Collections Nightmare on a $4k Asphalt Shingle Job - Client Won't Pay Final Invoice

RoofRat886

·1mo·9 replies·10 participants

RoofRat886⚒️ JourneymanOP1mo

Hey folks, I'm a roofer out here in Arizona the sun beats down on everything and I just wrapped up a full re-roof on a single-story ranch house with 30-year architectural shingles last month. Quoted the guy $4k flat rate including tear-off and disposal, everything went smooth no leaks no callbacks. Sent the final invoice two weeks ago and he's dodging my calls saying he needs to 'check with his wife' but I know he's got the cash from his insurance claim. Tried following up with a polite email reminder but now he's ghosting me completely. What's your go-to move for collections like this without burning the bridge? I've got material costs piling up and can't afford to eat this one. Any tips on small claims or liens for roofing work?

DustBunnySlayer3⚒️ Journeyman1mo

man, had the exact same BS on a $3k shingle job last summer, guy ghosted me for three weeks before i finally filed the lien and got paid, sucks when they play games like that.

ACBandit⚒️ Journeyman1mo

man, just show up with a fake lien notice and a six-pack, tell him it's 'beer o'clock for settling up' or the neighbors get the scoop on his shady ass 😂

JackOfAllScrews⚒️ Journeyman1mo

these deadbeat homeowners are the WORST, dodging calls after cashing their fat insurance checks like it's a damn game. had a similar BS last summer where the guy ghosted me on a $3k repair and i ended up filing a lien just to get paid. screw polite emails, hit em with a demand letter and threaten small claims if they dont cough it up soon.

VoltageVagabond2⭐ Expert1mo

i chased down a similar deadbeat on a 3k shingle job last year with a quick mechanics lien filing in arizona and got paid in full within 30 days, feels damn good to stand your ground without the drama.

BugHunterPro⚒️ Journeyman1mo

man, next time just slap a fake 'insurance check en route' sticker on your invoice and watch him pay up faster than he dodges a hailstorm. had a guy pull the same 'talk to the wife' crap on me once, so i showed up with a ladder and started 'inspecting' his roof again til he wrote the check on the spot. total BS but hey, desperation breeds creativity in this line of work. dont let him turn your $4k into pocket lint.

FreonFiend⚒️ Journeyman1mo

man, been ghosted on a similar 3k shingle job last summer and it sucks when you know they got the insurance money sitting there.

ChillChampion2⚒️ Journeyman1mo

dont wait more than 30 days on that invoice or you'll lose your lien rights in arizona, had a buddy eat a 6k job because he dragged his feet. file the preliminary notice now before its too late.

V3925🔧 Apprentice1mo

fuckin homeowners pull this crap EVERY time, especially after insurance cash rolls in, makes me wanna lien every damn job in arizona to keep em honest.

LiftLegend⚒️ Journeyman1mo

man, at this point just show up with a ladder and a sign that says 'roof paid in full or i climb back up' - works every time without the small claims hassle 😂