- Totally agree on the cleanup—leftover nails are a nightmare.
- I’ve noticed some crews rush the job after storms, especially when there’s a backlog.
- On insurance, I’ve seen policies that only cover “wind damage” but not water intrusion... easy to miss in the fine print.
- Curious—has anyone had luck negotiating cleanup specifics into the contract? Or is it usually just a standard clause?
- For me, paying a bit more upfront has saved headaches later, but I still wonder if there’s a better way to guarantee thorough work.
Curious—has anyone had luck negotiating cleanup specifics into the contract? Or is it usually just a standard clause?
I’ve actually managed to get a “magnet sweep” clause written in before, but you’d think I was asking for gold-plated gutters. Most contracts just toss in a generic cleanup line, but if you’re persistent (and maybe offer coffee?), some crews will spell out exactly what’s included. Worth it, honestly—nothing like finding a nail in your tire to ruin your day. And yeah, paying a bit more upfront has saved me from chasing after crews with a magnet myself... not my favorite cardio.
Getting cleanup spelled out in the contract is honestly one of those things you don’t realize you need until you’re picking up nails out of your lawn for weeks. I’ve had crews leave behind everything from shingle bits to a half-eaten sandwich (not kidding), and the “standard” cleanup clause is usually just lip service. You’re right—if you push a little, most companies will at least agree to specifics, especially if you’re willing to pay a bit extra or just make it clear you’re not going to let it slide.
I actually had a similar experience after a hailstorm last year. The first crew I talked to acted like I was being unreasonable for asking about magnet sweeps and debris removal. Ended up going with a smaller local outfit that didn’t even blink when I asked for it in writing. Cost me maybe $150 more, but compared to the hassle (and the cost of new tires), it was worth every penny. Plus, my neighbor skipped that step and still finds roofing nails in his driveway months later.
Honestly, I think more folks should push for this stuff. Contractors are used to people just signing whatever’s put in front of them, but if you’re paying thousands for repairs, why not get exactly what you want? It’s your property at the end of the day. And yeah, it’s awkward sometimes having to spell out what “clean” means, but better than dealing with the aftermath.
If anyone’s on the fence about pushing for detailed cleanup, just do it. Worst they can say is no—or charge a bit more—but at least then you know what you’re getting into.
Couldn’t agree more about spelling out the cleanup. I’ve seen so many folks get burned by vague language—one guy I inspected for had a “cleanup included” clause, but all they did was sweep the driveway and call it good. He ended up with a yard full of nails and torn-up flower beds. Out of curiosity, has anyone actually had luck getting insurance to cover that extra cleanup cost? I’ve heard mixed things, especially after big storms when adjusters are stretched thin.
“has anyone actually had luck getting insurance to cover that extra cleanup cost?”
- Had a different experience here—my policy actually did cover debris removal after a hailstorm last year. The key was documenting *everything* with photos and itemized receipts.
- I think it comes down to how your policy is worded. Mine had a specific “debris removal” clause, not just general cleanup.
- Adjuster pushed back at first, but once I showed before/after pics and a breakdown from the contractor, they reimbursed most of it.
- Wouldn’t say it’s guaranteed, but it’s not impossible if you’re persistent and have clear documentation. It’s a pain, though...
