Local

State taking steps to crack down on crooked roofers

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens, concerned that 10 percent of all homeowner claims are fraudulent, is now making plans to certify all roofers.

Channel 2 watched a state sting operation of roofers caught manufacturing hail damage on a home where there was none.

"I think it's long overdue. Roofing companies have to be accountable to someone, just like any other trade or profession," said homeowner Mike Adamson of Paulding County.

Roofers were installing new shingles on his home Thursday.

Adamson said they turned down 10 companies to fix their hail damage. The one they picked, has for years been advocating licensing to drive out shoddy operators.

"People are not in this industry to make a living. They're in this industry for the quick buck cause they know they can make it. If there's no way to stop it, then they're going keep doing it," said contractor Ron Crist.

"If you did go through a licensing process I think the consumer is going to have more confidence in the product, the end result, the product that they're going to receive," said Hudgens.

Hudgens said he's meeting with industry leaders to get their support before proposing the law.

He has the backing of the Atlanta-based National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud.

"Somebody has to be licensed to do your nails. Somebody has to be licensed to do your hair. You ought to be licensed to put a roof on," said the national center's executive director, Phae Howard.