- Glad you found a good one... they're out there, just takes patience.
- You're spot on about reviews—helpful, but not the whole story. I've inspected homes where the owners chose contractors with perfect ratings, yet still ended up with leaks or shoddy flashing.
- Your point about clear expectations is key. Can't count how many times I've seen misunderstandings because folks assumed something was included when it wasn't.
- Always good to see someone have a positive experience though, gives hope to others still searching.
Totally agree about reviews—they're helpful but can also be misleading. Had a friend who hired a roofer with stellar ratings, and they still ended up with a mess around the chimney flashing. Honestly, I think sometimes people leave glowing reviews just because the crew was friendly or punctual, not necessarily because they did a quality job. That's why it's crucial to ask detailed questions upfront... and even better if you can see their previous work firsthand. Glad your patience paid off though, gives me hope for my next project.
Yeah, reviews can definitely be hit or miss. I've seen similar situations where a company had amazing ratings, but when I checked their actual work, it was pretty average at best. One thing I've learned managing properties is to always ask for references from recent jobs—ideally something similar to what you're planning. Then actually call those references and ask specific questions like, "Did they stick to the timeline?", "How did they handle unexpected issues?", or "Was the cleanup thorough afterward?". It might feel a bit awkward at first, but most people are happy to share their experiences.
Also, if possible, try to swing by a current job site they're working on. You can learn a lot just by observing how organized and professional the crew is in action. Glad you found someone reliable though... it's always such a relief when you finally land on a good contractor.
Those are solid tips, especially about checking references. But honestly, dropping by a current job site might not always give you the full picture. I've seen crews who look super organized and professional on-site, but behind the scenes, they're cutting corners or using cheaper materials than promised. It's not always obvious just from watching them work.
Instead, I'd suggest asking the contractor directly about the materials they're planning to use—brands, warranties, etc. Then do a quick Google search or ask around to see if those materials are decent quality. Also, make sure the contract clearly specifies exactly what's included. I've seen situations where homeowners assumed cleanup or disposal was part of the deal, only to find out later it wasn't.
Glad you found someone reliable though... good contractors are worth their weight in gold these days.
You're spot-on about the materials and contract specifics. I've inspected plenty of roofs that looked fantastic from street-level, only to find out later they skimped on underlayment or flashing—stuff most homeowners wouldn't even notice until there's a leak down the line. Dropping by a job site can give you a feel for their work ethic, sure, but it definitely doesn't tell the whole story.
One thing I'd add is to ask directly about ventilation systems they're planning to install. Proper attic ventilation is critical for the lifespan of your roof, and it's often overlooked or done incorrectly. Had one client whose contractor skipped proper venting entirely—looked great at first glance, but ended up costing him big time in mold remediation later on.
Anyway, glad you found someone trustworthy. It feels like they're getting harder and harder to come by these days...
