Roofing- 5 properties- How to negotiate with roofers

[Mak K.]

I have 6 properties which got hit by the storm in Houston. My deductibles are $6K range and all properties are 2005+ build, 2000 SF +/- double story.

Location Houston TX

This is my first time working with insurance as well as roofing company. How do I negotiate with roofers. Also how do I make sure all secondary damage such as gutters, siding, windows etc are covered and accounted in insurance claim. What would be the best strategy? Tips/advice/lessons learnt?

[Matthew Crivelli]

@Mak K.

Your best bet is to get multiple quotes and do research on the roofing companies. Just because one has the best price doesn't mean its going to be the cheapest in the long run. Roofers come in varying degrees of expertise.  I would narrow down to three companies, then bring the best quote to the two higher roofers and see if they are willing to beat the pricing. Also, always verify they are insured. 

[Greg Scott]

If this is an insurance claim the process is very different than hiring a roofer during normal circumstances.  Most of the negotiation will be with the insurance company, not the roofer.  I've made about a dozen claims, with dollar amounts over $3M, so have some experience here.  Below is a picture from a tornado that hit one of our properties and another of a fire claim we had a year later.

I'd look to find a reputable roofer that has experience with insurance claims. The good ones will carefully document all the damage and then get the insurance company to pay for everything damaged.  Insurance payout rates are, by law, very rich, and pay significantly more than you would probably pay under normal circumstances.

Before you hire the roofer, I'd ask if they think they can cover your deductible.  On almost every roof claim we've ever had, the roofer paid our deductible. (That is completely legal although they will word it as something like a "refund for efficiencies")

They will need to look over your policy.  Many insurers have started slipping in language that excludes certain coverages on roofing material.  (They got tired of paying out every time a hail storm hit.)   After a recent fire, we learned the shingles were not covered.  Fortunately, the claim was over $1M so there was enough money to pay for the roof even if it was not explicitly covered.  How much will end up coming out of your pocket will ultimately depend on the coverages and exclusions you have.

Good luck.

[Jerry V.]

@Greg S: In Texas, they wrote a law specifically stating that the property owner must show proof that the Deductible amount is/has been paid.  Sure, there are always "ways" to do things but... must be careful and if there are any issues or hiccups, someone will definitely get in trouble!

You should, get quotes from local Roofers there, that have longevity in the area but that you do NOT hear on the radio, see on TV, etc! :)  And get this/these quotes for ONE of the properties... once you narrow it down to 1-2 roofers, THEN approach them to say something to the point of ... "I like your proposal but I have a question, I have 4 other properties to do as well. If you write a quote for those for me, is there a deal to be made for doing all 5 of them!?"  And see where that takes you!  "I/we" certainly work deals on multiple properties! :P
w/ J's Roofing - Richardson, TX

[Nathan Gesner]

In my experience, the insurance adjuster is the one who identifies damage and determines what needs to be repaired/replaced, then the roofer is hired to complete that work. As others have said, I would stick with local, reputable roofing companies and not the pass-through companies that offer to do it cheap.

[Courtney Duong]

Quote from @Mak K.:

I have 6 properties which got hit by the storm in Houston. My deductibles are $6K range and all properties are 2005+ build, 2000 SF +/- double story.

Location Houston TX

This is my first time working with insurance as well as roofing company. How do I negotiate with roofers. Also how do I make sure all secondary damage such as gutters, siding, windows etc are covered and accounted in insurance claim. What would be the best strategy? Tips/advice/lessons learnt?

 PM me and I will share the good roofer I just found this week.

[Jerel Ehlert]

Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

In my experience, the insurance adjuster is the one who identifies damage and determines what needs to be repaired/replaced, then the roofer is hired to complete that work. As others have said, I would stick with local, reputable roofing companies and not the pass-through companies that offer to do it cheap.

 My only clarification would be is that the adjuster identifies damage the carrier is willing to pay for repairs.

[Mak K.]

Quote from @Courtney Duong:

Quote from @Mak K.:

I have 6 properties which got hit by the storm in Houston. My deductibles are $6K range and all properties are 2005+ build, 2000 SF +/- double story.

Location Houston TX

This is my first time working with insurance as well as roofing company. How do I negotiate with roofers. Also how do I make sure all secondary damage such as gutters, siding, windows etc are covered and accounted in insurance claim. What would be the best strategy? Tips/advice/lessons learnt?

 PM me and I will share the good roofer I just found this week.

 Sent you a PM

[Mak K.]

what is your guys take on hiring Public adjusters to increase amount of claim? Is it worth it? How true are public adjusters since they say or advertise they will inflate it to 80k but once you hire them ends up at not much money but their fees and associated business fees?