How to tell if a roofer is lying?

7 Red Flags to Watch Out For

Hiring a roofer is a big deal. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so you want to make sure you're hiring someone who is honest, skilled, and reliable. But let’s be real—not all roofers have your best interests at heart. Some will cut corners, overcharge, or even disappear after taking your money.

So, how can you tell if a roofer is lying to you? Here are seven major red flags to watch out for.

How to tell if a roofer is lying?

1. They Ask for a Large Upfront Payment

If a roofer asks for 50% or more upfront, be cautious. While some companies require a small deposit to cover materials, reputable roofers won’t ask for full payment before work even begins.

What You Can Do:

• Never pay the full amount before the job starts.

• Ask for a clear payment schedule.

If they insist on a huge deposit and refuse to start without it, walk away—it’s a classic scam tactic.

2. They Give a Price That’s Too Good to Be True

We all love a good deal, but if a roofer’s quote is significantly lower than others, there’s a reason. They might:✔ Use low-quality materials that won’t last.✔ Rush the job, skipping important steps.✔ Surprise you with extra charges halfway through the project.

What You Can Do:

• Get at least three quotes from different companies.

• Ask what materials they’ll use and research their quality.

A trustworthy roofer won’t be the cheapest or the most expensive—they’ll be fairly priced for quality work.

3. They Avoid Giving You a Written Contract

A roofer who says "Don’t worry, we’ll handle everything without all the paperwork" is one you should absolutely worry about. Without a contract, there’s no proof of what they promised. That means they can:

• Add hidden fees later.

• Skip important repairs and blame you for misunderstandings.

• Disappear with your money and never finish the job.

What You Can Do:

• Always get everything in writing.

• Make sure the contract includes cost, materials, timeline, and warranty details.

If they refuse to provide a contract, they’re not worth the risk.

4. They Claim You Have Damage Without Showing Proof

Some dishonest roofers go door-to-door after a storm and say, "You have major roof damage!"—even if you don’t. If they don’t show you photos or invite you onto the roof, they might be lying to get your money.

What You Can Do:

• Ask for pictures or video evidence of the damage.

• Get a second opinion from another roofer.

A legitimate roofing company will have no problem showing you the proof.

5. They Pressure You to Sign Immediately

🚨 "This deal is only good for today!" 🚨

🚨 "Sign now, or you’ll pay double later!" 🚨

🚨 "Insurance won’t cover this if you wait!" 🚨

These high-pressure tactics are designed to make you panic and sign without thinking. Honest roofers don’t rush you—they give you time to read and understand the contract.

What You Can Do:

• Take your time. Never sign anything under pressure.

• If they claim insurance won’t cover it later, call your insurance company to confirm.

A real pro will respect your decision-making process.

6. They Aren’t Licensed or Insured

If a roofer tells you, "Licensing and insurance aren’t necessary", they’re lying. Period.

Without a license, they might not know what they’re doing. Without insurance, you could be responsible for injuries or damages that happen during the job.

What You Can Do:

• Ask for proof of licensing and insurance.

• Verify their credentials with your state’s licensing board.

If they get defensive or make excuses, that’s a major red flag.

7. Their Online Reviews Are Suspicious

Before hiring a roofer, check their online reviews—but be smart about it.

🚩 Red Flags in Reviews:

• All 5-star reviews with no details (could be fake).

• Lots of complaints about unfinished work or surprise charges.

• No reviews at all (new companies aren’t always bad, but be cautious).

What You Can Do:

• Look for detailed reviews from real customers.

• Check their Google Business page, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp.

A solid roofing company will have a mix of reviews, mostly positive with a few realistic complaints.

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself From Dishonest Roofers

Not every roofer is out to scam you, but bad ones do exist. If something feels off, trust your gut.

Before Hiring a Roofer, Always:

✅ Get multiple quotes.✅ Demand a written contract.✅ Verify their license and insurance.✅ Ask for proof of damage.✅ Take your time before signing anything.

The best way to avoid being lied to is to be informed, ask questions, and never rush into a decision.

If a roofer is honest, they’ll have no problem answering your questions and proving their credibility.

Stay smart, stay cautious, and protect your home! 🏡🔨

Trust your local Roofer

Robert Jones Roofing - Family Owned and Operated

Website:www.robertjonesroofing.com

Google:https://maps.app.goo.gl/hejuDq...