Storm Chaser Contractors in Colorado — How to Spot Them & What They Cost You
Every spring and summer, Longmont and Northern Colorado homeowners deal with two storms: the actual hailstorm, and the wave of out-of-state storm chaser contractors that follows within 48 hours. Storm chasers cost Colorado homeowners millions of dollars annually in substandard work, abandoned claims, and fraudulent contracts. Here’s how to identify them — and why it matters for your home and your insurance claim.
What Is a Storm Chaser Contractor?
A storm chaser is a contractor — typically a roofing company — that follows severe weather events around the country rather than operating in a fixed local market. After a hailstorm hits Longmont, convoys of out-of-state trucks with magnetic door signs appear in neighborhoods within 24-48 hours. They knock on doors, offer free inspections, and push homeowners to sign contracts on the spot.
Red Flags That Identify a Storm Chaser
- Unsolicited door knocking immediately after a storm
- Out-of-state license plates on their vehicles
- Pressure to sign a contract immediately — “this offer is only good today”
- No local address or a P.O. box in a state you’ve never heard of
- Cannot show a valid Colorado contractor’s license
- Requests a large deposit upfront before any work begins
- Offers to “waive your deductible” — this is insurance fraud in Colorado
- No reviews or references in the local community
What Storm Chasers Actually Cost You
- Poor workmanship that fails within 1-3 years after they’re gone
- Warranty claims you can’t enforce because the company no longer exists locally
- Insurance fraud exposure if they encouraged you to waive your deductible
- Incomplete claims that missed covered items
- Liens on your property if they don’t pay their subcontractors
What a Real Local Colorado Contractor Looks Like
Josh Brooks Construction and Renovation Inc. has been based at 2167 Frontier Street in Longmont, Colorado for over 31 years. We have a permanent local address, a Boulder County contractor’s license (CON-25-0089), verifiable local reviews, and a community reputation built over three decades. When we finish your roof, we’re still here next year if there’s a problem.
We’re veteran-owned, fully insured, and we’ve never operated outside of Northern Colorado and the Denver metro. That’s the definition of a local contractor — not a magnetic sign on a truck from Texas.
Protect Yourself — Call a Local Contractor First
Call 720-828-7997 | 2167 Frontier St, Longmont, CO 80501 | Boulder County Licensed CON-25-0089
Free storm damage inspections. We attend your adjuster meeting. Veteran-owned.