Newbie Roofer Ranting About Nightmare Client on GAF Timberline Shingle Replacement Job

So I'm in north jersey, zone 5 winters are brutal on roofs, and I just wrapped up this GAF Timberline HDZ shingle replacement on a 2,000 sq ft colonial that shoulda been a quick 3-day job for $12k. Client kept changing her mind mid-project, first wanting ridge vents added then scrapping it for some fancy copper flashing that wasn't in the quote, adding $2,500 outta pocket. By day 4, her HOA inspector shows up nitpicking every nail placement, and she starts yelling about delays while I'm up there in the freezing wind. Nearly slipped off the ladder rushing to fix a minor tear that wasn't even my fault, heart pounding like crazy. PSA guys, always get every change order in writing or you'll eat the cost and stress. 2 years in the trade and this one's got me questioning if residential's worth it. Edit: she finally paid but docked $500 for 'aesthetic issues' that were her additions.

SharkBite fittings behind walls? Nah, that's for plumbers chasing easy money, roofers know real work means no shortcuts like that crap.

Haha, sounds like my last job where the client wanted 'eco-friendly' shingles but flipped when I quoted the premium price. Ended up with her dog chasing me across the scaffolding, nearly caused a real fall.

Man, these homeowners think they can micromanage every trade now with their google searches. We're all getting screwed by the same entitled BS, time to union up or something.

Damn, north jersey clients are the worst for that HOA drama. Been there, lost a full day to their BS inspections last winter.