5 Ways Homeowners Cheat Roofing Contractors

5 Ways Homeowners Cheat Roofing Contractors
Don't be that guy! Treat your contractor with respect!
Contractors: Comment if you have been cheated these ways or any other way!
00:00 Intro
00:21 Ask to pay deductible
02:43 Seek contractor for advice, then pass them over for a lower bidder
05:29 Asking for bigger invoice to send to insurance company
08:08 Ask crew or employee to hire them directly
10:27 Asking for unreasonable discount at the end, or refuse to pay change orders
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[@ozziestrom9793]

I remember giving a customer a quote and he asked, with a little attitude, is that the best you can do? I said, "I could do better " and add on another $500. His eyes popped. He got my point.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

😂😂😂 I am gonna start doing it

[@hannahsimmons9706]

So true. Homeowners need to be more aware of the abuse they put contractors through

[@RR_184]

Your part about change orders is something that used to be uneasy to discuss during a job for me. Now that I run my own company, I wrote into our procedure to include an attic inspection at color selection meeting. This allows to check for numerous things to avoid surprises, avoid those difficult discussions later, and to be able to see and avoid and address things we need to know or catch early on. Hopefully this helps those who arent already doing something similar. Attic inspect: 1. Look at the decking and note type; is it OSB, Plywood, 1x8s? If decking replacement is anticipated, now you know what to send on the day of the install. Saves time if the correct material can already be there when needed and not having to send someone to fetch it. 2. Is spacing okay on decking, especially if 1x8s? (code and manufacturer spec compliant) 3. Guage the decking thickness. (Pro tip: stick a business card between decking sheets/ boards up to the underlayment and mark with a pen where it stops at base of decking. That's your thickness...) Again, is it thick enough to be code and manufacturer spec compliant? 3. Look in eaves and make sure no insulation or spray-foam is blocking off intake ventilation (If so, can void shingle material warranty or eligibilty for extended warranties). 4. Anything sentimental or valuable laying on attic floor or leaned against decking? Photo albums or decorations, etc? We have a large general liability policy, but I don't necessarily want to have to use it because someone decided to store a Picasso in their attic... Never know unless you look, right? 5. Anything dangerous or out of code against decking? Having a gun nail puncture a water line, gas line, or AC line is not fun. Other contractors shouldn't put things like this against decking but sometimes they don't care. Freon is expensive per lb these days too. Puncturing an AC line can cost $1000 or more to patch line and refill system. We do an attic inspect after install as well to double-check everything and to check vents arent disconnected. Takes only a few minutes to double-check that a furnace or water heater vent isn't dumping carbon monoxide into your customers' home because it got disconnected at a joint or at top of water heater when changing out the vent up top of the roof. Can't get paid if your customers wake up dead, can you? You'll definitely be the one paying for it, though. Hope this helps. If you aren't already doing all of this, you should be.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Great feedback and tips!!! Thanks for taking time to share!!!

[@RR_184]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 Sorry my replies are always novels... 🤣

[@RoofingFacts]

I love #5. Especially when I discuss the price in advance and give them a fee schedule but after they get the invoice they start debating the price.

[@victorhuipio3894]

Thank you Dimitry for making this video! I hope all homeowners see this and take notes. 👍🏼

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

I hope more home owners will see it too!

[@josephklimchock5412]

Most homeowners are stuck in the middle. Many, many roofing companies around here, when a recent storm has hit, like last month Florida IAN, will not come out to give you an estimate for a cash re roof, they want to just do work for insurance jobs. That seems to tell me that they get paid way more from insurance than not. Been a few roofer door knockers talking about recent IAN damage and the minute you ask them for a cash, owner paid roof, they have no interest.

[@Lousybarber]

I am currently dealing with roofing quotes. The first contractor was pushing the insurance angle on a worn out roof. We decided to explore the cash route instead and the first guy is quite higher than another reputable contractor willing to do cash. He tacked on extras that we did not discuss when he did the site visit. I assume he is trying to steer me towards filing a claim.

