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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Medway

Roofing scams can cost Medway homeowners thousands and leave you with substandard work. Storm chasers and dishonest contractors often target Massachusetts communities after severe weather. Protect your home and investment by learning to spot red flags and verify legitimate roofing professionals. This guide helps you recognize common roofing scams in Norfolk County and provides actionable steps to ensure you work with trustworthy contractors who will properly protect your home.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Medway

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser Scams

Out-of-town contractors arrive after storms, offering 'free inspections' and claiming they found damage your insurance will cover. They pressure you to sign contracts immediately and may even offer to handle insurance claims for you.

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Upfront Payment Scams

Contractors demand large deposits (often 50% or more) before starting work, then disappear or do minimal work before demanding more money. Some use the deposit to fund other projects.

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Material Switching Scams

Contractors quote premium materials but install cheaper, inferior products. They may show you quality samples but use different materials on your roof where you can't easily verify.

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Insurance Fraud Schemes

Unscrupulous contractors inflate damage estimates, create false damage, or encourage you to commit insurance fraud by backdating storm damage claims.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Always request a Certificate of Insurance showing both general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Contact the insurance company directly to verify the policy is current and adequate. This protects you from liability if workers are injured on your property.

2

Licensing

In Massachusetts, roofing contractors must be registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Verify their Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number through the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs website. Legitimate Medway roofers will proudly provide their HIC number.

3

References

Ask for at least three recent references from Medway or nearby Norfolk County projects. Contact these references and ask about work quality, communication, cleanup, and whether the project stayed on budget. Visit completed projects if possible to see the quality firsthand.

Protection FAQs

What should I do if a roofer shows up unannounced after a storm?

Politely decline any immediate inspection or estimate. Take their business card if they have one, but do not sign anything or allow them on your roof. Research the company thoroughly before considering their services.

How much deposit should I pay a roofing contractor in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law limits deposits to one-third of the total contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. Legitimate Medway roofers typically follow this guideline and structure payments around project milestones.

What roofing licenses are required in Medway, MA?

Roofing contractors must have a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration from the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs. Some may also need specialty licenses for certain types of roofing work. Always verify their HIC number online.

Should I let a contractor handle my insurance claim?

No. Always communicate directly with your insurance company. While contractors can provide estimates and documentation, you should be the primary contact with your insurer to prevent misrepresentation or fraud.

What should a proper roofing contract include?

A complete contract should include: contractor's HIC number, detailed scope of work, specific materials with brand names and grades, start and completion dates, payment schedule, warranty information, cleanup procedures, and procedures for handling changes or additional work.

How can I verify a roofer's insurance is legitimate?

Request a Certificate of Insurance directly from their insurance company, not just a copy from the contractor. Contact the insurance provider to verify the policy is current and includes adequate general liability and workers' compensation coverage.

Hire with Confidence

Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Medway.

Licensed & insured professionals CALL NOW: 1-866-674-2070