The best way to protect your home is to protect yourself

It's inevitable. After a storm hits, your neighborhood, community and county are going to be bombarded by "roofers" offering to help. They are going to show up on your doorstep, usually right after a major storm hits, and offer you a "free" roof inspection. But you must be on your guard. Many of these so-called "roofers" are what those of us in the roofing industry refer to as "Chuck-In-A-Truck" operators. They operate everywhere, are often from out of state, and arrive in trucks or vans with a ladder strapped to the top and no markings on the side.. More often-than-not, these “roofers” are not licensed or insured, and offer no guarantee of their work. In fact, their warranty is usually only good until you can no longer see their taillights as they drive away from your home. They may try to use high-pressure sales tactics or a "we are your friend" approach in attempt to get you to sign an "authorization form." The explanations that they give are various, but they are all geared to one end… they want to lull you into a false sense of security so that you will sign the authorization form. It’s not uncommon for these so-called roofing companies to tell the homeowner that it is a form to "help them" so that they can contact the homeowners’ insurance company and that they need your permission. Or, even better, they need your “authorization” to conduct an inspection of the home to look for storm damage. The reality is this document is a formal contract. When you sign it, it obligates you – the homeowner - to allow the contractor to do whatever he wants. That includes any repair work that your insurance company agrees to cover, for a price that the contractor and the insurance company agree on and on which you have no input. Don't think it happens? Here’s a warning right off the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website: "The problem with signing these documents [authorization forms] is that if a homeowner decides not to use that contractor, the contract probably contains small print (usually on the back of the document) that says that if a homeowner cancels the contract after three business days, they will owe the contractor a percentage (usually from 15 to 50 percent) of the total claim settlement. This is why it is so important to do the homework and check the contractor thoroughly before a decision is made to sign a contract.” The Minnesota Attorney General’s office also suggests you avoid contractors that: •arrive in an unmarked truck or van; •ask you to sign an estimate or authorization before you have decided to hire them; •appear to be willing to do the job at an unusually low price; •offer to pay your deductible or offer you discounts or other compensation for hiring them; •only provide a post office box for their business address; •require full or substantial payment before work begins; •refuse to provide you with a written estimate or contract; •refuse to provide you with a license number issued by the state of Minnesota; •refuse to provide you with references; •show up at your door unsolicited; or •use high-pressure sales tactics. For your protection, and the protection of your home, hire a roofing company that is established, licensed and insured - NMC Exteriors & Remodeling. With nearly 20 years in business, NMC Exteriors & Remodeling has become a name homeowners and business owners know and trust. Our company is local, family-owned and carries an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We’ll be with you from the start of your project to the finish ... working with you, answering any questions or concerns you may have, and communicating with your insurance company to ensure you receive all the benefits your policy entitles you to receive. You deserve the best. Your home deserves the best. NMC Exteriors & Remodeling is here to provide you the best with quality craftsmanship, professional installation and superior customer service. Don’t be fooled by any fly-by-night roofers. Call NMC Exteriors & Remodeling and experience the NMC Difference. To schedule a free, no-obligation inspection of your roof or siding, call us today at 763-260-8537. #NMCDifference #PlymouthProud