Do Not Be a Victim!!

North Carolina is our home too!  Since before the American Shingle debacle Ridgeline Exteriors has been pushing for licensing requirements for roofers.  We are pushing licensing requirements in the same way that general contractors are licensed in North Carolina.  Now, our push begins to gain traction. 

North Carolina, e-mail your state representatives and push the idea of roofing contractor licensing. 

Never Pay a Deposit

A lot of our competitors are strapped with cash flow problems and require customers to give them deposits before doing the jobs.  These deposits are used to float jobs being done for earlier customers, typically.  A reputable roofing company in Charlotte will not require a deposit for the work to be done.

A reputable roofing company, such as Ridgeline, will only require full payment when the job is complete or, in the event that it is through an insurance company, when the customer settles completely with the insurance company.

No matter what company you decide to let work on your roof, remember to pick one that does not require a deposit.  There are many reputable, local roofing companies here in Charlotte that will not require a deposit.  These roofing companies have a vested interest in doing your work as soon as possible to receive payment for the work.  In situations where you are required to pay a deposit, there is absolutely no incentive for a company to begin work.

American Shingles Still in the News

American Shingle & Siding sent workers to neighborhoods across the Charlotte area with a shiny promise: a new roof at no cost to you.

George Bostick of south Charlotte - like several thousand homeowners in 10 states - paid the company upfront with a check from his insurance company for hail damage. 

That was early May. American Shingle called later that month to postpone the roofing work. Another postponement came in June. 

Three months since he handed over his $5,500 insurance check, and despite calls and letters to the company's headquarters, Bostick hasn't gotten the work he paid for or a refund. 

"I didn't check them out," says Bostick, a 66-year-old independent trucker. "And that was a no-no."

The N.C. attorney general's office is investigating American Shingle, which is headquartered in the Atlanta area but advertises offices in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh, as well as Greenville, S.C., Columbia and eight other states. The attorney general's consumer protection division has 54 consumer complaints similar to Bostick's, a spokesperson said Thursday. 

Atlanta's Better Business Bureau had registered more than 200 and gives the company its lowest rating, an "F." 

Tom Bartholomy of Charlotte's Better Business Bureau says this is the hardest hit to consumers by a roofing vendor that he has seen in 28 years with the organization. His office has just 12 formal complaints but more than 2,000 calls about the company since it started work in Charlotte last December.

The Observer's calls to American Shingle & Siding Inc.'s offices in the Atlanta area and Charlotte on Thursday got the same recorded message, saying the company was experiencing heavy call volume and asking the caller to wait or call back later. The message repeated for several minutes.

The Charlotte office in an office park off Westinghouse Boulevard is empty, WCNC-TV reported. The landlord says employees packed up without a word. 

A Georgia television station reported this week that American Shingle CEO Carlton Dunko said in an interview that the company got caught in a cash flow shortage. American Shingle has about 3,500 customers nationwide waiting for new roofs, and Dunko estimated he has checks from between 50 and 70 customers that he plans to return, the station reported. 

American Shingle followed a model that descends on neighborhoods hit by hailstorms: The company promised to help secure insurance money for damaged roofs. And it asked homeowners to sign a contract to let their company do the work. 

But there were warning signs. Officials of the Better Business Bureau were bothered by complaints about American Shingle's advertising. 

"They were leaving flyers that said, 'You have hail damage.' That was from a visual inspection on the ground, where you can't tell," Bartholomy said. There were also reports of salesmen showing up with a free pizza and this pitch: Enjoy it while we inspect your roof. 

Bostick said several roofing companies appeared in his neighborhood after a hailstorm this spring. He thought many were too pushy, but the American Shingle sales rep was likable and low-key. 

He "assured us he could get us insurance money to replace our roof at no cost to us," Bostick said.

The salesman promised to send an estimator to meet with the insurance representative and go up on the roof to get an estimate for replacing it, Bostick said. "The insurance company would send us a check and we'd turn it over to them. In return, we'd have to guarantee they would get the job." 

Better Business Bureau guidelines says that's a mistake: A one-third deposit toward the total payment is standard. And consumers should get at least three estimates and learn more about the company they select., including how long it's been doing business in the area. 

Although a neighbor did get a refund from American Shingle, Bostick is still waiting.

His house did get a new roof. 

"I paid for it from my own pocket," he said. "So I'm out that money unless I get it back from American Shingle."

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/20/1632874/nc-attorney-general-probes-roof.html#ixzz0x9SVRESM

Local Roofing Company Scam on WSOCTV

http://www.wsoctv.com/money/24440545/detail.html

Jackie and Kerren Taylor said their roof is leaking from damage done during a hailstorm.

They said they made a $3,400 down payment to American Shingle Roofing, using an insurance check, to re-roof the house.

The payment was made in early May, the Taylors said, but the company told them it will be October before they get a new roof.

“Yeah, I'm angry because we can’t do anything about it,” Kerren Taylor said. “They [have] got our money.”

