Just wrapped up getting my roof redone, and now I'm at the stage of going through the final invoice. Usually, I start by comparing the invoice line-by-line with the original estimate, checking for any surprise charges or discrepancies. Then I verify materials listed match what was actually used (you know, just to be safe). Finally, I double-check the math—because mistakes happen, right? Wondering if there's a smarter or quicker way to do this, or maybe something important I'm overlooking...
You're definitely covering the basics well. A couple extra things I'd suggest:
- Check warranty details closely—sometimes invoices list different warranty terms than initially promised.
- Look for disposal fees or cleanup charges that weren't clearly mentioned upfront. Those can sneak in.
- Verify labor hours if they're itemized. Occasionally, I've seen inflated labor charges slip through.
- Also, if your roofer subcontracted any part of the job, make sure those subcontractor fees align with your original agreement.
Your approach is solid overall—just adding these points might help catch anything subtle that could otherwise slip by.
"Look for disposal fees or cleanup charges that weren't clearly mentioned upfront. Those can sneak in."
Good catch on this one—I learned the hard way after a storm repair. Thought everything was covered, then bam... surprise cleanup fee showed up. You're definitely ahead of the game by double-checking now.
Are these cleanup fees always hidden, though? When I got my roof done recently, the contractor actually mentioned disposal costs upfront. Maybe it's more about who you're hiring or how clearly you ask about it beforehand? I'm skeptical that it's always a sneaky charge—could just be poor communication or assumptions on both sides. Has anyone tried directly asking contractors to itemize everything beforehand to avoid surprises? Seems like that might clear things up.
In my experience, contractors who provide detailed itemization upfront tend to have fewer billing issues later. Clear communication about disposal and cleanup fees beforehand definitely reduces misunderstandings—it's less about hidden charges and more about transparency from the start.