[@eli_van8799]

the other day i was cleaned up the roof that we had finished and the owner told me ’I forgot to tell you to add the deductible to the estimate😆😆😆 I was like yea right 😆😆😆😆

[@Omar_Santana]

Thanks for making videos like this. I hope homeowners watch them like we do. I had a homeowner insulting me yesterday for showing on a roof inspection I did some current problems with his roof. He wanted me to lie and send those lies to the insurance company. Unbelievable

[@lutsenfilms9582]

Great info to know!

[@deadlymig123]

Or you got the one where us the contractors send in a supplement and the homeowners think thats just “extra” money and want you to prove how its not theirs to keep cause it wasnt on the original insurance company estimate 😂i always tell them the last thing insurance will be doing is giving out extra money for no reason 😂😂

[@dmitriylis7961]

This is the best video you have ever made!

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

I knew you gonna like this one!!!

[@ArtZasadny]

Excellent, informative and interesting videos!

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kyleevenhouse6596]

Another way homeowners can cheat their contractor: making the contractor responsible for fixing preexisting issues not in the scope of work. I've had many jobs where the contract was for the roof only and there were some cracks in the vinyl siding I noticed (and also took pictures of with the date stamped on it) during the initial inspection. Homeowner tried to pin that on me to fix it after the roof was finished. In some cases, homeowners don't notice issues until they see their brand new roof or while the house is being worked on. Other times they are definitely trying to take advantage.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Didn’t think about that one, yes they do it too!!!

[@joshpinter5214]

This just happened to me! I gaventhe guy a smoking price to get the job and gave him a great roof. There were some damage to some siding where squirrels had eaten the wood. I went ahead and did it, but I wasn't happy about it. I sent him a text letting him know it was complete. It took him to days to reply with a thank you.

[@kyleevenhouse6596]

@@joshpinter5214 I started taking pictures of the entire house during inspection for this reason. The couple times it has happened I just took care of it bc reputation is more important than the money. Had one with a crack in vinyl siding underneath an awning.. no shingle scuff mark or anything and we threw tear off directly in the dump. Barely anything even hit the ground.. how she thought a shingle could do that with the awning in the way is beyond me.. but she had some siding in her garage so all it cost me was my time. People, man.. whaddya do.. 🤷‍♂️

[@joshpinter5214]

@@kyleevenhouse6596 Agreed. I'm going to start using company cam. Extra time during inspection can save heartaches later. The funny thing is one area he knew was squirrel damage but the other he questioned but it was in the same place on the siding on a different side of the house. Again, maybe I'll get a good reference out of it. Let go and let God! 😉

[@kylexlittle]

@@joshpinter5214 We just stained a 6000 square feet home and the home owner is blaming us for scratching every single one of his windows. Taped the entire house off. Not sure what to do right now other than use my insurance.

[@jandries9053]

From a home owner perspective in a state that does not require roofers to be licensed. I completely agree, with the question of adding potential rotting wood costs to the bid. Finding bids that actually describe the work they plan to do is a nightmare. I feel homeowners are free game to rip off. I had one company try to charge me for a valley I do not have. Buyer beware in states that do not require a roofer to be licensed. You better know the types of roofs and the ways you can get ripped off from an unscrupulous roofer.

[@AKZboy2]

Thanks for the video! Fortunately here in Alaska most homeowners are pleased as punch just to find a contractor that will answer the phone and get the job done right. Therefore I don’t run into too many nitpicking homeowners.

[@raelyncoroofing6729]

Great video, man! Just turned down 3 homeowners in the last two weeks who wanted us to waive a deductible because another contractor said they would. We don’t play that game.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Good for you, what city are you in?

[@raelyncoroofing6729]

Roofing Insights, we cover Southwest of Houston, TX. Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy and a bunch of country areas.

