Roofing solicitors after a hail storm are one of the biggest problems in our industry. Most cities do not require permits or background checks. Add that to the sheer number of roofers working, and you get a lot of knocks and a lot of marketing material. This is one problem homeowners and roofing companies both want gone.
The sad truth is that many homeowners hire the salesman who came to their door. Door-to-door has been an effective form of proactive selling for a long time, so companies keep using it. If you would rather not hire someone on the spot, and you like to research the companies you do business with, here is the tip:
Print or hand-type a note that specifically asks roofers and contractors not to knock on your door. The “No Solicitors” signs you buy at the store do not always work, but a note naming roofers and contractors should do the trick. I do encourage you to let them leave marketing material on the door, unless you have already selected a contractor — it lets you shop around for a company that installs a better product or uses a better technique like hand-nailing. If you have already chosen someone, add “no marketing material” to the note as well.
Many companies will encourage you to sign up today and put a yard sign in your yard to help call off the wolves. That may reduce the number of people at your door, but it can also encourage solicitors to knock, because a sign suggests you are ready to make a decision and might be talked into a better deal.
Another mistake homeowners make is hiring and completing the project quickly just to end the solicitor problem. Sometimes that works out. In many cases it leads to hiring the wrong company. Research matters in our industry. Here are four places to check the companies you are considering:
- RCAT, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. Lists which companies are licensed by RCAT. Since Texas does not require licensing in the roofing industry, this is a good starting point.
- NTRCA, the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association. Companies that are truly local and established will be members. The NTRCA has the strictest guidelines of any roofing organization in North Texas. If you do not use Super Roofman, please use an NTRCA member.
- BBB Fort Worth. Just about anyone with a business name can join, but it is still worth checking for unresolved complaints.
- Angie’s List. Minimal requirements for contractors, but a good source of detailed testimonials and complaints. They do charge homeowners an annual fee.
If you’re going through hail, we can help.