We’ve written a number of times about avoiding roofing scams:

  • Unscrupulous contractors who disappear with the deposit
  • Work that’s not completed
  • Rates that change dramatically once a project has started
  • High pressure sales tactics designed to get you to “sign up today”

The situation is so bad that the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) has a whole page dedicated to selecting a roofers and potential issues with roofers and roofing contractors. You can read it by clicking this link: https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14082-bbb-tip-roofing-contractors

The article gives a very useful checklist of items that should be present within your written proposal. (If you didn’t receive a written proposal for your new roof project then that should be regarded as a huge red flag). We’ve reprinted the list here as it is very comprehensive and will enable you to determine whether your selected contractor is up to snuff.

Clearly written proposals that are detailed and broken down into separate line items are a good sign that the contractor is being thorough and has prepared an accurate estimate. The following is a partial list of items your estimate or proposal should include: 

    • The type of roof covering, manufacturer and color
    • Materials to be included in the work, e.g., underlayment, ice dam protection membrane
    • Scope of work to be done:
    • Removal or replacement of existing roof 
    • Flashing work, e.g., existing flashings to be replaced or re-used, adding new flashing, flashing metal type 
    • Ventilation work, e.g., adding new vents
    • Who is responsible for repairing/replacing exterior landscape or interior finishes that are damaged during the course of the work? Make sure that it contains language addressing who is responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of the work. 
    • All items of concern and work to be done should be included in the contract.
    • Installation method
    • Approximate starting and completion dates
    • Payment procedures
    • Length of warranty and what is covered, e.g., workmanship, water leakage
    • Who will haul away the old roofing materials and/or project waste (e.g. extra materials, packaging, etc.)? Is there extra charge for this service?

If you have any questions about this or maybe you’ve received a proposal that doesn’t meet all these items and you’d like a second opinion, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the roofing experts at George J Keller & Sons. Call us today at 973-927-0963.