[@martingordon5770]

thank you for the video dimitry I'm a contractor in Calgary Alberta and we've been hit by one of the biggest hails storm ever in Canada and we use to do retails work and get lots of calls due to the storm. We're not use to deal with those issues. Im having a hard time to navigate thru those point you mention. The problem I mostly have right now is with the deductibles the area that been touch are mostly Filipino community and east Indian and they do not want to pay it at all and will go for the cheaper quotes im working hours and hours and really wondering if I will see any rewards of that to many fly by night contractors that is cutting prices. any more advice you could have i will take them big thank you for all your vidéos it does help a lot.

[@Heisrisen237]

As a homeowner I needed to replace my roof, a friend of a friend (who was a really nice guy) came and measured my house, saw some damages and started an insurance claim. I signed contract papers and without me asking, he told me he would not charge me the deductible. Next day I was just not comfortable with the idea of not paying the deductible so I read the contract’s fine print, I had signed of all the benefits, payments and pro-seeds to the roofing company. I had less than 24hrs to cancel the contract. I was able to cancel the contract and now I’m roofing my house myself. Doing 3 times a better job than any contractor. 💪🏽

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Thanks for sharing!!! What shingles did you choose for your roofing job?

[@Heisrisen237]

Roofing Insights Pro-Panel Metal roofing

[@caincolesr]

You’re not allowed to do it your self. I think that’s why there is a deductible. You can’t pay yourself the labor.

[@Heisrisen237]

@@caincolesr I already did it like that. But I don’t recommend it. Just hire a good ethical roofer, I overspent myself with tools and unforeseen mistakes.

[@jbwjr54]

I would like to ask question if I may. Have you ever heard of a roofing job and a solar array installation being included in one contract so as to receive the 26% tax credit on the roof as well as the solar array? I ask because the solar contract included the replacement of the roof in conjunction with the installation of the solar array? I have a contractor that wants to do that, in which I would be able to get the credit on not only the roof replacement, but also the solar array that I’m installing. Please advise.

[@ivtec845]

I have had several requests for a pumped up invoice. No thanks if it's a 7k job and you want an invoice for 9k sure just pay me another 2k 😂🤣

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Exactly

[@craigw4644]

Home owner, enjoyed your video. I like straight shooters. Not sure where you're located, I'm looking for a value roofer in Cape Coral, FL.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

We have some good recommendations in your area: roofinginsights.com/directory

[@austinbrooks965]

The best way to keep the customer from wasting your time and going with another contractor after you’ve already done 90% of the legwork is get them to sign a contingency agreement!!!! Becca Switzer taught me this one ;) nobody deserves to work for free!!!

[@DQ-su6qf]

Many years ago I wrote a letter to an insurance company on behalf of the homeowner only to have her go with another roofer..I called her when I saw her roof was done a couple of weeks later to let her know I was under the impression she was going to use me..I also gave her Certainteeds reps phone number & informed her the roofer installed the presidential shingles wrong & that the warranty would be voided..

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Unfortunately happens all the time

[@sittinherenow]

An insurance claim to repair storm damages is NOT and never was structured for homeowners to make money.......only to get the repairs done from a quality and credentialed contractor. And the insurance companies DO have structure to follow.......or else the homeowner/policy owner does NOT receive the full benefits written into the policy. Besides.......it's called FRAUD and against the law.

[@alexd702]

Yup #2 comes around a lot

[@EdStaniszewski]

I disagree with #2. I was a total noob when it came to roofing products. I did some research, watched your videos. I got a few estimates and they all used different shingles and very close in price. The last estimate i received the co. was little more professional with the written estimate and used another different shingle which you rated very good quality. Plus i know someone that used this co. and he is pleased with the work. This co. came in a few thousand less and i went with them. Is it cheating to get a few or even several estimates?

[@joehelou4640]

Hi Dimitry… who do you recommend in Hesperia, CA?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Please check directorii.com for my recommendation

[@kylekoverola8654]

This is the second best video you ever made. 2 In one day, pretty good!!!

