How do I avoid roofing scams after a storm in Virginia?

The safest way through storm season is to hire only roofers you found and checked yourself, get everything in writing, and keep your money behind the work. Virginia's licensing agency warns that "scammers frequently attempt to profit from disasters by taking advantage of individuals who are rebuilding."^[1] Here is what the common tactics look like, the checks that stop them, and the rights Virginia law gives you if you already signed.

The usual storm-chaser tactics

The pitch tends to arrive at your door soon after the storm. DPOR's advice: "Be wary of door-to-door solicitations promising repairs at a discounted price."^[1] Its list of scam signals includes high-pressure or scare tactics such as an "offer good today only", over-friendly sales pitches, "material left-over" pitches, escalating prices, and deals that sound too good to be true.^[1]

Wind damage like this is real and needs fixing, which is exactly why it attracts bad actors. Another warning sign is a contractor who wants the whole job paid up front. Virginia's Bureau of Insurance says "it is highly unlikely that a reputable contractor would request full payment in advance."^[7]

Check the licence before anyone gets on your roof

Licensing is your main protection. In DPOR's words, "Consumers have very little recourse against unlicensed contractors."^[1] In Virginia, work valued at $1,000 or more needs a valid Virginia contractor's licence in the category the contractor will work in,^[2] and for roofing-only work you may want a contractor licensed in that specialty.^[2]

Verify it yourself using DPOR's License Lookup or by calling (804) 367-8511.^[1] Don't rely on what is printed: "A license number in an advertisement or on a business card does not necessarily mean the contractor's license is valid."^[2] Ask for the business address and phone number and check them against the Board for Contractors' record.^[2] A contractor working out of a truck with only a cell phone may be hard to find when a repair fails a month later. Our step-by-step on checking a contractor's licence shows where to look.

Get a real contract, and keep payments behind the work

Treat every signature as binding. DPOR warns that "any bid or estimate you sign may become the contract."^[2] For residential work, Virginia's contractor regulations say the contract has to be signed by both you and the licensee before work starts or any payment is accepted,^[3] and it has to include the start and estimated completion dates, the total cost, the payment schedule and down payment, the contractor's license number and class, your cancellation rights, and a statement that changes must be in writing and signed by everyone.^[3]

Then hold the money back. DPOR's rule: "Pay 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever amount is less."^[1] The cap rises to 30 percent of the contract when the job needs custom-made or special-order items.^[1] Don't let payments get ahead of the work, don't pay cash, and don't pay 100 percent until the work is 100 percent complete.^[1]

Your right to cancel a door-to-door sale

Virginia's Home Solicitation Sales Act covers the roofer at your door. A home solicitation sale is one where the seller personally solicits the sale at your home and you give your agreement there.^[4] It does not cover cash sales under $25 and sales made after prior negotiations between you and the seller.^[4]

For a covered sale, you can cancel until midnight of the third business day after the day you sign.^[5] Cancellation is in writing to the seller's address in the agreement, in any wording that shows you do not want to be bound, and a mailed notice counts once it is properly addressed, stamped and in the mailbox.^[5] The contract itself must state your rights in bold under the caption "BUYER'S RIGHT TO CANCEL",^[6] and until the seller complies, you may cancel by any means.^[6]

Watch for an "emergency" form. Under the Act, you cannot cancel if you asked for the work without delay because of an emergency, the contractor has made a substantial start in good faith, and you signed a dated writing saying you understand you are giving up your right to cancel.^[5] Any other waiver of the right to cancel is void.^[5]

Insurance claims and "free roof" offers

Slow down before signing anything tied to a claim. The Bureau of Insurance advises that you photograph the damage before any temporary repair, keep the receipts, and wait for final repairs until the insurer has seen the damage or told you in writing to go ahead.^[7] It also says to "do not sign any contracts for major repair until the company representative has determined how much damage there is and how much the company will pay."^[7]

Be careful with a roofer who offers to deal with your insurer for you. Under the Code of Virginia, negotiating or adjusting a property insurance claim on your behalf for compensation is public adjusting,^[8] and no one may engage in the business of public adjusting without a license from the State Corporation Commission.^[9]

Price gouging after a declared emergency

Virginia's Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act applies when the Governor or the President declares a state of emergency for a disaster.^[11] It is unlawful to charge an unconscionable price for necessary goods and services in the area under a state of emergency,^[10] and the Act's definition includes "building materials and services".^[11] One test is whether the price grossly exceeds what the supplier, or others in the area, charged in the 10 days before the disaster.^[10] The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section takes complaints at 1-800-552-9963 from within Virginia.^[12]

When to call a licensed pro

Call a licensed roofer you found yourself as soon as water is getting in or shingles are missing, and leave the roof, ladder and tarp to them. Get at least three estimates whenever possible, even after a storm,^[1] compare the scope line by line, and keep copies of every contract, change order and payment.

Hiring licensed also keeps a safety net in place. By hiring a licensed contractor, you become eligible for compensation from the Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund in case of improper or dishonest conduct,^[2] a protection you lose with an unlicensed roofer.

For what fair pricing looks like, read what roof repair costs in Virginia and when a roof can be repaired instead of replaced. Browse exterior answers, storm damage repair businesses or exterior contractors in Blacksburg.

Describe the storm damage and add photos, and licensed local roofers quote. Loclis's directory lists DPOR-licensed businesses with the licence number and a link to DPOR's lookup.