Contractor's Association Fights Con Artists

To protect homeowners from fly-by-night and storm chasing roofers, the Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association is introducing its certified contractor program.

There is currently no law requiring roofers to be licensed in Kentucky and as a result of recent storm damage throughout the state, complaints of faulty workmanship have increased.

That's promoted the KRCA to act.

"The need for reputable contractors to perform repair and replacement of roofs in Kentucky has sparked the Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association to take steps to ensure that their members meet certain requirements in order for them to be recommended," said public relations co-chairman Philip Bos.

Under the proposed plan, members would be required to carry $1 million of liability insurance, $10,000 bond and proof of business including tax ID number, location, fax and phone numbers and peer recommendation.

The association believes these steps will help protect homeowners from fraudulent workers posing as reputable and competent contractors.

The Kentucky State Police says the problem of disreputable roofers is not uncommon and senior citizens are especially targeted.

"In the springtime, blacktopping, roofing and painting are common scams around here," said public affairs officer Charles Swiney.

According to officers, victims of fraud have been threatened into paying for jobs that included nothing more than a coat of black paint or used motor oil on a driveway.

The KRCA urges homeowners to beware of repair offers that sound too good to be true.

For a complete list of certified contractors, call the association's office at (502) 721-7898. For additional information, visit www.krca.org