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

What’s was the first one?

[@kylekoverola8654]

Women in roofing industry

[@justinblain1125]

Can you answer some of our questions as follows. I notice when I ask a question it just gets a like!. I promise you would get more people liking and commenting, alot of people just watch and move on

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

We are trying to answer as fast as we can but usually it takes little time, at first we like comments but we come back later and reply to most comments. If you go to older videos we replied to many comments. Sometimes I will spend 2-3 hours in a row on weekend just replying to comments

[@jandries9053]

Don’t you just add cost per sheet of plywood and cost per linear foot for any rotting wood that mar be discovered in the contract?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Yes you can, but home owners still can play a game they didn’t know

[@charlesg7926]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 Yup, paint contractor here, they do this stuff with us all the time for exterior wood replacement. Even though we have an exact cost per piece specified in writing in the contract, they’ll claim they didn’t read it, didn’t see it, etc etc

[@gen-X-trader]

i see a lot of contractors in here. you have to realize. what people are after is keeping as much money in their pocket as possible and getting a decent job. we don't care about your family. your friends or if you even wake up tomorrow. it IS an adversarial conversation. you can't sulk when people look to drive you down. if you have good service and a good product with reasonable rates people notice that. if you aren't calling back, explaining or really showing you know your subject people will grill you. contractors are famous for "not having time" and blowing off calls, questions and so on.

[@DAVID-jf8tj]

hi broo .. a question can you activate the subtitles in spanish?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Yes we can!!!

[@DAVID-jf8tj]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 You tried to put the subtitles in Spanish but your Video is not active

[@CGW116A]

How about a video on 10 ways contractors cheat homeowners...?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

7 Ways Roofing Contractors Cut Corners | How to Hire a Roofer kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ2lYqypiNOZoLM

[@bigdog1761]

Oh yeah

[@KrazyKajun602]

How about doing 10 ways a contractor cheats a homeowner? 1. doubling the cost of material and think a homeowner would not know. 2. wasting a homowner's time by not answering emails or calls for questions. 3. all contractors should give a itemized cost of all work to perform instead of just a single quote. I will update more as I think of them.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

7 Ways Roofing Contractors Cut Corners | How to Hire a Roofer / @Roofing Insights kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ2lYqypiNOZoLM

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

Contractors also cheat ordering and extra 10 to 30 bundles of shingles that homeowners pay for. Then at end of job, roofer returns them to the store at around $30 per bundle and get back $300 to $1000 and pocket that money which should be return it to homeowner who paid for them.

[@topdownroofing7648]

How do I get in touch with you

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Text me 612-558-4881, Dmitry

[@leeave17]

On the public adjuster side it the same when we finish a job the homeowner always ask me for restoration discounts wtf? I'm a public adjuster. And some ask for a discount when we finish work it might take 6 months to get a approved It all the same everywhere

[@tonyowens6802]

Explain that bigger invoice to the IRS…

[@GarciaConcreteLLC]

I had a customer he want me to do more things and those things there were not on the estimate and I make the mistake not letting him know that it was going to cost more! then when I give him the invoice he said I thought those things were going to be free😬 it was concrete work

[@jasmina7001]

Definitely explain to customers of any change orders will be an extra cost of $$$$

[@academyroofingconstruction547]

A homeowner gave my guys Gatorade once and wanted a $400 discount - I gave him $20 for the Gatorade and ice 🙂

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

What did he want $400 discount for?

[@academyroofingconstruction547]

Roofing Insights for taking them drinks

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Wow, they wanted to get paid for resse king Gatorade. That’s some expensive Gatorade!

[@spiketaterman5181]

that's some damn good gatorade!

