Be Careful When You’re Told Your Roof is Peeling! What Are the Catchphrases of Fraudulent Contractors? We’ll Teach You How to Respond!

Hello everyone! Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!

Be Careful If You’re Told Your Roof (Metal) Is Peeling!

If a contractor says “Your roof is peeling,” “The metal is lifting,”

and then adds “We are doing work in the neighborhood, and we can offer you a free inspection right now. How about it?”

you need to be cautious! Some door-to-door salespeople may suddenly appear and use alarming phrases, but do not take them at face value.

Common Phrases Used by Fraudulent Contractors

Here are some phrases that door-to-door salespeople and fraudulent contractors often use, which are good to remember.

We are doing work nearby…

“We are doing work nearby.”

“I was sent by the foreman.”

“I saw your roof peeling while passing by.”

Be cautious of contractors who start with these phrases. They may use these lines to avoid making you feel anxious about their sudden visit, but it often feels like an excuse.

Fraudulent door-to-door contractors are not actual craftsmen, but they often dress like one, wearing dirty work clothes and wrapping towels around their heads.

Make sure to ask where exactly the “neighborhood” is and what kind of contractor they are. Always ask for a business card!

Your roof is peeling… The metal is lifting…

“Your roof is peeling!”

“The metal sheeting is coming loose!”

If someone says that, you might think you should get the work done immediately…

This is also a common phrase used by unscrupulous contractors, so be careful. If the roof is peeling or the metal sheeting is loose, someone in your family should have noticed it first.

Contractors who use such phrases are eager to climb onto your roof. Make sure to never let them on the roof!

If you let them on the roof, they might damage it or bend the metal sheeting.

If you don’t address it quickly…

“If you leave it alone, it will cause leaks, so you should address it quickly.”

“If the roof is peeling, it could hit your neighbors or nearby buildings, which is dangerous.”

There are some contractors who will stir up such fears. Be cautious not to become anxious and act without thinking, such as having them inspect it on the spot or signing a contract.

If you sign a contract now…

Also, be wary of sales pitches like “If you sign a contract now, we will give you a discount.” At first glance, it might seem like a good deal because of the discount, but you should absolutely not sign a contract. So why shouldn’t you sign a contract?

It’s because they initially present a high construction cost, and then claim “We will give you a discount.” to make it seem like the construction cost is lower.

Furthermore, they rush you to sign a contract now so that when you get estimates from others, it will be revealed that their estimate is high.

What to do if you’re told your roof (metal sheeting) is peeling?

If you’re pointed out that your roof is peeling during a door-to-door sales visit, it’s generally safe to assume they are an unscrupulous contractor. However, there are cases where it is genuinely peeling, so it’s important to discern the situation.

“I was told by a door-to-door salesperson that my roof was peeling, so I sent them away, but later I became worried about the roof.”

Many people express such concerns. If you have worries about your roof, request an inspection from a trustworthy contractor.

To determine if a contractor is reliable, check their track record and reviews!

When doing so, make sure to inform the contractor you are requesting about the concerns raised by the door-to-door salesperson and ensure they conduct a thorough inspection.

How to Handle Door-to-Door Sales

  

Do Not Let Them Climb on the Roof

If they point out that your roof is peeling and say they will inspect it for free, do not let them climb on your roof easily.

Some unscrupulous contractors may climb onto the roof and deliberately damage it, then proceed to talk as if the damage was already there.

The best option is to not let them climb at all, but if they do, make sure to have them take photos from a position visible to you and ensure that they act within your line of sight.

Limit Conversation

Door-to-door salespeople are skilled at conversation and may not leave easily. If they ask questions about your home, answering them can lead you into their rhythm, creating a situation where it’s hard to refuse. This is a tactic used by unscrupulous contractors.

If they ask questions, respond with:

“I’m already working with a specific contractor, so I’m fine.”

“Everything is decided by my husband (parents), so if needed, I will reach out.”

Make sure to decline in this manner.

If they still persist, they are definitely unscrupulous, so do not listen to them at all.

Do Not Decide Immediately; Always Research and Get Multiple Estimates

If you receive an estimate from a door-to-door contractor, be sure to research the contractor online!
Unscrupulous contractors often lack a website or have very low ratings in reviews.
Make sure to get at least three estimates from contractors with good reviews!

If You Have Signed a Contract, Cooling-Off System

If you are pressured into signing a contract for expensive work through door-to-door sales, you can apply the cooling-off system within eight days from the date of the contract. Please note that the eight days refer to within eight days from the date you received the contract.

Cooling-Off Procedure

Many people may wonder how to use the cooling-off period. First, please confirm that it is within 8 days, and then send a written request to withdraw your application to the company listed in the contract, or write and mail a notice of contract cancellation.

When mailing, it is recommended to use the postal office and send it as simple registered mail if possible. The postal office will issue a receipt for the shipment, which can serve as proof to avoid future issues such as claims that the mail did not arrive. Therefore, please keep the issued receipt in a safe place.

If you have any other concerns or questions, we recommend that you contact the Consumer Affairs Center immediately instead of worrying alone!

Summary

While I have provided examples of things you should know beforehand to avoid falling for door-to-door sales, not all door-to-door sales are unscrupulous. If you find a contractor who is polite, personable, and trustworthy, it may be worth entering into a contract.

However, if a contractor is pressuring you to sign a contract on the spot, do not make a decision alone; consult with everyone at home and check the company’s reputation before proceeding with the contract!

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. in Aoba-ku, Yokohama is a company strong in exterior renovations!
Estimates and inspections are free, so please feel free to consult with us!
If you prefer not to have someone on your roof, we can conduct inspections and take photos using drones or roof cameras!
We are also happy to assist with minor roof repairs and emergency measures!

Helpful information about exterior renovations can be found here!

LINE consultations are also very welcome◎

 

For roofing, guttering, and exterior work and repairs in Kanagawa, contact Kakerukoumuten Co., Ltd..

AAA is a young company with an average age in the early 20s, but our technology is second to none.

One of our greatest strengths is that we can do all of our own scaffolding, roofing, and painting work. In this industry, where work is generally divided, we are able to provide a complete set of services, which saves time and effort in management and reduces costs. Above all, if there is any trouble, we will come to you right away!

We can confidently declare this. We are the youngest and most friendly renovator in Kanagawa!