HARTFORD — The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are warning the public to be cautious of unsolicited offers for roof inspections or repairs.
Roofing companies must be registered through DCP to perform work in Connecticut. In 2024, the agency received 285 roofing-related complaints, and 247 complaints in 2023. Complaints range from leaks due to improper solar panel installments, poor roof installations, hammer sounds during an inspection, and door-to-door solicitations following a storm.
“Summer is a common time for door-to-door sales, but homeowners should be aware of potential scams,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “Especially after a storm, these ‘roofing companies’ will visit neighborhoods and offer to inspect roofs for potential damage. Be cautious of unsolicited offers and instead take your time to research and hire a registered professional to inspect or repair your roof.”
“Realize that most scams begin with a random contractor who ‘just happens to be in the area’ offering you an estimate for a job you never requested. Any reputable company will want to give you the time to do your research and see that it is trustworthy. If you feel pressured to make a decision on the spot that’s a red flag,” said BBB Serving Connecticut spokeswoman Kristen Johnson.
Connecticut homeowners reported to the Better Business Bureau that an individual approached their property claiming to spot damage from a neighbor’s roof, offering a free inspection. Others noted paying a deposit for a roofing service, but the project was never completed.
Before hiring a roofing company:
- Do your research: Do not agree to a home improvement service without researching the company first. If a company approaches you, write down their information and verify them later.
- Verify the credentials: All roofing companies must have an active “Home Improvement Contractor” registration with DCP. Credentials can be verified using eLicense and should match the contact information on their website.
- This should be the first step in the verification process. Consumers who hire registered contractors may be eligible for the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. Please note a registration issued by DCP is not an endorsement of a company.
- Use your insurance company for inspections: If you are told there is damage to your roof, verify with your insurance company first. Filing a claim can affect future claims or continued coverage. Insurance companies can inspect your roof to verify if you need repair or replacement.
- Don’t be enticed to pad your deductible: Unscrupulous contractors will entice homeowners to inflate the contract total by adding in the deductible.
- Insurance companies are aware of this tactic and it may result in your insurance policy being cancelled.
- Read through reviews: Check the company’s business rating on BBB.org. Read through reviews and/or complaints about the company.
- Know the difference between roof estimates vs. roof inspections: Roof estimates are often free and will provide a quoted cost to repair any damage. Roof inspections typically are not free and help identify unknown damage. The average cost of inspection ranges between $250 and $300. If using a public adjuster for the inspection, check e-license to ensure the credential is active with the Connecticut Department of Insurance.
- Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics: Bad actors will use high-pressure tactics to pressure homeowners into signing a contract or paying a large portion of the cost up front. Reputable businesses will allow homeowners to research on their own.
- Request roofing shingle warranty: Prior to the project’s start, ask the contractor for a copy of the shingle warranty. This is a guarantee from the roofing shingle’s manufacturer, providing coverage for replacing or repairing defective shingles within an established time frame.
- Have a written contract: All home improvement projects, including roofing repairs, must have a written and signed contract, before the work is performed. It must include:
- Roofing company’s registration number
- A summary of the project
- Timeline, including the start and completion dates
- Total cost, and a breakdown or timeline of payment installments
- A disclosure of the customer’s three day right to cancel the contract
Under the Home Solicitation Sales Act, Connecticut homeowners have until midnight of the third business day, including Saturday, to cancel a home improvement contract..
Before work can start:
The contract must be agreed upon and signed before the project starts. Both parties must agree on who will obtain the building permit. If it is agreed that the contractor will pull the permit, homeowners should verify with their local building official that the appropriate permit has been obtained.
If a project with an actively registered contractor goes wrong, consumers may be eligible for reimbursement from the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund of up to $25,000 per contract.
To file a complaint regarding home improvement, consumers can email dcp.complaints@ct.gov or visit https://ct.gov/dcp/complaint.