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[July 12, 2010 Nashville, TN] BBB of Middle Tennessee warns consumers about the business practices of American Shingle, LLC located at 475 Metroplex Dr, Suite 105A in Nashville, headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The company uses the phone numbers 615-349-1436 and 877- 599-1568.
This company has a serious pattern of pending complaints. Specifically, complaints allege the company is going door-to-door claiming they can assist with roof repair or replacement. The company offers to assist the consumer in working with their insurance company to ensure the consumer is not responsible for payment. Once the consumer's insurance company approves the repairs, the consumer is provided with a check endorsed to both the consumer and American Shingle. The company accepts payment (ranging from $3000 to $8000) and promises to begin work immediately; however, complaints allege once the check is signed over the company fails to return to complete the job. In addition, the company pushes the original start date out another 2 to 3 months claiming they are overwhelmed with other work in the Nashville area due to recent flooding. In cases where roof repair work was completed, complaints allege poor workmanship and failure of the company to return to correct the problems. Other complaints allege poor customer service and failure of the company to refund money when they were unable to honor the agreed upon contract.
This company maintains an F rating with the BBB in Atlanta, GA, where the company is headquartered due to 50 complaints filed against the business, length of time the company has been operating, and failure to resolve 1 complaint. BBB of Middle Tennessee has contacted the Nashville location repeatedly to request their assistance in responding to and resolving the nine pending complaints. While the company has acknowledged receipt of the complaints most complaints remain pending without a response. Due to the serious nature of pending complaints filed against the Nashville location, this location currently maintains an NR (not rated) rating. Once BBB has completed its conciliation process a rating will be issued for the Nashville location.
While it is common practice for insurance companies to endorse home repair checks to the homeowner, repair company, and the consumer's mortgagor, BBB strongly advises against providing payment in full prior to work commencement. Consumers should not make payment until after the first day of work, and only then should one-third of the payment be made. Subsequent payments should be made during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work. Do not make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work, the work has been inspected, and you have proof that any subcontractors and suppliers have received payment for their work. Failure to do so could result in a lien against your home.
BBB has identified the following to be indications that a contractor may not be interested in satisfying customers:
- Solicits door-to- door: Be suspicious of contractors who attempt to gain business by visiting door-to-door. "Cold calls" can sometimes mean that the contractor is not from a local, established business but is instead just passing through and trying to make a quick buck.
- Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front or demands only cash: Whatever the reason, never pay for the entire project upfront. Payments should be by credit card or check so that your credit card statement or cancelled check can provide proof of payment, if needed.
- Pressures you for an immediate decision: A reputable professional will recognize that you need time to consider many factors when deciding which contractor to hire. You will want to check references; look into the contractor's standard of work and his professional designations and affiliations; verify his insurance; check to see if he needs a license (and if so, that it is valid); get written estimates from several firms based on identical project specifications; request customer references and inspect completed jobs.
- Asks you to get the required building permits: This could be a sign that the contractor is hoping to avoid contact with the local agency that issues such permits. Perhaps he is not licensed or registered, as required by your state or locality. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project.
- Always ask for identification such as drivers license / do not accept business cards or name badges as identification
- Always ask for proof of contractors license and insurance coverage
- Check with your Better Business Bureau for a reliability report before doing business by calling (615) 242-4222 or go online at www.Nashville.BBB.org
Start your search with Trust by visiting www.Nashville.BBB.org to obtain a list of trustworthy roofing contractors who are accredited by BBB.
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ABOUT BBB:
The BBB of Middle Tennessee, Inc. was founded in 1961 as a non-profit Tennessee organization serving 38 counties in Middle Tennessee and 7 counties in Southern Kentucky. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada.
Serving as the 'ethical gatepost' of our communities, BBB fosters and promotes ethical business practices and self-regulation standards that build consumer trust in the marketplace. BBB services include business reliability information, complaint resolution services and consumer and business educational information. In 2008 BBB Nashville handled over 4.0 million services requests via our web site www.nashville.bbb.org.
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