business address?”
Visit their office if possible. Real companies have real locations.
“Do you offer written warranties?”
Legitimate roofers back their work with written guarantees.
“How long have you been in Charlotte?”
Local experience matters for understanding our weather and building codes.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Act fast if you realize you’ve been tricked:
Immediate Steps
- Stop all payments immediately
- Document everything with photos
- Save all texts and emails
- Keep receipts and contracts
File Reports
- Better Business Bureau
- North Carolina Attorney General’s Office
- Federal Trade Commission
- Your insurance company
- Local police (if money was stolen)
Financial Protection
If you paid with a credit card, call your bank. You might be able to dispute the charges. Credit cards offer more protection than cash or checks.
Get Legal Help
For large amounts of money, consider talking to a lawyer who handles construction fraud cases.
Why Choose a Truly Great Roofing Company
The best roofing co doesn’t just fix your roof. They protect your family’s future. When you work with honest professionals, you get:
- Peace of mind that lasts decades
- Warranties you can count on
- Fair prices with no hidden costs
- Work that passes all inspections
At Best Roofing Now, we’ve built our reputation one roof at a time. We’re not just another roofing company. We’re your neighbors. We live here too.
Your Roof Deserves the Best
Don’t let scammers steal your hard-earned money. You deserve honest work from people who care about your family’s safety.
Take time to research. Ask tough questions. Trust your gut feelings. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
The right roofing company will welcome your questions. They’ll give you time to think. They’ll treat your home like their own.
Your family’s protection starts with choosing the right roofer. When you’re ready to work with Charlotte’s most trusted roofing professionals, we’re here to help.
Ready to protect your home with honest, expert service? Contact Best Roofing Now for your free roof inspection. Call us today or visit our website to schedule your appointment. Your roof: and your peace of mind( are worth the call.)
