Roof contractors in high demand

Roof contractors in high demand

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Story Published: Nov 9, 2006 at 8:59 AM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 9, 2006 at 8:59 AM PDT

By Connie Thompson

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Local contractors say phones are ringing off the hook with people looking for help with leaks and water damage repairs.

I wanted to find out not only about the backlog, but what contractors are charging- so I made some calls and found out a lot of contractors are already booked the through the end of the week.

Here's an idea of what you're facing if you have leaks or damage at your home:

Turns out it's almost a rerun of what happened after the big winter rain storm last January. Roofing contractors, already busy with scheduled jobs, were flooded with storm-related emergency calls.

The backlog then was weeks long. It's not that bad yet.

I called roofing and leak repair contractors in the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett areas and asked, how soon can you come?

Only one said he could come out "today" and check things out. One said it would take 2 to 3 days -- maybe. (The calls were made Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon.)

Another company said 3 to 4 days. Another said it would be sometime next week. And one , already locked into pre-scheduled big jobs, said they're booked through December 28th!

If you call a roofing company for a leak repair, be aware that many will only service repairs on roofs they have installed. Having work done by a contractor other than the original roof installer can nullify your warranty.

In addition to roofing companies, there are also independent contractors and construction companies that handle leak repairs.

Here's what I got when I asked about rates:


  • One company said they charge $100 an hour plus materials.

  • Another had a $150 dollar dispatch fee that includes tarping and inspection -- then $50 an hour plus materials.

  • Another company has a basic fee of $250 for a "couple of hours to patch the leak," or time and materials if it's a bigger problem.

  • A fourth company said they charge a minimum of $350 plus tax. Then time and materials if it's a bigger job.

  • Yet another company said they come and inspect the problem the then you a quote based on the job.


You'll find the same rate differences with building and plumbing contractors. And remember: that information tells you nothing about the quality of their work.

Every year, consumer protection agencies get complains about deceptive, dishonest and even illegal contractors who take advantage of consumers in emergency situations by giving low quotes and doing haphazard or substandard work. Other complaints include over-charging.

There are many well-qualified, reputable contractors throughout the Puget Sound area, but don't just go with the first or cheapest offer or the biggest ad in the phone book.

Do what you can to prevent further damage and get referrals from people you trust.

Check registration and licensing and complaint records with the department of labor and industries.

For More Information:

www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/HireCon/default.asp

<www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/distalrt.htm

www.atg.wa.gov/consumer/contractors.shtml

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