Triple Diamond Construction offers roofing and general contracting services in Oklahoma. Storm damage scams may be different where you live.
Large-scale weather events and the damage that comes along with them are no strangers to Oklahoma homeowners. But knowing that they could happen at any time doesn’t make the recovery process more manageable. In fact, dealing with catastrophic damage after a storm is likely one of the most stressful things a homeowner will have to deal with.
The process of recovering from storm damage is not always as straightforward as it seems. Homeowners must make temporary repairs, file insurance claims for their homes and cars, find a reputable contractor, take time off from work to schedule inspections, and much more.
Stress from dealing with storm damage repairs adds up quickly.
Unfortunately, there are key players in the process, like contractors, that prey upon homeowners’ need to get repairs made fast and have their lives return to normal. Storm damage scams are one reason why roofing companies are on the BBB’s top 10 list of industries for homeowners to be wary of.
While you can’t stop out-of-town contractors from coming to your neighborhood after a storm, you can protect yourself and your home from falling victim to storm damage scams.
All you need to remember is this saying: “If they don’t have all four, show them the door.”
What are the four things a general contractor must have?
- A valid contractor license in Oklahoma
- The roofing company must have adequate liability insurance
- They must be a storm damage insurance expert
- Check local references from past customers
Read on to learn more about each requirement and how to spot storm damage scams.
Check For A Valid Roofing Contractor License
The first step to spotting storm damage scams is to check for a valid license.
The state of Oklahoma requires that all contractors register and obtain a valid license before working with homeowners. This system is designed to protect homeowners. An invalid or suspended license can invalidate agreements, cause problems with your insurance claim, and many other problems.
Homeowners can easily check the license status online through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.
Here’s how:
- Go to https://verifyroofing.cib.ok.gov/roofing/search
- Type in the company name
- Click submit
Results matching the company name will be shown below the search box. In addition to confirming if a company has a license, you will also be able to see the status. Avoid using any contractor with a “suspended” status, as it is an early warning sign of storm damage scams.
Check For Proper Insurance
Once you have checked for a valid contractor’s license, your next step is to check for insurance.
There are two types you will want to check for:
- General liability insurance
- Workman’s comp
Why Is General Liability Insurance Important?
General contractors and roofing companies in Oklahoma are required to carry liability insurance. This type of insurance protects homeowners if something happens at their home while repairs are being completed.
General contractors from out of town must register with the state and obtain proper licenses before soliciting their services. Because this process takes time, many will begin working with homeowners before their licenses and insurance are active.
What’s worse is this insurance is expensive, and general contractors looking to save money will opt not to get it. They will not tell homeowners this. Instead, they will take on jobs and risk something happening – like someone falling off the roof. If it does, homeowners can be sued and will have to pay out of pocket.
Why Is Workman’s Comp Important?
As far as dangerous jobs go, roofers are pretty high on the list (literally). Roofing requires people to work high off the ground, carry materials up and down from a ladder, and work on an inclined surface. All of these variables can lead to accidents leading to injury or death.
Workman’s comp insurance protects roofing employees in the event of a work-related injury, but it also protects a homeowner. Should an accident occur, insurance will cover medical expenses and keep the homeowner from getting sued.
If a contractor cannot prove they have adequate insurance coverage, don’t use them!
Only Work With Storm Damage Experts
If the contractor has passed the license and insurance tests, the next thing to verify is their experience working with storm damage insurance claims.
Most homeowners will have to file one, maybe two, homeowners insurance claims in their lifetime. The process is long, complex, and mistakes can be costly.
Working with a storm damage expert who is familiar with the insurance claim process can make the process easy and ensure there are no delays.
For example, properly documenting damage is critical when determining coverage. It’s not safe for homeowners to be on their roofs taking photos. Working with a storm damage expert can ensure all damage is properly documented, organized, and in a format ready for your adjuster to review. Inexperienced contractors can miss damage, not take proper photos, and cause the need for multiple reinspections. The longer the claim process, the longer you have to wait for repairs.
Here’s how to know you are working with a storm damage expert:
- Years of experience. Ask the general contractor you are working with how often they deal with storm damage and any prior storms they have worked.
- Existing training. There are several types of storm damage – hail, wind, and tornado. Make sure the general contractor you are working with has experience and training in all three.
- Documentation process. Is the contractor providing photos of your home’s damage? Does their inspection include a comprehensive report? If the answer is yes, they are likely familiar with the insurance claim process.
Work With A Local Roofing Contractor
Out-of-state contractors are known for storm damage scams. Those who meet all other criteria may do a decent job helping you recover from storm damage. However, they will not be there if you have warranty problems down the road. The importance of this cannot be understated.
Out-of-state contractors know they won’t be in Oklahoma forever. Once the next major storm happens, they will move on. This business model incentives contractors to make as much money as possible while they are in one area. They do this by cutting corners, using cheap materials, and having inexperienced installers complete the repairs. The cheapest contractor is never the best contractor.
It could take months or years to start seeing problems with your roof. This is why OKC general contractors like Triple Diamond Construction offer a minimum 10-year warranty on labor. Out-of-state contractors likely won’t honor labor warranties, leaving homeowners to pay for all associated costs.
Key Takeaways About Storm Damage Scams
Your home is likely your biggest investment. We understand you want to recover as quickly as possible after a storm, but taking the time to properly vet the general contractor working on your home will save you a tremendous amount of time, money, and stress.
Remember, if they don’t have all four, show them the door:
- Valid Contractors License
- Liability & Workman’s Comp Insurance
- Storm Damage Expertise
- Local references & Proven Track Record
About Triple Diamond Construction
Triple Diamond Construction was formed in 2010 to provide homeowners with a better choice for roofing and storm damage repair. What does that mean for homeowners?
For us, it means ensuring homeowners have the best products and warranty options. It means homeowners can expect us to be there for them now and in the future, even long after their project is complete.
Being the best choice for storm damage repairs means homeowners can expect clear and honest communication and never have to worry about being sold things they don’t need. It means being able to fully trust the company working on your home like you would a friend or family member.
That’s why when we say we’re your home’s best friend, we mean it. From small roof repairs to full-on roof replacement or complete home remodeling, we’ve got you covered. If you or someone you know needs help recovering from storm damage, call us at 405-895-9972. Inspections are free, and we will happily provide a documented report of any damage to ensure a stress-free repair process.
