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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Asheville, NC

After a hailstorm or heavy rain in Asheville, storm chasers and unlicensed roofers often come knocking. It's not always easy to tell who's legitimate and who's looking to take your money and run. Here is how to spot the warning signs, verify credentials, and find a roofer you can trust — whether you need repairs in West Asheville, a full replacement in North Asheville, or commercial work in downtown Asheville.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Asheville

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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The Storm Chaser Scam

Out-of-town crews swarm Asheville after a hailstorm or wind event. They knock on doors, offer a 'free inspection,' claim you have major damage, push you to sign an insurance assignment, and then do shoddy work — or leave town before finishing.

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The Low-Ball Bid Trap

A roofer quotes you thousands less than everyone else. They start the job, then claim they found 'unexpected structural damage' that doubles the price. You're halfway through and can't easily switch contractors.

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The Insurance Check Intercept

A roofer offers to 'handle your insurance claim for you' and asks you to sign over your insurance check directly to them. They may inflate the claim, pocket the difference, or do minimal work and disappear.

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Materials Depot Scam

The roofer says they need a large upfront payment to 'reserve materials' due to supply shortages. They take your money, order cheap materials (or none at all), and delay the job repeatedly.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance directly from their insurance carrier — not a photocopy they provide. Verify they carry both general liability insurance (minimum $1 million) and workers' compensation insurance. In North Carolina, if a roofer doesn't have workers' comp and their employee gets hurt on your roof, you could be held liable for medical bills.

2

Licensing

North Carolina does not have a statewide roofing license, but Asheville requires contractors pulling permits over $30,000 to be licensed with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. Ask for their NC general contractor license number and verify it at nclbgc.org. For smaller jobs, check they have a local Asheville business license through the City of Asheville's Finance Department.

3

References

Ask for at least three recent roofing jobs in Asheville or Buncombe County. Call the homeowners and ask: Was the job completed on time? Did they stick to the quote? Were there any leak issues after? Check Google Reviews, the Asheville BBB, and look for before-and-after photos on their website or social media.

Protection FAQs

Do roofers need to be licensed in Asheville, NC?

North Carolina requires general contractors to be licensed for projects over $30,000. For smaller roofing jobs, Asheville requires contractors to hold a local business license. Always check the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (nclbgc.org) to verify their license status before hiring.

What is a 'storm chaser' and why are they a risk in Asheville?

Storm chasers are out-of-town contractors who follow severe weather — common after Asheville hailstorms. They offer quick repairs, take deposits, and often leave town before completing the work or honoring warranties. Always choose a roofer with a permanent Asheville-area address.

How much should I pay upfront for a roofing job?

A trustworthy roofer typically asks for 10-15% down to secure materials. Never pay 50% or more upfront. Structure payments around milestones: deposit, materials delivery, work completion, and final inspection. Use a credit card for additional fraud protection.

Should I get multiple roofing estimates in Asheville?

Yes — always get at least three written estimates from different local roofers. Compare material brands, timeline, warranty terms, and cleanup details. The cheapest bid is not always the best deal if they cut corners on materials or insurance.

What should a roofing contract include?

A thorough contract lists the specific shingle brand and color, underlayment type, flashing details, project start and end dates, total price, payment schedule, cleanup plan, and warranty information — both the manufacturer warranty and the workmanship warranty.

Can a roofer handle my insurance claim for me?

A roofer can help document damage for your adjuster, but never sign over your insurance check directly to them. Your claim check is typically made out to you and your mortgage lender. Pay your roofer directly based on completed work and agreed milestones.

What happens if a roofer damages my property?

If they carry general liability insurance (minimum $1 million), their policy should cover accidental damage to your home, landscaping, or belongings. This is why verifying a current certificate of insurance before work begins is so important.

How can I check if a roofer has complaints in Asheville?

Search the Asheville Better Business Bureau, check Google Reviews, and search the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors for disciplinary actions. Ask for local references and call them. A trustworthy roofer is happy to share this information.

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Licensed & insured professionals CALL NOW: 1-866-674-2070