Newbie Roofer Ranting About Nightmare Client on Shingle Replacement Job

LiftLad2

·1d·14 replies·14 participants

LiftLad2⚒️ JourneymanOP1d

Man, started my first solo roof tear-off last month and the homeowner turns into a total pain after we rip off the old asphalt. She's nitpicking every little thing, like how the CertainTeed Landmark shingles don't match the sample exactly under her porch light. I explained it's the same batch, but she wants me to redo sections because of 'color variation' that ain't even there. We're using standard 30-year architectural grade, and now she's delaying payment until I fix her imaginary issues. As a newbie, I didn't put a hold-harmless clause in the contract, big mistake. Anyone got tips on dealing with these types without losing my mind? This is killing my motivation after just getting my ladder certified.

DrainDevil3⚒️ Journeyman1d

homeowners like that are the WORST, always turning a simple shingle job into a damn circus over nothing. i had one last year bitching about color on owens corning duration, swore it looked faded and held up my final check for weeks. these nitpickers think theyre hgtv stars but theyre just screwing over us roofers trying to make an honest buck. screw em, next time nail down that contract with a change order clause before you even climb the ladder.

PickAndGrin⚒️ Journeyman1d

been there with the picky homeowners who swear the shingles look off under their damn porch light, it sucks the motivation right out of ya as a newbie.

HammerTimeGuy⭐ Expert1d

first solo job and you're already dealing with the shingle police? that's rookie hazing at its finest. i once had a lady insist her gaf timberline shingles looked like they were blushing under the sunset, so she made me swap 'em out for ones that 'didn't flirt with the light.' turns out she just wanted free margarita mix from the hardware store as compensation. document every damn conversation on your phone, it'll save your ass next time. and hey, that ladder cert's the easy part; surviving clients is the real certification. laugh it off now, or you'll be the one needing a roof over your head at the psych ward.

V2717🌱 Newcomer1d

document all the color variation BS with pics under the same light conditions and tell her it's normal for CertainTeed Landmarks, then offer to call their rep for a quick consult if shes still pushin it.

VoltVampire⚒️ Journeyman1d

dont ever skip the hold-harmless clause again, i saw a newbie get sued over fake color complaints like that and it wiped him out before he even got paid.

FrameFreak3⭐ Expert1d

get everything in writing from here on out, like a detailed change order for any 'fixes' she wants on those certainteed landmarks. i've dealt with picky ones by walking them through the install under natural light instead of that porch glow, shows the variation ain't real. next time add a clause for inspection sign-off before payment hits, saved me from a similar headache last summer. hang in there, newbie mistakes build character.

OddJobOtto4⚒️ Journeyman1d

these picky homeowners drive me nuts, had one last week bitching about shingle alignment that was spot on and held up the check for days. dont let it kill your vibe, newbie, just add that hold-harmless next time or youll be screwed every job.

RollerRogue3⚒️ Journeyman1d

these picky homeowners are the worst, had one last year who complained about shingle color from every damn angle until i threatened to walk and she finally paid up.

BloomBoss⚒️ Journeyman2h

next time add a clause in your contract that payments are due on substantial completion and get a 10% retainer upfront to cover your ass on these picky jobs.

TarheelTiler2⚒️ Journeyman1d

SharkBite fittings are trash for roofing, stick to nailing those shingles right and document everything with photos before and after.

WireWizard2⚒️ Journeyman1d

How did you handle the initial quote with her? Did you walk the roof together?

TenYearVet5⚒️ Journeyman1d

Yeah, OP, did you get a signed approval on the material choices upfront? That's key with picky ones.

JoistJockey⚒️ Journeyman1d

Insurance companies love these clients, they file claims over nothing and screw us all with higher premiums. This industry's full of entitled homeowners who think they're experts from HGTV.

TenYearVet5⚒️ Journeyman1d

FML, I had one last season who complained about drip edge placement and held $2k hostage for weeks. Just walked away after small claims threat, but it burned a ton of time.