Roofing projects tend to be made up of numerous charges including preparation, materials, labor, and disposal of the old roof. With the number of components and the range of various expenses, an unscrupulous roofer may try to pad costs and switch ordered materials for cheaper replacements. In many cases, each cheat may not represent a substantial amount of money, but added together the result can be a secret profit for the contractor and a substandard roofing job for you. The best way to avoid these rip-offs is to understand the roofing process while also developing an understanding of the areas where advantage may be taken. Here are 4 areas to keep an eye on.
- Skimping on the prep – During the tear-off, a contractor
may leave the dust and small pieces of debris behind to shave the actual cost
of labor below the figure listed on the estimate. Another trick is to leave old
flashing in place or remove it and then put it back. Sealants may be left in
place as well or a cheap product that dries out and cracks over the short term
may be used.
- Overcharging for materials – This is where getting several estimates can work in your favor. Compare material costs on the estimates you have collected, looking for material prices that are out of line with the others. The largest single material expense will likely be the shingles, so get the manufacturer and the specific product number to do your own price comparisons if you feel that something is amiss.
- Not carrying insurance – Liability and workman’s compensation insurance can represent substantial costs for contractors, and significant savings can be realized by going without coverage. This puts the homeowner at risk for all liability should a worker get injured while on the job or property is damaged during the project. Beware of an estimate that comes in far below competing bids as it may have been made possible by the contractor going without insurance.
- Installation shortcuts – Using a minimal number of shingles and fastening them with a number of nails that is less than required by local building codes can get materials on the roof and workers off the job faster. By cutting back on materials and doing the job in less time than estimated, the contractor can put a little more money in the pocket. Unfortunately, these are the homes that are damaged the most when shingles and materials are blown off of the roof in high wind events.
In addition to increasing your awareness of potential
problem areas, the best way to avoid being ripped-off is to research the
contractors that are under consideration for your roofing job.
Unscrupulous
companies typically don’t stay in business for very long in one place, so look
for contractors that have served your area for years, even decades. Ask for
references on jobs that are similar to yours and check the results. A roofing
company that has been serving your area with quality results will likely be the
one that you don’t have to worry about.
