Parts of southern Colorado have been hit by hail this summer. Subsequently, people need their roofs repaired. It’s not a surprise that of the top 25 companies that received inquiries during the month of July, 2010, 15 of the companies were roofers.

Along with the need for roofers has come an onslaught of new roofing companies. With the economy down, people are scrambling for work --- some in not the most acceptable ways. Consumers have called reporting strangers are climbing on roofs without permission and taking pictures of roofs. We are assuming that they are looking for damage to give “leads” to roofing companies.

Since T-lock roofs are no longer being manufactured, if this type of roof needs to be repaired, it will mean a whole new roof. Finding these roofs could mean a chance to make substantial money.

One roofing company has reported having their company signs stolen. Unscrupulous people are pretending they are this reputable company. Don’t assume the company is okay because they give you a business card of a reputable company. It could be fraudulent. Check the people/company out thoroughly.

Before signing a contact with any roofing company, do your due diligence. Check their company report with the BBB. Verify it is actually the company they say they are. You can always call the company and confirm that the person does work for the company. Check the phone number if you have been approached to do work on your house. Does the number you have been given and the one in the BBB report match? What is the company’s grade? How long have they been in business? What kind of complaints do they have? How many? Are they locally owned? Do they use sub-contractors?

You want someone to do your roof that will be in the area and in business if you have a problem with your roof later on.

If they are a BBB Accredited Business, their necessary license was checked at the company’s initial BBB accreditation and on their accreditation renewal date. With the proper license the company can pull the necessary permits. Do not pull your own permit. Ask to see the permit from the Regional Building Department. They should post it on your house.

Only make payment to the company, not an individual. Do not make the last payment until the roof has been inspected and approved by the Regional Building Department. When the project is beginning, the roofing company might want a down payment. Pay no more than 10 to 33 percent of the total job.

There are many good roofers. Make sure you use one of them.

If you have been approached by a questionable company, call or e-mail us at the BBB.