Replies

1. 
   sledgehammer | Apr 21, 2007 03:55am | #1

   Sure sub it out. 30 % is probably a good number.

   Now what happens:

   When they are done and the customer isn't happy?

   If the roof leaks?

   Shingle colors are mismatched?

   When a roofer takes a header into the garden?

   When moms china flys off the wall from all the banging?

    

   Actually make sure you are covered 100% before you even consider subing it out. All the homeowner knows is they are paying you to do the job right.... it's no one elses a$$ in the wringer but yours to make sure it's perfect.

2. 
   handymanvan | Apr 21, 2007 04:02am | #2

   If you have to ask, take a pass. If you do not have a trusted roofer, take a pass. If you are not insured, take a pass. Roofs can deal you a major hit, either way.

   Nobody is as good as they seem, nobody is as bad as they seem either.
1. 
   redtoolbox | Apr 21, 2007 04:12am | #3

   Thanks fellas. Say no more. -red

3. 
   Schelling | Apr 21, 2007 03:50pm | #4

   We do the roofs on the houses we build from scratch or we sub them out. We have a couple of good roofers depending on what type of roof is called for.

   We would not sub out a roof for a homeowner unless the work was a small part of the overall job. The liability is too much, the insurance problems are indeterminate and the added cost to the homeowner is large. We simply give referrals to the roofing companies that we occasionally use.

   Maybe you can work out a referral fee from the roofer. We don't.

4. 
   Hudson Valley Carpenter | Apr 21, 2007 07:08pm | #5

   Here's another scenario, one that I use with friends who want help in a similar situation.   You can ask her if she'd like some professional assistance in finding a competent roofing contractor.  If she says yes, propose an hourly fee for your services with a minimum of..say...four hours.  Then get on the phone and call around until you've got a couple, three names of reputable guys.  Call them and make appointments to look at the job and give you a bid, in the homeowner's name.  Be sure to tell them that you're acting as a paid advisor to the homeowner.  If anyone offers you a kickback or referral fee, refuse it and take that offer as a sign that his workmanship and guarantee are suspect. 

   In the end, you'll have made a fair buck and have probably found someone you can work with in the future. 

    

1. 
   redtoolbox | Apr 21, 2007 10:15pm | #6

   Great solution! thanks

5. 
   rpait | Apr 30, 2007 05:31am | #7

   If you dont deal with subs regularly then let the customer find her own roofer for steep pitches. If you sub it out make sure you supervise periodically to make sure its golden cause its your rep on the line. Id walk away from it, its the best way to keep the customer on your side.

    

   -worth exactly 2 cents!