[@Viliukas11]

Point 6. Write in detail in your proposal what material and specifications and labor description. Had couple times when cheeke home owner won't pay because they thought or expected this or that. In the end nobody wins because attorney fees are big and you loose time:)

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Great point. Have seen it too. It’s scary to install wrong underlayment because what follows is underpayment

[@sceptreuser]

I really have no trust for insurance companies nor roofers. This industry, all ways , HomeOwners & Contractors & Insurance Companies, and Roofing Shingles Suppliers, are in web of mistrust. Only the insurance companies get off without financial loss. You can't blame a homeowner for trying to pull one past the contractor or insurance company. I knew an engineer, who took portions of his days off his job, to supervise his house being built, watching for shortcuts being taken, and were lots. Cost his career a bit but he got a better house built. Subcontractors (which most roofers use when needed) are the worst. Roofing contractor says, not my problem that was So&So subcontractor (that he hired), Homeowner, Yes but I don't have a deal with Subcontractor, I'm paying you, my deal is with you (to contractor). Subcontractor says to Homeowner, I'm not in charge...circle of BS. Dmitry I like your message, it would be nice if we all could be honourable, but this is not the reality. HomeOwners, in the end - you are going to be the loser (you can't pass the buck to anyone) , the insurance co , will win, everyone else is just using the situation to make a buck. Screw and Move on. So yes I've been screwed by contractors, insurance, subcontractors and shingle guarantees. So, Don't be afraid to write 2 checks for half the job, and allow one to bounce, it's the only way a contractor will come back and pay attention to his crappy job, or his subcontractors bad job, pay him eventually, or don't if the situatiuon is that bad. Or you take the honourable route as Dmitry is requesting, in many cases it will work out fine, in other cases you're just going to get screwed. My Father and Law, was Honorable, cost him $50,00 on a metal roof, and a trip to court. Contractor lost, but had the 50K. But he filed for Bankruptcy, Poof Money magically disappeared. But metal roofer started up again later. Wanted to provide my Father in Law the roof, to let him off the hook, that however was 3 years after the agreed delivery date. Roofer's recourse , possibly a lien, homeowners recourse, none.

[@MrTop419]

👊🏻

[@TheGunner9545]

Please, Contractors have been ripping off customers since the beginning of time. Ill rip you off anytime I can. 30k for a roofing job that takes 2 days to do, because thats fair.

[@marypenebaker898]

You're the hometown Small Businesses. What homeowners are covered for is "Acts of God, nature, unpredictable damage to any thing to do with the construction of dwelling. Sewage and water underground to the City. The street. In a place where there is snow but not snow pack ice damning can cost so much damage. Don't even know you have a leak and kill the spring comes by summer your roof your sheetrock is coming through your roof and ruining your carpet you can't keep a bucket and guess what that's considered bull crap because we should have fixed those little things ourselves. So I tell you what we've had these contractors you talk about but it wasn't contract ors it was huge contracting companies who subcontracted out the carpet installers the sheetrock repair people the people who painted it as well as they had their own crew of workers who didn't speak English so you didn't even mess with them anyway for the roof. They came in they were gone the next day you got to pick your colors and they did an outstanding job. And let me tell you the people who give us crap about the repairs on the inside are our own insurance agent s when we file a claim. So when the tables are turned we don't have to bring them a three estimates that you will make us pay for because I'm not going to get your business anyway because everybody can outbid me that cheats me. We are the little people sure just like you if you can't stand up to these insurance companies and these corrupt people these huge construction contractors need I say more who probably file bankruptcy on all those deductibles they promise to pay but they swept again because they don't need to set up shop here do they we're all good for the next 30 years. And by the way I would wonder if you have the good kindness to pay your employees you know Hammer swingers an actual livable age with health benefits etc. Or can you not afford that because you're outbid? Out of the little people between you and us you are the only one who can lobby and make a stand for us until then take our hand out because of your incredible hardship through the coronavirus. Might be free for you with pretty good interest rates but it's costing me my future.

[@wg3344]

100 Ways Contractors Cheat Homeowners.

[@instajobprodangeloslist8839]

ITS FUNNY YOU BRING THIS UP., please check out my video about D'Angelo's List