When severe weather strikes Central Florida, it doesn’t just bring wind and rain. It often brings waves of opportunistic contractors looking to take advantage of distressed homeowners. At Taylor’s Roofing, we’ve seen countless families fall victim to these storm chasers who sweep through neighborhoods right after severe weather events. Here are some tips to protect yourself!
Understanding Storm Season Scams
These fraudulent contractors typically follow a predictable pattern. They appear in damaged neighborhoods within days of a storm, armed with convincing sales pitches and too-good-to-be-true offers. While their promises might sound appealing when you’re dealing with a damaged roof, their tactics often leave homeowners with subpar repairs, invalid warranties, and empty wallets.
Here are the red flags every homeowner should watch for:
- The Unsolicited Pitch: Be wary of contractors who show up at your door uninvited, claiming they “just happened to be in the neighborhood.” Legitimate roofing companies are usually too busy helping existing customers after storms to go door-to-door.
- Pressure Tactics: Watch out for contractors who push you to make an immediate decision or claim their offer is “good for today only.”
- Upfront Payment Demands: If a contractor demands full payment before starting work or insists on cash-only transactions, this is a major warning sign. Reputable contractors typically require reasonable deposits and accept a variety of payment methods.
- Missing Credentials: Always verify a contractor’s license, insurance, and physical business address. Storm chasers often provide only P.O. boxes or out-of-state addresses, making them impossible to track down later.
- Insurance Claim Manipulation: Be cautious of contractors who claim they can “handle everything” with your insurance company or promise to cover your deductible. These practices are often illegal and can lead to insurance fraud.
Need a Roof Repair? Trust the Pros!
Proper roof repairs aren’t just about fixing immediate damage. They’re about ensuring your home’s long-term protection and value. Taking time to verify credentials and get multiple written estimates might feel overwhelming during a crisis, but it’s essential for protecting your investment.
Need help with damage sustained from Hurricane Milton? Contact Taylor’s Roofing today for an honest assessment of your roof’s condition. Our team of licensed professionals has been serving Central Florida families for years, and we’ll be here long after the storm chasers have moved on to their next target!
