I would find a reputable company. If answers are needed check with the local BBB.
Ten Day Hold on Checks - Suspicious
- Thread starter Bekeart
- Start date
LVSteve
Member
Yeah, they all came to Vegas in the 90s. First place I rented here needed the HVAC fixing. Contractor came down from the the attic and exclaimed that my place was the first he'd seen in that neighborhood that didn't show obvious roof issues.
GypsmJim
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If a deal has a smell, avoid it.
If a contractor comes to your house in a 25 year old truck that doesn't look safe to drive, he's not making much money and there is usually a reason why.
If you go to an auto repair shop and the service bay has broken used parts piles up along all the walls, go somewhere else.
If a contractor quotes you an astronomical price but then offers a $1000 discount when you turn him down, walk away.
These are things I have learned in the past because of jobs that went south.
If a contractor comes to your house in a 25 year old truck that doesn't look safe to drive, he's not making much money and there is usually a reason why.
If you go to an auto repair shop and the service bay has broken used parts piles up along all the walls, go somewhere else.
If a contractor quotes you an astronomical price but then offers a $1000 discount when you turn him down, walk away.
These are things I have learned in the past because of jobs that went south.
Well frankly it isn't your responsibility or your business as to how he handles his roofing company income. If you want to deal with him follow one simple rule to worry about yourself instead of him. Advance him NO money. Have an agreement in writing or verbal if you wish and pay him ONLY after the work has been done. Agree on what is to be done and the price. Scammers are everywhere these days and they sucker you in by giving you a low estimate and seem to be not overly concerned about money. Then the job seems to develop unexpected problems and takes much longer than expected and they want "draws", partial payments along the way. Never let someone get ahead of the work done in money you give them to operate on. I've learned the hard way about scammers. They are pure sociopaths with no conscience.
Rpg
Member
With today’s banking technology, transactions can occur almost instantly. It’s the exception that doesn’t.
Nevertheless, there are a lot of check scams. The well known scams often utilize the delay between physical deposit and the final transaction between the banks.
The details of these scams (often from Nigeria) are documented in the novel “I Do Not Come To You By Chance “ - an entertaining and well done novel dealing with these scams that’s well worth reading.
As a practical matter, 10 day delays in processing checks isn’t unusual.
The somewhat concerning issue is who the check is made to. Since you’re doing work on the house, mechanics liens are always an issue. You’ll want to get mechanics lien releases before you make final payment and you’ll want the releases to be made by all the entities: Nail Driver and XYZ Roofing.
Nevertheless, there are a lot of check scams. The well known scams often utilize the delay between physical deposit and the final transaction between the banks.
The details of these scams (often from Nigeria) are documented in the novel “I Do Not Come To You By Chance “ - an entertaining and well done novel dealing with these scams that’s well worth reading.
As a practical matter, 10 day delays in processing checks isn’t unusual.
The somewhat concerning issue is who the check is made to. Since you’re doing work on the house, mechanics liens are always an issue. You’ll want to get mechanics lien releases before you make final payment and you’ll want the releases to be made by all the entities: Nail Driver and XYZ Roofing.
fiasconva
Member
This may sound silly but have you Googled him or his company? There is no telling what you'll find out. It certainly can't hurt.
GypsmJim
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I have no problem with a 10 or 20% down payment to show MY level of responsibility. A contract goes without saying.
I googled myself just the other day. As a state licensed contractor, my business credentials popped up.
Apparently, my annual revenues are in the $17K range! They must be confusing my annual revenue with what I spend on guns annually.
Don't believe everything you "google."
I've been reading all this from a contractor's perspective. Here are some thoughts from my experience:
You can't just a book by the cover. This has been reinforced repeatedly over the years-both good and bad.
Maybe he's a dba and it's easier to cash checks in his name only.
Maybe he doesn't know you and he wants to cash the check at your bank (you can't cash a check made out to a business).
Maybe he gave you such a good price he needs to keep it off the books-i.e: no workers comp (about $0.55/wage dollar). If so, that's a mutually shared risk and decision.
Don't judge me by the age of my truck. My good truck is at home.
Some of the roofers with new trucks, uniforms, billboards, TV ads, etc. are the biggest crooks. I know one who's in prison right know.
Just because they say they're insured doesn't mean they are unless you have an insurance assignment in hand.
Don't think you can get quality, insured work for budget dollars. I have many customers who have hired me to fix their "budget" work. They were glad to pay me.
