Midland Storm Recovery: 5 Red Flags to Spot a Roofer Scam

5 Red Flags to Watch Out for After a Storm

As we approach the anniversary of those devastating July 4th floods in Central Texas, I've seen homeowners still reeling from the damage. Let me tell you, it's gonna be a long road to recovery, but being cautious when hiring a roofer can make all the difference.

Be Wary of Unlicensed Roofers

TDLR licenses specific trades — electricians and air conditioning contractors among them — but Texas does not license roofing contractors or contractors in general.

• Get that license number and verify it's real online
• If they can't produce a valid license, they're flyin' under the radar for a reason
• Texas issues no state roofing license, so a TDLR lookup will not show one for a roofer — check instead for proof of general liability insurance, a local address, and BBB history before you hire.

Storm Chasers: What You Need to Know

These so-called "storm chaser" companies are essentially roofers on the move – they'll take advantage of homes damaged by severe weather. They often have a history of scams and subpar workmanship, which means you're in for a world of trouble if you hire 'em.

• Do your research: look up their reputation online and check for reviews
• Beware of companies that want payment upfront or have a history of complaints – that's just plain shady
• And don't fall for "too good to be true" offers or pressure sales tactics, 'cause they usually are

Red Flags in the Contract

A legitimate roofer will give you a contract with all the T's crossed and I's dotted. Be wary if it's vague or leaves out important details – that's when things can get ugly fast.

• Make sure the contract says exactly what work they're gonna do, with no surprises
• Verify those materials are compliant with Texas building codes and regulations – you don't wanna risk any fines down the line
• And for Pete's sake, review that contract carefully before signin' on the dotted line!

What to Do Right Now

To protect yourself from gettin' taken advantage of, follow these steps:

1. Texas issues no state roofing license, so a TDLR lookup will not show one for a roofer — check instead for proof of general liability insurance, a local address, and BBB history before you hire.
2. Get multiple estimates and compare prices before makin' a decision – you don't wanna overspend or get taken to the cleaners
3. And don't sign any contracts till you're 100% sure the roofer is legit and has a solid plan for fixin' your roof

Bottom line: Be cautious of unlicensed roofers, storm chasers, and red flags in the contract. Take your time to research local roofers and get multiple estimates before makin' a decision.

Contact Texas Property Help today for assistance with findin' a reputable roofer or navigatin' the insurance claims process.