Beware of the Hail Storm Hustlers
/This is a story about Mike. Mike has lived in his home for 10 years and he knows he knows he needs a roof. Mike was thrilled when that hail storm came through his neighborhood. Like a kid waiting for a birthday gift he was smiling from ear to ear and rubbing his hands together in expectation.
HAIL. Not good.
But then it started.
His phone started ringing non stop.
The door knockers started. All morning there were guys knocking on his door. The curiosity got the best of him; and he answered.
A fast talking guy with shorts and a t shirt with no logo anywhere was standing there.
Hey you have hail damage.
I can get you a new roof.
I work for XYZ company. They have been in in business 20 years.
Your neighbor already signed a contract with me.
Sign this contract and call in the claim RIGHT NOW so we can get started
I’ll head up to your roof while you call and take a look at the damage.
Mike was emotional. He was overwhelmed by all the words and he heard what he wanted to hear.
He heard:
He was getting a new roof
For free
His trusted neighbors believed this guy so he should to
The faster he signed up, the faster he could get that roof on
Damage damage damage. He didn’t want a damaged roof - he didn’t know how bad it was but he sure didn’t want water inside. He had to move fast
Pictures of his roof were coming.
You know what he didn’t do? Think. All he did was react. If he was thinking he would have done the following
Asked what company he worked for. And honestly, asked for proof. A business card, a contract with a logo on it, some sort of proof that he worked for a reputable company. He could have grabbed his phone and looked up that company to ensure they were active and licensed.
Not taken direction based on something a random guy who showed up on his step told him to do. I mean, honestly. If you feel a claim is warranted, you decide when to make the claim.
Not just assumed that if is neighbor did it, it was a good idea. My neighbors, for example, are not all people I would take direction from.
Roofing labor after a hail storm is not magic. It is still a supply and demand. The demand for roofing labor does not magically produce it. Therefore signing a contract has relatively no impact on how fast the roof goes on. Sorry Mike.
Hail can tear up a roof and absolutely require full replacement. If there wasn’t water in the house during the storm, there isn’t an ongoing water concern. He had time to make a decision.
But Mike didn’t do any of that. He was emotional. He let a felon on his roof. He signed a fake contract with that felon. And he gave that felon $5000 , but never got his new roof.
Don’t be like Mike.
As a homeowner you ALWAYS have a choice. YOU decide who goes on your roof. YOU decide when you call in your claim. YOU decide what contractor you hire. YOU take the time to make sure you have a reputable and local company to do the work. The Twin Cities has many many qualified roofing contractors. and one may very well reach out to you to try and help. Just stay in charge of the situation and do all your due diligence.
We are a shop at home company specializing in replacing windows, siding, roofs and front entry doors. As we sit with you and learn about what you want to change on your home we can provide the best product and color options to you. You can expect lots of questions from us as we try to understand what you're looking for. For that reason, it is best if both homeowners are there. We commit to giving you a detailed, same day estimate. Every time.
Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catupulted to the 10th largest* remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughtout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.
We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.
*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2019.
