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Yesterday a couple of nice looking guys came by in polo shirts and a pickup, driving from house to house, giving estimates on roof repairs. Now we have had a few issues in the past couple of years, and know that we need a new roof. 3 years or so ago a big storm came through and ripped the soffit off over our garage, and we had that repaired, along with a few bad spots on the porch, but we knew we needed to bite the bullet, and get a new roof. We have been holding out until my yearly bonus so that we would have some cash to throw at it. Our house was built in 96, and other houses in our neighborhood are staring to replace their roofs.
So these guys offer up an estimate to hubby, and give him some paper work for insurance (I doubt insurance will pay, but I am biting my tongue at this point). Today he's talking with our insurance agent, and taking pics of the ceilings we need to fix (yes, we have a few leaks).
The estimate they gave us says they have offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville. I have googled them, but can't find any info on the company. Nothing on BBB, or hits on Angie's list (don't have an account, but if they had a report I am imagining it would show up as a line, but I would not be able to view it).
All the fibers in my doubting Thomas being are tingling. My husband is very accepting of the good nature of man, and this is not seeming like an issue to him. So my question to you fine folks is - Have any of you dealt with this company?? Have you heard of them - good or bad? It seems to me most roofing companies don't drive around looking to drum up business, or am I mistaken in the current economic state?
I think you are very wise to try and get more information. First let me say that I'm a claims adjuster so my view on this may be a little skewed. I can't answer your question about whether they are reputable or do good work, but I am dealing with several claims right now where this company has actually called and reported the claim for the homeowner. You have to ask what their motivation is in canvassing neighborhoods---are they just nice guys doing YOU a favor?? I think not. In some cases, there is no damage; in a few cases there is actually storm damage. We don't all examine our roofs regularly and may not recognize storm damage, and if there is storm damage that is covered by the policy you certainly have the right to make a claim. But just a couple of cautions---if they or you claim that hail (what they usually say) or wind damaged your roof and it is simply wear and tear, you won't get any insurance money and you'll have a claim on the books (and the insurance company will now know that your roof is nearly worn out and needs work, etc. which could give them a reason to cancel). I also think it's wise to know who you are dealing with.
Often when you try to find information on these companies, you'll find that they have "offices" in locations that have had bad hail storms. Last year a guy told me he had been operating in Garner "for many years" and when I met him at the home he had Texas license plates, and could not tell me where his Garner office was. And like Mike says, there are plenty of local, reputable roofing companies that I personally would rather give my business to. I am not saying that I know that Federated is not reputable, but you definitely want to make sure you are dealing with a company who is going to be around 10 years down the road (as best as you can predict that).
Please, CD group, no blasting me as the bad insurance co person; my company actually believes in paying what we owe and doing it gladly and with a smile. Sometimes when insurance companies cancel after just one claim, it's because they learned something during that inspection that they did not previous know about the property/condition/hazards.....like a worn out roof.
There's a ton of this going on in my neighborhood, not with this company though. It all started with another company that came through then I guess word got out and soon everyone was putting in claims. I work in insurance too....and agree with all of this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ragdolls4me
I think you are very wise to try and get more information. First let me say that I'm a claims adjuster so my view on this may be a little skewed. I can't answer your question about whether they are reputable or do good work, but I am dealing with several claims right now where this company has actually called and reported the claim for the homeowner. You have to ask what their motivation is in canvassing neighborhoods---are they just nice guys doing YOU a favor?? I think not. In some cases, there is no damage; in a few cases there is actually storm damage. We don't all examine our roofs regularly and may not recognize storm damage, and if there is storm damage that is covered by the policy you certainly have the right to make a claim. But just a couple of cautions---if they or you claim that hail (what they usually say) or wind damaged your roof and it is simply wear and tear, you won't get any insurance money and you'll have a claim on the books (and the insurance company will now know that your roof is nearly worn out and needs work, etc. which could give them a reason to cancel). I also think it's wise to know who you are dealing with.
Often when you try to find information on these companies, you'll find that they have "offices" in locations that have had bad hail storms. Last year a guy told me he had been operating in Garner "for many years" and when I met him at the home he had Texas license plates, and could not tell me where his Garner office was. And like Mike says, there are plenty of local, reputable roofing companies that I personally would rather give my business to. I am not saying that I know that Federated is not reputable, but you definitely want to make sure you are dealing with a company who is going to be around 10 years down the road (as best as you can predict that).
Please, CD group, no blasting me as the bad insurance co person; my company actually believes in paying what we owe and doing it gladly and with a smile. Sometimes when insurance companies cancel after just one claim, it's because they learned something during that inspection that they did not previous know about the property/condition/hazards.....like a worn out roof.
In Texas and Oklahoma, roofers who come through after hailstorms to pluck insurance money are called "Storm Chasers."
Think: "Ambulance Chaser."
Or, "Carpetbagger."
Definitely only go with a reputable roofer with a real track record. These guys might end up doing great work at a great price, but if they disappear tomorrow then your warranty is worth nothing. We live in a new home and less than 3 years in we had a roof leak. But our roofing company had filed for bankruptcy right after finishing our subdivision. Of course the owners opened a new company under a different name shortly thereafter...without having to deal with any of their old warranties.
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