As you progress through getting a new roof, be suspicious and aware every step of the way. The lies are ever present.

The general process of getting a new roof looks like this:

• Perceived need for a new roof, or at least an inspection to assess.
• Research market to find desired companies to inspect roof, and determine needs.
• Research consists of information from websites, reviews, BBB, friends, coworkers. Also possible that you responded to an advertisement.
• Initiate contact to selected companies.
• Select followups from companies that sound desirable.
• From the companies that actually show up, get a presentation of scope of work, performance and costs. Verify depth of analysis provided by each company. Present list of items company will need to validate and put into contract.
• Determine if any work will be done at this time, and by whom.
• If no, then no further action is taken.
• If yes, then select preferred quote/estimate and sign contract with contractor, ensuring needed details are in contract.
• Once terms of contract are met (scope, terms, deposits, etc), set for scheduling.
• Scheduled date is set. Perhaps rescheduling occurs.
• Day of Re-Roof arrives. Verify crew if part of plan. Crew begins work. Materials and dumpster might be delivered that day, or beforehand.
• Crew removes old roof.
• To some degree, needed corrective action prior to beginning new roof installation will be performed.
• New roof is installed.
• Clean up is performed.
• Hopefully, discussion with someone representing the company will discuss with you after the job is completed and make sure all is looking well. (This does not mean the job was done properly!!)
• Left over materials picked up / removed.
• Dumpster picked up and removed.
• Payment on balance is rendered.
• Job is complete.
• Yearly Maintenance.

The steps above seem simple. But, oh my oh my, are they fraught with danger, and importance of making the right decision cannot be understated.

Remember, If it isn’t stated in the contract, then it isn’t part of the agreement.

“A verbal agreement isn’t worth the paper it’s written on”.

Assumptions and expectations you have, that aren’t written in the contract, that aren’t delivered, are YOUR fault.

Let’s get started, as I go into more depth on each step listed above.

First up, the Perceived need for a new roof.