This trade attracts many that should never consider it as a career. Many in the roofing trade, work week-to-week, for wages only. They are not building a business, a good reputation or a long-term commitment, to serving the needs of the public. Statistics show that 90% of home renovation businesses fail within the first 5 years.
Some of the "new" roofing companies - seen each year - were once crews for other, larger roofing companies. They think that the owner(s) are making lots of money, at the prices they sell for, and so these new companies start off, undercutting the prices of all professional roofing companies. What they have not considered is the cost of operating a legitimate or legal business. They think that as long as they make the same amount of money - basically wages - as they used to get from their employer, then everything is okay. Sure they can perceptually save the Homeowner money, but at the same time they have placed themselves and the Homeowner in a high-risk position. Without liability and property damage insurance coverage, injury insurance coverage, a business license or membership in any trade associations, they are a mobile bomb, waiting to explode. All of the risk becomes that of the Homeowner - what a gamble! As soon as these companies get 90-120 days behind payment with any supplier willing to give them credit, they self-destruct; they disappear and along with them goes any so-called warranty that they may have claimed to give. It is amazing, how many Homeowners will take the chance of dealing with these operators - so many of whom have only a truck and a phone number - no physical place of business, no assets, etc.
These operators usually have no concept of the building code requirements and because they have been used to only following directions on a work order [in the past], they do not understand the components of a "roof system". They end up [sometimes innocently], taking every shortcut to keep their price cheap, that is the only way they know to get work. However, they have also voided all possible warranties from the material manufacturers. As a result of this, their Workmanship Warranty means absolutely nothing.
There are others who intentionally "scam" the public. There are at least 2 companies operating in the west-end of Toronto who have had at least 3 names in the past 10 years. They install a lot of poor quality work, get into trouble from their customers, bury that company and then start up again [within weeks or months], under a slightly different name. Many of these operators offer "cash deals". Why? First, they cannot get credit from suppliers. Secondly, all of the liability is then the responsibility of the Homeowner - they can walk away from the problems or even sue the Homeowner for financial compensation, in the event of personal injury while on that property. Every year, "professional" roofing companies install new roofs on houses of people who have learned the hard way - sometimes when the shingles have only been there a short time.
Unfortunately, some older roofing companies have fallen into the trap of getting business based only on a cheap price. They are afraid to talk to the consumer about quality or they have not kept up on the latest technology - refusing to accept and adapt to improved standards. In order to keep their price low, they either repaint old flashing or install new, cheap metal with inferior standards, don't calculate the ventilation requirements; and don't ask questions about or inspect the attic space.
When replacing a roof, the Homeowner is not going out and simply buying a product. If one is going to purchase a large screen TV, once the size, brand and model are determined, then it is logical to "shop around" for the lowest price - the manufacturer provides the warranty and as long as the purchase is registered, the warranty will be honoured - even if the retailer has gone out of business. On the other hand, a "Roof System" is made up of several products, and the long-term performance is reliant on the quality of installation. This is where Homeowners "kid themselves" - if they think they can buy on PRICE. In reality, price is the last thing that should be considered. The SPECIFICATION - what is to be included in the scope of work - should be the top consideration. The Homeowner should insist on interviewing 2 or 3 roofing contractors - or at least accept the request of professional contractors, to meet with them. Why make a decision to invest thousands of dollars on a roof replacement, without knowing who you are dealing with. It is so important that both the homeowner and the contractor know and understand each other. Without a meeting, how can either party have a sense of comfort. For a Homeowner to request that a quote be dropped off indicates a couple of things: indifference to the project or fear, due to a lack of knowledge, and is unfair to the professional contractor. Mostly, however, it is unfair to the Homeowner who needs to be informed by a trained consultant. Like many things today, roofing has changed dramatically over the past dozen years. Better quality and designer, asphalt shingles are available; a roof can be as much as 50% of the visual appearance of a house - from the street. The foundation of the roof - what is under the shingles - is what provides long-term, trouble-free performance. As our climate changes - the whole house working together as a system - is critical - even to the life of shingles. Ventilation and Insulation are so important, as we now have 4-5 times the [past] normal amounts of "Freeze-Thaw Cycles". Homeowners need to invest in VALUE, not PRICE.
The interview or meeting between the Homeowner and Contractor should cover the following:
- How old is the building? How long has the present owner been there?
- Have there been any particular problems?: leaks - ice damming - etc.
- What are the Attic conditions? Are there cathedral or sloped ceilings?
- What is important to the owner in a new roof system?
- Are there other renovations planned that would affect the new roof?
- Is there a planned Budget for the project?
- How long has the contractor been in business?
- Does the contractor have a showroom or place of business?
- Credentials of the contractor: Licenses - Insurance - Associations
- Has the contractor worked in this area?: references
- Warranties involved? material and workmanship
- How does the contractor handle property protection, disposal and dean-up?
- How does the contractor deal with problems or complaints?
- What are the terms of payment?: deposit - balance - financing
YOU WILL SOON PAY FOR IT - BUT WILL STILL NOT HAVE IT
