Hi everyone, I'm a first-time homeowner and recently got quotes from a few roofers. One roofer quoted us $10,000 and requested either a $3,000 deposit or a check from our insurance company to get started. The insurance approved our claim but deducted for depreciation, leaving us with only $5,600. Now, the roofers want the full amount from insurance plus an extra $2,000 to start, which feels really odd to me. We haven't paid them anything yet and don't have a solid contract, just a blank form with our names on it. I'm trying to understand what's going on here. Anyone have experience with roofing contracts and insurance that can help clarify?
3 Answers
I would suggest you throw that blank contract away and look for another roofer. You should be able to find someone who can do the work within what insurance provides without having to kick in extra cash. Remember to get multiple quotes and don’t settle for confusion over money!
It definitely sounds like a confusing situation! To break it down, they initially wanted a $3,000 deposit thinking your insurance would cover the full $10,000. But once they realized you only got $5,600, they're now asking for this amount plus an extra $2,000, so you'd effectively be paying $7,600 upfront. Just keep in mind that they might be offering financing for the remaining balance. It’s super important to check the interest rates and hidden fees before agreeing. You might consider getting quotes from other companies too; you could find a better deal!
Have you paid anything yet? If not, that gives you some leverage. Just take the total roof cost, subtract what the insurance is giving you, and see what balance is left. If your roofing contract is RCV (Replacement Cost Value), you should eventually get that depreciation back once the job is done. But if they're asking for personal loans through them, that’s a huge red flag. Get a few more quotes from different roofers to compare your options!
Exactly! If they're playing games with financing, it may be time to walk away. A solid, trustworthy roofer will give you a clear plan.
Yeah, it seems fishy to me too. It's like they’re changing the rules mid-game. I'd definitely look into other roofers, especially since you've got minimal contract details here.