Any building initiative is a strenuous venture, like all good things, the process is not easy. A specialized roofing system for your home, for example, will take up approximately 20% of your total construction budget. Unfortunately, most homeowners will not set aside this percentage of resources for the roof structure, products, and workmanship.
By the time they get to the roofing stage, most of the construction budget has been depleted. This is where shortcuts and cost-saving schemes start to sound inviting hence creating a fertile ground for con-artists in the name of briefcase roofing contractors.
It is important to keep an eye out for fake briefcase roofing contractors. Briefcase roofing contactors hover around construction projects looking for new distressed homeowners whose projects are nearing completion. The briefcase roofers will promise self-proclaimed high-quality products and exemplary workmanship wrapped in a beautiful package, complete with a ribbon of cheap, affordable prices, until you realize that – all that glitters is not gold.
A good number of these briefcase contractors have previously worked in established roofing companies or construction firms. Some got greedy and wanted to out-earn their bosses, while others could not keep up with strict performance cultures set out by well-established roofing companies.
This article outlines what is that you should look out for when choosing your roofing and waterproofing solutions in Kenya to ensure that you do not get scammed.
Below are four things you should look out for to spot a fake roofing contractor:
They are not registered with NCA
For any kind of quality regulation, there are key standards and merits that one must meet to be registered. The National Construction Authority (NCA) is the official body mandated to issue and supervise the standardization and improvement of construction techniques and materials in Kenya. NCA also coordinates and conducts training for registered contractors while regulating building professionals’ undertakings.
Before allowing a roofing contractor to even inspect your roof, you should always ask for proof of registration by NCA. You can also run a background check on them just to make sure that their certificates of license are legitimate.
They will work without permits
All construction projects including renovation and re-roofing works must carry a construction permit. Many unqualified contractors may not know this or may choose to ignore it completely to save a coin. This may get you into unnecessary trouble with the law and may end up costing you more time and money to resolve than you had been promised.
No Safety Training, Insurance and WIBA policies
Licenced roofing contractors have liability insurance among other insurance covers that ensure that they as well as you are protected during the duration that they are working on your roof. It is mandatory for every registered contractor to have a WIBA (Work Injury Benefit Act) insurance policy for themselves and their workers. Safety training and safety gear are also mandatory for all roofing contractors and their technicians.
They have no regard for manufacturers’ guidelines
In order to appease you with a cheap price, briefcase roofing contractors fail to follow standard manufacturers’ quality guidelines. They may omit some products such as waterproof underlays, proper nailing, correct flashing waterproofing methods, and ventilation systems among others or procure low quality materials.
Conclusion
When looking to building your dream home, start by having all the reputable, registered, and regulated partners on board, and your journey will be smooth and enjoyable.
Finding a good roofing contractor in Kenya does not have to be a hustle as long as you are alert in all your dealings. REXE Roofing Products LTD is the most trusted roofing and waterproofing solutions provider in Kenya, you do not need to look further. We offer transparency in our dealings as well as have the best roofing materials and technicians in Kenya.
We strongly recommend using a professional roofing contractor to install, repair, maintain and inspect your roof. REXE Roofing Products LTD is your one-stop-shop for all your roofing and waterproofing solutions.
We supply quality roofing and waterproofing solutions which include: Cambridge Xpress roofing Shingles, Stone Coated Roofing Tiles, APP and liquid waterproofing solutions, Roof underlays, OSB 3 Boards among other roofing materials. We Deliver Our Roofing Products Countrywide.
Roofing 1 on 1
Would you like to know more about installing a perfect shingles roof using Cambridge Xpress roof shingles? We conduct a FREE program ‘’Roofing 1on1’’ at our REXE Showroom on Menelik Court, off Menelik Road and we would love it if you could pay us a visit. Feel free to Get in Touch with us for more information on our Roofing materials and products which include supply and installation of APP Waterproofing membrane, Roofing Shingles and Stone Coated Roofing Tiles among other Roofing Boards and accessories