The Taylors said they asked for their money back, but were told they'd have to pay a 10 percent penalty fee.

They said they know others in their neighborhood who are in similar situations, stuck with damaged roofs months after signing contracts with American Shingle.

“You can walk the neighborhood and almost know who American Shingle got a hold of because the roofs aren't done,” Kerren Taylor said.

The Taylors’ complaint isn’t the first one Action 9 has gotten about American Shingle. Last week, an Action 9 story aired about Ella Frazier, who said she paid the company $4,800 up front, but waited three months without a new roof.

After Action 9 got involved in Frazier’s problem, the company overnighted a refund check to her.

The Better Business Bureau currently gives the company an ‘F’ rating.

“They've made a lot of promises on how they're going to improve things,” BBB President Tom Bartholomy said.

He said until the company makes those improvements, it will continue to have an ‘F’ rating.

Bartholomy said American Shingle has a sales staff selling lots of roofs, but not many roofers to do the jobs.

“They hire their roofers off of craigslist,” he said.

Action 9 contacted American Shingle and a spokesman said they were starting work in the Taylors’ neighborhood, but sent them a refund check.

Still, Jackie Taylor said the experience left him bitter.

“You don't do business this way,” he said.

To avoid trouble hiring roofers, Action 9’s Don Griffin recommends checking them out first with the BBB and not paying them until after you're satisfied with the work.

Beware of Scam Artists!!

People like this give many reputable companies in our industry a bad name.  Please be aware of what could happen if you hire the wrong person to do your job.  Check references, check with the BBB, and check with suppliers to be certain the company you are hiring is reputable.

HOLLIS – A man who is accused of stealing more than $25,000 from an elderly resident in a roofing scam may have fled to Florida and restarted his construction business, police said.

Hollis Police have information that Craig Ehrlich, 42, may have simply renamed his company and could be doing business in the Sunshine State after skipping a court hearing in Nashua last year, police Sgt. Richard Mello said Friday.

But police aren’t entirely sure Ehrlich – a former Pelham resident – is in Florida, and are asking anyone in this area who may have information about his whereabouts to help locate him.

Ehrlich’s business was known in New Hampshire as I&C Contracting. But it may now be known as “Roofing by I&C Contracting,” or some variation, Mello said.

Ehrlich is charged with two felony counts of theft after having an elderly resident pay more than $25,000 for housing repair work that never happened, Mello said.

In 2008, Ehrlich promised a series of repairs, including extensive roofing work, to the man’s home, Mello said. The man paid Ehrlich’s business with several deposits, Mello said.

But Ehrlich did “almost none of the work,” Mello said.

The man several times asked Ehrlich when the work would be conducted, Mello said. But Ehrlich offered “more excuses – one after another,” Mello said.

In September, Hollis Police arrested Ehrlich and charged him with two felony counts of theft. He was arraigned in Nashua District Court and released on $2,000 cash surety bail.

But Ehrlich failed to appear at a subsequent court hearing, and it’s believed he fled New Hampshire, Mello said.

Anyone with information about Ehrlich is asked to call Hollis Police at 465-7637.

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/791272-196/police-search-for-contractor-who-skipped-out.html?i=1

Angie's List - Roofing Rip-Offs

Today on my desk this morning I found the July 2010 Charlotte magazine from Angie's List.  While a lot of the magazine is a massive ad, it seems this month's edition is focused mostly on roofing rip-offs and homeowners getting taken by scams.  I found it to be a quite interesting read actually and I wanted to share a few parts of it with our readers.

"One in three of you reported having trouble with a roofer."  

"Sixty-eight percent of you detailed problems with shoddy work.  Another 24 percent cited issues with roofers who allegedly overcharged, lacked a license, or took money and ran."

"The Texas Department of Insurance warned Houston-area homeowners earlier this year about roofing contractors who were intentionally wrecking roofs to mimic storm damage to convince residents they needed repairs."

"Asking for references from suppliers or running a credit check can also help you determine if a company is solvent."

"You should ask contractors for proof of workers' compensation and liability insurance.  They should have certificates to prove it and should be happy homeowners asked, because a lot of fly-by-night contractors don't.  If a contractor doesn't have insurance, the homeowner is taking some of the liability if a worker becomes injured on the job site."

"Some industry experts report that shoddy roofing jobs plague many developments built during the housing boom over the last 10 years, resulting in roofs that need replacing after only a few years."

"A recent online member poll revealed that nearly 40 percent who hired a door-to-door roofer said the contractor did shoddy work."

A large portion of this month's magazine is dedicated to the roofing industry.   You can view the main article from the magazine at: http://magazine.angieslist.com/articles/2010/july/national/roofing-rip-off-beware-of-scams-shoddy-contractors.aspx.

Please visit our website at http://www.Ridgeline-Roofing.com

Roofing FAQ

Here is a Roofing FAQ from EzineArticles:

1. What should I look for when selecting a roofing contractor?
Since the roof you install is only as good as the contractor who installs it, choosing a qualified roofing contractor is essential to having a healthy roof that lasts a long time. Skilled workers will determine the outcome of a roof replacement project. The best contractors have many years of experience in installing multiple kinds of roofing systems.

