In What Situation Will I Have to Make a Down Payment on My Roof?
As previously mentioned, a down payment is pretty common practice in the roofing industry, even on non specialty jobs. But there will be times when you can be certain that you will make a down payment. For instance, if you choose specialty roofing materials for your project, your roofer is highly likely to require a deposit. At Linta Roofing we ask for a deposit on specialty roofing jobs because the materials are more expensive and difficult to return than shingles. Some examples of specialty materials are special order shingles, metal or tile. For these projects we ask for a down payment because if you change your mind about having us complete your roofing project the down payment will at least cover the material costs. This deposit can be between 30% to 50% of the cost of the roofing project.
On the other hand, if you have a project that will take over a week to complete, you may be asked to make progress payments. Progress payments will cover materials and labor as the project continues. Contractors typically pay their labor workers each week, this ensures that the people completing the work on your home are paid at the appropriate time. If you are having a shingle roof replacement, it is unlikely to last more than 1-2 days, meaning it’s unlikely you’d be asked to make progress payments.
What Should Happen Before I Make My First Down Payment on My Roof?
If your roofing materials are not being ordered right away, it is unreasonable for a roofer to ask you for a down payment. If a roofer asks for a down payment but your materials are not being ordered for weeks, it should make you question why they need the money right away.
This ensures that you see what you’re paying for and helps provide you with some proof that the contractor intends to complete the project in full. You’ll definitely want to take note of what your roofer has done prior to making a down payment. Looking at these things can give you an idea of whether your roofer is “robbing Peter to pay Paul” so to speak.
Ensuring the Down Payment on Your Roof is Used Appropriately
An unstable business may use funds from previous projects to start new roofing projects. When a roofing company is having trouble staying afloat, they may collect deposits to front other jobs. Not only is this practice questionable, it also tells you that your roofer may not be totally organized in the way they run their business.
At the end of the day, a roof is a vital component of your home. You want to know that your roof has been installed properly by a roofing company that completes honest business dealings. Now that you know some of the subtle signs to look out for regarding your down payment, you may want to look into other contractor scams to avoid. This can include a roofer covering your insurance deductible or providing you with a significantly lower roofing estimate than other contractors.
And if you find yourself with additional questions, please feel free to explore our Learning Center or give us a call. We’re here to provide you with honest answers to all your roofing questions.
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