Roofers - a rant, but not a very good one

Calypso Jones wrote:I wouldn't think so.  He is in florida.  Maybe that has something to do with it.  I don't know.

2cent wrote:

Thom Paine wrote:

2cent wrote:Jeepers, what an independent lot roofers are.  We called two, left messages, and waited better than a week for them to call back.  Called again - one being the son of an old acquaintance, so called him as well, and still the roofer kid didn't call back.  Neither of them.

Maybe I better go back to the beginning?  We're not desperate for a new roof, but wind caused a few shingles to disappear, and it is high time we updated.  We decided to go w/a metal roof this time, and that's what the 2 roofers we called specialize in.  

Okay, so we gave up on them, and Mr. 2 went to Meeks for recommendations, where he ran into a roofer who was in the #1 slot on their list. After talking a bit, and the guy pointing out what shingles they use, (@ $105/sq.), (yes, he talked my husband into going w/shingles), they parted ways, and we waited over a week, again, for that guy to call back.  
They finally show up, were kind enough to sweep off the roof while up there, and we wait for the wife to call, then email the estimate.  Over $11,000!  For a 22 sq. ft. roof!  Not only did they charge for 24 sq. ft., they charged $150/sq.  Plus, they added all kinds of crap we didn't need.  I suppose they figured they were dealing w/a couple of hicks still sopping wet behind the ears.  
Sent that guy on his way.

Then a good friend suggested my husband call this other guy we've all known for ages.  He came over the very next day, (yesterday), w/his kid who does the actual roofing, and are going to come back asap w/color samples for us to choose a color.

Splendid!  These guys are covered up with work, so are going way out of their way to get a roof on our house.  Yeah, you can bet there's a bonus already waiting on them.  Oh, and the bid?  Somewhere around $5 - $6,000.  (Haven't gotten a specific bid yet.)  IAC, MUCH closer to what it ought to be.  

I realize that these roofers are busier than one-armed paper hangers, but what's with businessmen who can't even be bothered w/calling prospective customers back?  Must be nice to be so independent and secure.  No doubt it buys you all the rude you can be.  

Ahhh.  Thank you.  We're much better n-o-w.  lol

Exercise caution with that $6000. estimate.  
One should consider tossing the lowest bid faster than tossing the highest.  

What appears to be a $27.00 per square price is extremely low; maybe dangerously low.  

As a guideline only,   price the different types and qualities of roof panels on the internet; it will give you some awareness of qualities and material costs...  the material And install costs, for a quality metal roof, is higher for a reason.  Different means and methods, equipment, and expertise.

Rick and his sons are people who we would trust with our lives.  We've known them for near 40 years. My husband used to work for him, and vice~verse.  And not only that, we're friends. The only reason Mr. 2 didn't call him right off is 'cuz he's getting up there in age, and we didn't want to take advantage.  Well, come to find out, he's more than happy to do it.  
For $6500.  Flat fee.  

And, fwiw, we've been in the building trade all our lives, so do know a bit of what we speak.

2cent wrote:

Calypso Jones wrote:I wouldn't think so.  He is in florida.  Maybe that has something to do with it.  I don't know.

Yikes, then.  Shingle or metal?

Thom Paine wrote:

2cent wrote:

Thom Paine wrote:

2cent wrote:Jeepers, what an independent lot roofers are.  We called two, left messages, and waited better than a week for them to call back.  Called again - one being the son of an old acquaintance, so called him as well, and still the roofer kid didn't call back.  Neither of them.

Maybe I better go back to the beginning?  We're not desperate for a new roof, but wind caused a few shingles to disappear, and it is high time we updated.  We decided to go w/a metal roof this time, and that's what the 2 roofers we called specialize in.  

Okay, so we gave up on them, and Mr. 2 went to Meeks for recommendations, where he ran into a roofer who was in the #1 slot on their list. After talking a bit, and the guy pointing out what shingles they use, (@ $105/sq.), (yes, he talked my husband into going w/shingles), they parted ways, and we waited over a week, again, for that guy to call back.  
They finally show up, were kind enough to sweep off the roof while up there, and we wait for the wife to call, then email the estimate.  Over $11,000!  For a 22 sq. ft. roof!  Not only did they charge for 24 sq. ft., they charged $150/sq.  Plus, they added all kinds of crap we didn't need.  I suppose they figured they were dealing w/a couple of hicks still sopping wet behind the ears.  
Sent that guy on his way.

Then a good friend suggested my husband call this other guy we've all known for ages.  He came over the very next day, (yesterday), w/his kid who does the actual roofing, and are going to come back asap w/color samples for us to choose a color.

Splendid!  These guys are covered up with work, so are going way out of their way to get a roof on our house.  Yeah, you can bet there's a bonus already waiting on them.  Oh, and the bid?  Somewhere around $5 - $6,000.  (Haven't gotten a specific bid yet.)  IAC, MUCH closer to what it ought to be.  

I realize that these roofers are busier than one-armed paper hangers, but what's with businessmen who can't even be bothered w/calling prospective customers back?  Must be nice to be so independent and secure.  No doubt it buys you all the rude you can be.  

Ahhh.  Thank you.  We're much better n-o-w.  lol

Exercise caution with that $6000. estimate.  
One should consider tossing the lowest bid faster than tossing the highest.  

What appears to be a $27.00 per square price is extremely low; maybe dangerously low.  

As a guideline only,   price the different types and qualities of roof panels on the internet; it will give you some awareness of qualities and material costs...  the material And install costs, for a quality metal roof, is higher for a reason.  Different means and methods, equipment, and expertise.

Rick and his sons are people who we would trust with our lives.  We've known them for near 40 years. My husband used to work for him, and vice~verse.  And not only that, we're friends. The only reason Mr. 2 didn't call him right off is 'cuz he's getting up there in age, and we didn't want to take advantage.  Well, come to find out, he's more than happy to do it.  
For $6500.  Flat fee.  

And, fwiw, we've been in the building trade all our lives, so do know a bit of what we speak.

No affront meant 2.  I've been building over 50 years; unaware of your experience.

Calypso Jones wrote:

2cent wrote:

Calypso Jones wrote:I wouldn't think so.  He is in florida.  Maybe that has something to do with it.  I don't know.

Yikes, then.  Shingle or metal?

\
shingle.    Metal would have bancrupted him.