Another way to test the quality of the contractor and business is to ask for references that have had complaints. Since it is possible for any roof to have a problem, it is important to know how the contractor deals with past clients. A good contractor makes a commitment to their clients and the work they have done.

2. How much roof maintenance is needed after installation?
Since all roofing types and materials need different amounts of maintenance, there is no simple answer. Routine maintenance can be anything from keeping your drains and gutters clean to extensive work. Maintaining your roof is your responsibility, so whichever material you choose; make sure that you will be able to fulfill its maintenance needs.

For instance, asphalt shingles and wood shakes and shingles need to be maintained by routinely cleaning out gutters and trimming back tree branches. Replacing damaged shingles and keeping moss or algae off of the roof are ways to ensure longevity.

3. How much does a new roof cost?
This question also has no simple answer since replacing a roof varies on the materials and installers you choose. You can usually get a free estimate from a contractor. Before agreeing to a price, make sure the following considerations are made:
- the square footage of your roof
- roofing material you choose
- if you are keeping or removing your existing roof
- any permits needed
- the amount of labor needed to get the job done

4. How long does it take to replace a roof?
Replacing a roof usually requires a lot of work. Typically, with good weather, it takes 1-2 days.

5. How should I prepare for the installation of my new roof?
There are a few things you should do before the installation process begins. Since hammering can cause vibrations inside your home, take loose items off of your walls and shelves. You should also make sure your driveway and surrounding area is clear so the workers have space to move materials directly to your roof. It is a good idea to park on the side of the road instead of your driveway.

6. How long will my roof last?
Roofing, like any other material, is likely to deteriorate with time. A new roof can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years, although 20 years is the average. You can lengthen the life of your roof by choosing the right contractor for the original installation and keeping up with any maintenance requirements. Even if you follow these recommendations, there are factors you can't control such as weather elements.

7. When is the best time of year to install a roof?
The best condition for installing a roof is when the temperature is above freezing and there is minimal chance of snow and rain. Since you cannot predict bad weather, always know that installation delays may occur.

8. How do I know when my current roof needs to be replaced?
Different roofs deteriorate at different rates. If you see any of the following signs, it is time to consider replacing your roof:
- Leaks in numerous places
- Continuous leaks, even with repairs
- Problems return soon after repairs
- Repairs do not fix the problem

How Can You Pick the Right Contractor

With the economy hurting as it has, many "contractors" are out of regular jobs and looking for work.  Suddenly there are people who can do absolutely anything and everything.  When you're having someone work on your house it is important to pick people who you can trust.  The Better Business Bureau has some information on their website that can help you find the right contractor.

The BBB says to watch out for contractors that do the following things:

• Solicits door-to-door: Be suspicious of contractors who attempt to gain business by visiting door-to-door. "Cold calls" can sometimes mean that the contractor is not from a local, established business but is instead just passing through and trying to make a quick buck.
• Has materials left over from a previous job: It is not your lucky day when a contractor shows up on your doorstep offering a cut-rate price on a project because they have materials left over from a recent job at your neighbor’s house or the house “down the street.” This is a common ploy of fly-by-night operators or handymen who are based out-of-state and use their pick-up trucks as their place of business.
• Asks you to get the required building permits: This could be a sign that the contractor is hoping to avoid contact with the local agency that issues such permits. Perhaps he is not licensed or registered, as required by your state or locality. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project.
• Does not list a business phone number in the local directory: This can be a red flag indicating that the contractor does not have an established business presence in-state. Or, that he perhaps relies on a home answering machine to “screen” customer calls.
• Pressures you for an immediate decision: A reputable professional will recognize that you need time to consider many factors when deciding which contractor to hire. You will want to check references; look into the contractor’s standard of work and his professional designations and affiliations; verify his insurance; check to see if he needs a license (and if so, that it is valid); get written estimates from several firms based on identical project specifications, and, contact the Better Business Bureau and local consumer protection agency to see if they have information.
• Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front or demands only cash:Whatever the reason, never pay for the entire project upfront. Payments should be by credit card of check so that your credit card statement or cancelled check can provide proof of payment, if needed. Do not pay anything until after the first day of work, and then pay up to one-third. Make additional payments during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work. Do not make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and have proof that the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.
• Suggests you borrow from a particular lender: Do not agree to financing through your contractor or someone he suggests. Many people have been ripped off when they agreed to use the suggested lender; sign a lot of papers in a rush; and find out later that they had agreed to a home equity loan with a very high rate, points and fees. Secure financing on your own by shopping around and comparing loan terms.

Ridgeline-Roofing.com New Website Launched

This post is simply to inform our readers that we have launched the new Ridgeline Exteriors website.  The web address remains the same and can be found at http://www.Ridgeline-Roofing.com.  Be sure to visit it and leave us feedback here or through e-mail to let us know how we can continue to improve our website.