NEVER pay up front for a residential roof job (unless you request special order roofing). It's a three day job at most. The materials are carried on a 30 day account and he won't pay labor until they're finished-and he'll probably be cashing your check to do that.
Ask for references. Get the names of other people he's worked for and check with them. Make sure it's rained a few times since he finished their work and they're still happy.
Get an itemized construction agreement.
If it's an insurance job, let him work with your adjuster to get everything he needs covered.
You have to pay your deductible if you want to recover all the roof depreciation. Working around that is insurance fraud.
If you don't feel comfortable with him, move on. Get referrals from friends/family.
Personally, I do anything from roofing to remodeling and new construction. On most jobs, I don't get paid until completion. Sometimes I go months without a paycheck-it all depends on the job. There are some exceptions where draws are built in, but I always allow the homeowner to stay ahead of me for their comfort. If I'm not comfortable with you, I'll pass on the job.
Not everyone can do that. Some sub-contractors subsist week to week and have to be paid. It doesn't mean that the work isn't good.
In my experience, a good contractor is worth the investment. He can save you the learning experiences.
Have fun and welcome to construction.
Last edited:
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
GREAT post! Another reason to get a good contractor rather than contract it yourself to "save money" is that if it goes belly up ya gonna sue yourself?????I googled myself just the other day. As a state licensed contractor, my business credentials popped up.
Apparently, my annual revenues are in the $17K range! They must be confusing my annual revenue with what I spend on guns annually.
Don't believe everything you "google."
I've been reading all this from a contractor's perspective. Here are some thoughts from my experience:
You can't just a book by the cover. This has been reinforced repeatedly over the years-both good and bad.
Maybe he's a dba and it's easier to cash checks in his name only.
Maybe he doesn't know you and he wants to cash the check at your bank (you can't cash a check made out to a business).
Maybe he gave you such a good price he needs to keep it off the books-i.e: no workers comp (about $0.55/wage dollar). If so, that's a mutually shared risk and decision.
Don't judge me by the age of my truck. My good truck is at home.
Some of the roofers with new trucks, uniforms, billboards, TV ads, etc. are the biggest crooks. I know one who's in prison right know.
Just because they say they're insured doesn't mean they are unless you have an insurance assignment in hand.
Don't think you can get quality, insured work for budget dollars. I have many customers who have hired me to fix their "budget" work. They were glad to pay me.
NEVER pay up front for a residential roof job. It's a three day job at most. The materials are carried on a 30 day account and he won't pay labor until they're finished-and he'll probably be cashing your check to do that.
Ask for referrences. Get the names of other people he's worked for and check with them. Make sure it's rained a few times since he finished their work and they're still happy.
Get an itemized construction agreement.
If it's an insurance job, let him work with your adjuster to get everything he needs covered.
You have to pay your deductible if you want to recover all the roof depreciation. Working around that is insurance fraud.
If you don't feel comfortable with him, move on. Get referrals from friends/family.
Personally, I do anything from roofing to remodeling and new construction. On most jobs, I don't get paid until completion. Sometimes I go months without a paycheck-it all depends on the job. There are some exceptions where draws are built in, but I always allow the homeowner to stay ahead of me for their comfort. If I'm not comfortable with you, I'll pass on the job.
Not everyone can do that. Some sub-contractors are week to week and have to be paid. It doesn't mean that the work isn't good.
In my experience, a good contractor is worth the investment. He can save you the learning experiences.
Have fun and welcome to construction.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Pay nothing until the job is completed to the terms of the contract. If contractor insists on payment for materials go to the supplier and pay the supplier directly.
Find another contractor.
Find another contractor.
Rowlette
Member
I wouldn't start a Roofing or Construction job without the client having any skin in the game. All my customers knew my terms and I never had any issues.
Where I got taken is in my weatherproofing manufacturing and computer company. When the customer has your products and your hard earned assets and decide they want to take advantage of the leverage.
Laughing at Oneself and with Others is good for the Soul
Where I got taken is in my weatherproofing manufacturing and computer company. When the customer has your products and your hard earned assets and decide they want to take advantage of the leverage.
Laughing at Oneself and with Others is good for the Soul
K-22
Member
References
Get five job references in your zip code within the past year.
That, is a great way vet a contractor.
Also, it is a good idea for you, to pay the material supplier, as that elimates an possibility of material liens.
Best,
Gary
Get five job references in your zip code within the past year.
That, is a great way vet a contractor.
Also, it is a good idea for you, to pay the material supplier, as that elimates an possibility of material liens.
Best,
Gary
