Arriving late this afternoon, my third bidder came over. I was immediately impressed with him as he began explaining exactly what he would be checking for once he got up on my roof. (He also had one of the cleanest trucks that I have ever seen...which has nothing to do with the roofing job, but it still had a positive impact on me!!) I also liked the fact that he wasn't afraid to get up on my roof (see previous post)!
When he finished his inspection, he spoke in detail to me about what needed to be done and how his company would handle the job from beginning to end. He then handed me a packet of papers with the bid on the top sheet. While still costly, his amount was almost $2,000.00 less than the first bid. Everything was completely spelled out and itemized on his estimate. The other sheets were proof of the company's liability insurance, their business license, and a Better Business Bureau Reliability Report.
Wow...I'm actually starting to feel a little positive.
Just to be safe, I checked out several of the references that he gave me...and everyone I called was quite pleased with their roofs. The company passed with flying colors. So far, so good...
So, as soon as I talk with my accountant and figure out some creative financing (!) for this expensive, but obviously necessary job, I think that I may actually be getting a new roof over my head!
*whew*
3 comments:
You can save some money if you do the "tear off" yourself, which you would do by renting a dumpster and then hiring a crew of Hispanic day laborers to do the "tear off." They'd have it done in a couple of days, and they'd do it for $100/day each man. With the dumpster, it'd be done for under $1,000. Ask the nice guy how much of his bid is for the "Tear off."
Your only caveat: make sure your homeowner's insurance covers work comp injuries for casual laborers.
Bertsky,
Maybe you would like to come to Bham and take care of all of this for me? You could be the foreman. Check with the wifey and let me know. : )
I do believe that soome things are better left to the professionals...but, I do, as always, appreciate your suggestions.
Have a nice day!
One more suggestion...not that this is a concern of yours but it is for me: I want to know that a company is current on their bills and obligations to the GOV. Our town has a business journal that prints status of tax accounts, employee taxes, etc.
I applaud Berts suggestion to find out how much of the bid is tear off and see about recruiting day labor for that. Our neighbor's house took two days to tear off and one day to re-put. I'm happy that my son-in-law is a roofer for whenever my roof needs doing, I'm planning for the mother-in-law discount.. Probably an additional 25%!!! Thanks for the new pics of Owen too!!
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