7 Roofing Rip-Offs to Avoid in Sarasota: Protect Your Investment

We at SonShine Roofing don’t want you to get ripped off by any roofing contractor.

The following scenarios are based on three premises:

• The fact that both shingle and tile roofs provide a useful service life for over 25 years if proper steps are taken.
• If a roof can last that long, it should. But if it doesn’t, the buyer has most likely been ripped off.
• Sometimes, it’s easier to learn what not to do than to know exactly what should be done.

Learn what NOT to do.

Rip-Off #1

Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured, but don’t give a second thought about the people they hire or the unlicensed and uninsured subcontractors they use.

Rip-Off #2

Listen to the salesperson’s story about the manufacturer’s long-term warranty — but don’t realize they may only be referring to one of many products used on your roof. Ignore the fine print and exclusions.

Rip-Off #3

Let price be the biggest factor. Believe getting three or more “free estimates” means better value. Forget that most things truly free are often worthless.

Rip-Off #4

Don’t worry when products from different manufacturers are used just to keep the bid low. It only voids the warranty if the roof fails — and by then, it’s too late.

Rip-Off #5

Assume that any certified contractor meets extended warranty requirements. Surely, they wouldn’t cut corners to underbid competitors… right?

Rip-Off #6

Think pulling a roofing permit ensures quality work. Trust that the building inspector will catch everything. Interpret “per code” as “done right.” Spoiler alert: it often means “done cheap without breaking the rules.”

Rip-Off #7

Refuse to meet the contractor in person. Ask them to just send the bid. Overlook your inexperience to detect omissions or misrepresentations — then choose the lowest price and hope for the best.

With over five decades of roofing experience, we see misinformed homeowners making these mistakes all the time. Many roofs fail in 10–15 years — half their intended lifespan.

Contact SonShine Roofing to learn about the proven methods we use to make sure these disasters don’t happen to you. Let us help you double your roof’s useful life with confidence and peace of mind.