I am taking bids to re-roof my house which has two layers of 3-tab shingles at this time. I plan to go back with architectural shingles. The job looks like it will be north of 15k for a 40 square installation. Every bidder has their own way of approaching the job with one wanting (insisting) on entirely new drip edge at $2.95/foot for appx 750 foot of material. Either I agree to the cost for this or there will be no warranty for any of the work. A rather shocking cost when the existing edge should be reusable.

Most bidders present their proposals (minimal detail) via e-mail and want 50% upfront. That is a lot of money to hand over to someone who may be dishonest and just take the money and run. How can I reasonably protect myself in making such an upfront payment? Only one has mentioned an actual contract and I am sure it will be heavily slanted toward the companies favor.

My current low bid (but not by much) comes from a seemingly nice guy who was recommended to me but who has a terrible online reputation. Based on 5 out of 6 one star ratings, I could not think he would be a good person to work with.

Comments, thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

 

Contracts protect both parties and I would encourage having one and being in on the process of writing it; don't just necessarily accept a contract provided by the roofer. Ask around, ask for multiple references including past customers. Much as you do not like the idea, there is a lot of cost to the roofer and a deposit is pretty standard. That said, you don't make the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction.

 

I would also make sure that the contract is very specific when it comes to product. There are wide ranges of quality when it comes to building products. I would make sure that I knew exactly what materials I was getting. Not only shingles and drip edge but also ice and water shield, ridge vents, underlayment etc.

 

I would ask if they would accept 50% on arrival to the job site the first day, and 50% when complete. Depending on how much competition there is in your area, they may (or may not) understand your reluctance to pay a significant amount up front. No offense to any quality roofer here, but there are a lot of not-so-great roofing companies that tend to come and take customer's money with them.

Make sure you're getting at least a 1-year in-writing warranty from the roofing company. They will all tout the 25-year + warranty that the shingles provide, but that's only for materials IF they are installed correctly. You want to ensure the roofing company will come back and fix any initial problems.

Good luck!

 

I accepted a bid, not the lowest however, and the materials arrived this AM. Will post again as job progresses.