Background checks, references are critical when picking a roofing contractor

PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio - Eighty-year-old Garland Everett, of Parma Heights, had been searching for a contractor to replace the roof on her house for several months.

"I knew my roof shingles needed to be replaced when they started curling up in the summer sun," Everett said.

Everett hired a roofing company based on a review from a family friend, paying the contractor $2,000 as a down payment on a $4,000 job. But Everett said the contractor failed to show up to start her roofing the job and numerous phone calls produced no results.

After several weeks of frustration, Everett's family contacted 5 On Your Side Troubleshooter Joe Pagonakis, to see if Joe could get the contractor to start the job or offer a full refund.

NewsChannel5 and Cleveland Better Business Bureau Vice President Sue Mcconnell contacted the roofing company. The owner of the company explained that a fight with his business partner, caused several roofing jobs to be delayed, and that he planned on refunding Everett's $2,000 deposit.

When picking a roofing contractor, the BBB urges consumers to make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured.    It's important that the contractor carry the proper workers compensation coverage, just in case a crew member is injured while on the job at your home.   Ask for customer references that are several years old, this way you check on how that contractors roofing job held-up over the years, and get a review on the contractors customer service.

Always check on a contractors Better Business Bureau record before signing a contract and  issuing any money.