SPONSORED CONTENT
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SPONSORED CONTENT
CRAIG GOUKER
ROOFING
Teaching You How to Steer Clear of “Mirage Contractors”
T
here’s a reason why Craig Gouker
Roofing has been in business for
over 26 years, with two locations
and a staff of trained employees who
put in an honest day’s work for custom-
ers: INTEGRITY.
But, according to Gouker, there’s a
growing crisis in the roofing industry
stemming from tradesmen posing as
something they’re not, leaving custom-
ers high and dry when it comes to the
finished product. These “mirage roofers,”
as he calls them, create a good-looking
facade through flashy websites and false
promises. The reality, when you get up
close, is a lot less appealing.
“When you peel back the onion,
they’re not who they say they are,” he
explains. “They don’t have a permanent
place of business, or staff that’s qualified
to do the work. Homeowners are getting
bamboozled. These guys are lying to
their faces. By the time they realize it, it’s
too late. I always tell people to do their
homework and research.”
Gouker’s website provides a wealth of
information on how to weed out mirage
contractors, including these important
questions homeowners should ask:
Does the roofer not only have a nice
website, but one that is informative
about the contractor, crew, equipment
and location? Does it show you that the
owner really knows the craft?
Beyond the website, does the roofer
have a permanent location or could the
contractor leave town in a blink and not
be there when needed?
Does the contractor have its own
well-maintained equipment needed to
get the job done right, or is there a small
pick-up truck with ladders tied to it?
Are the crewmembers employees
or subcontractors? This is important
because a contractor who hires subcon-
tractors really doesn’t know the quality
of the work and the experience of the
workers. Roofers with their own crews
will stand by the quality of their work.
Is the contractor licensed and insured?
In the Commonwealth of PA you can
look up the contractor’s license at the
attorney general’s website, hicsearch.
attorneygeneral.gov. An uninsured or
under-insured roofer puts your home
at risk. Contractors insurance protects
you in case of injury on your property,
damage to your home (or a neighbor’s)
and more.
Does the contractor have reviews or
referrals on reputable websites such as
Google and the BBB? Sure, there may
be customer quotes on its website, but
third-party sites are unbiased and out of
the contractor’s control.
Did the contractor come on time and
provide a detailed estimate of the work
to be done including materials to be
used, specific aspects of the projects and
potential problems that may occur?
Gouker specializes only in roofing and
is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred
Installer (#202690). He carries its Dura-
tion line of shingles exclusively, which
provides a lifetime warranty for as long
as you own your home, and can resist
winds of up to 130 mph. The warranty
also guarantees algae resistance for 10
years. The line comes in a variety of col-
ors to match any home style or feel.
Gouker offers free estimates, financing
options, and is fully insured with proper
insurance classification — something
not all roof installers may have.
In fact, Gouker’s safety record is excel-
lent, with most of his employees having
been safely with him for over 15 years.
He has an excellent profile on Angie’s
List and his record with the Better Busi-
ness Bureau is spotless.
For more information on Craig Gouker
Roofing, call 412.664.7679 or go to his
website, craiggoukerroofing.com, for
more information, photos of his work,
testimonials and more. He also has a
new showroom located in The Millenni-
um Shops, 4607 Library Road (15102),
where you can see samples of materials
and discuss your project with qualified,
knowledgeable staff.
Bethel Park | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 63