Many damaged roofs in the Colorado Springs area are due to winter storms early this year and massive hail in early July reeking havoc on local homes. Nearly 17,000 permits for new roofs were issued, more than 2 ½ times as many as in 2009. The roofing costs are estimated to be $85 million.
Along with the rise in roofing needs is a rise in homeowner complaints. Southern Colorado has received 95 roofing related complaints, nearly double from last year. Customers are citing shoddy work, fraud and pressure tactics from fast talking con artists. The high demand also opened the door for less experienced workers. At least one roofing company has been investigated by the Colorado Springs police department for theft.
They are also seeing a big influx of storm chasers using high pressure tactics and scamming homeowners. These operators are knocking on doors and offering to check your roof for damage. Homeowners are handing over money without checking references, often taken in by the lowest bid.
One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is to give money up front. Get a written detailed estimate, check references, and verify they have an actual business location and local phone numbers so you can contact them in case of issues. And never make a final payment until you have inspected your roof and are satisfied.
