If someone’s asking for half up front just to buy shingles, it makes me wonder how stable their business really is.
I've run into this a few times managing rentals—one crew wanted 60% before they'd even delivered materials. They said it was standard, but that felt risky. I usually push for a line-item estimate and only release funds as milestones are hit. Still, even with clear terms, I've had to chase down leftover nails in the grass for weeks... seems like that's just part of the process.
That upfront payment thing threw me too when I started getting quotes. One guy wanted half just to “hold my spot”—didn’t even mention materials. I ended up going with someone who just asked for a small deposit and then payments as stuff got done. Still found nails in the flowerbeds, though… guess that’s universal. Has anyone actually had a crew do a perfect cleanup? I’m starting to think it’s a myth.
Still found nails in the flowerbeds, though… guess that’s universal. Has anyone actually had a crew do a perfect cleanup? I’m starting to think it’s a myth.
Yeah, I’m convinced the “perfect cleanup” is like Bigfoot—everyone’s heard of it, nobody’s actually seen it. Last time I had my roof done (went with recycled shingles, which was a whole other adventure), I swear I was still finding nails months later. Even found one in my shoe... inside the house. At this point, I just consider it part of the charm.
I hear you on the nails—after my last roof job (asphalt, Midwest, lots of wind), I got so tired of stepping on stray nails that I picked up a magnetic sweeper from Harbor Freight. Not exactly cheap, but it paid for itself in tetanus shots avoided. Here’s what I do now: after the crew leaves, I go over the whole yard, driveway, and flowerbeds with the magnet. Then I check again a week later, because somehow more always turn up. It’s like they multiply when you’re not looking.
I’ve also learned to ask the crew to do a final walk-through with me before they pack up. Doesn’t catch everything, but at least it shows them you’re paying attention. Still, I’m convinced some nails are just determined to become part of the landscape. Maybe in a few years, I’ll have enough for a modern art sculpture... or a new roof.
Nails are the bane of every roofer’s existence, I swear. No matter how careful you are, they find a way to sneak off and hide in the grass or driveway cracks. I’ve had customers call me months later saying they found another one, and I’m just as baffled as they are. Magnetic sweepers help, but it’s like playing whack-a-mole—get rid of a bunch, and somehow more show up after a rain or when you mow.
I always tell folks, if you’re getting a new roof, expect to find a few strays for a while. It’s not that crews are careless (well, most aren’t), but those little guys bounce everywhere when you’re ripping off old shingles. I’ve even seen them stuck in the tread of my own boots and end up in my truck bed.
The walk-through is a good idea. I actually appreciate when homeowners want to do that with me—it keeps everyone honest and on the same page. Sometimes I’ll even bring my own magnet and do a sweep together. Still, there’s always that one nail that manages to escape detection until you step on it barefoot at 6am taking out the trash...
Honestly, if you ever figure out how to get every last nail, let me know. Maybe there’s some kind of “nail homing beacon” technology waiting to be invented. Until then, I guess we’ll just keep collecting them for future art projects or—like you said—a backup roof fund.
On the payment schedule side of things (since that’s what this thread started with), I’ve noticed some folks get nervous about paying before every last nail is gone. Can’t blame them, but sometimes it takes Mother Nature a week or two to shake loose the last few from the gutters or flowerbeds. I usually recommend holding back a small portion until after the final sweep and walk-through—just seems fair for both sides.
Anyway, here’s hoping your next roof job leaves fewer souvenirs in your lawn.