"I've had situations where everything checked out on paper, but something just felt off when we talked face-to-face."
Couldn't agree more with this. As a home inspector, I've seen plenty of cases where homeowners ignored their instincts and regretted it later. Paperwork and references are important, sure, but they're just part of the puzzle. If something feels off during your conversation, slow down, ask more questions, or even get a second opinion. Trusting your gut can save you a lot of headaches down the road...
Good points here. A few quick thoughts from dealing with storm damage claims:
- Paperwork can look perfect, but it's not everything—seen plenty of "great on paper" contractors who cut corners later.
- If your roofer recommends a network you've never heard of, ask specifically about their storm damage experience. Roofing after storms is a different beast...
- And yeah, gut feelings matter. If something feels sketchy, it usually is. Better safe than sorry, right?
Solid advice overall, especially about trusting your gut. I've had contractors who looked amazing on paper but ended up ghosting halfway through a job—fun times. Still, I'd say don't dismiss a network just because it's unfamiliar. Sometimes smaller or newer groups hustle harder to build their rep. Just grill them a bit on specifics and ask for recent storm-related references. If they're legit, they'll have no problem providing those details.
"Sometimes smaller or newer groups hustle harder to build their rep."
True, smaller outfits sometimes go the extra mile—had one crew show up with donuts every morning. Roof turned out great, but my waistline...not so much. Definitely second asking for recent storm jobs though, that's clutch.
Yeah, smaller crews can be great value, especially if you're budget-conscious. Had a similar experience—no donuts sadly—but they were meticulous about cleanup and even fixed some flashing issues without extra charge. Always smart to verify storm experience though...cheap doesn't mean much if it leaks later.
