Roof Replacement (Bait & Switch?)

[Andre' Arceneaux]

I recently entered into a contract with a roofer through my PM company and I have some concerns. I have yet to receive the contract (received the estimate) for which Ij paid half ($4500) to start the job, though I have asked the PM for it on many occasions. Roofer started teardown and tells PM that they were unaware that there were 4 levels (2 shingle, 2 wood), and PM states that roofer explains there will be an increased cost.

I advise that I had a roofer who gave an estimate just two mos ago and could tell there were 4 without a teardown (emailed them the estimate showing this) .. Roofer was supposed to call me to talk about the specifics, yet has not called me (to this point).

How should I approach this?? He already has gotten half the job out of me and started, yet I am unsure what I can do with respect to this price gouge??

(1040 sq ft shingle roof, ranch style home in Akron, OH)

[BOB CRANEY]

Your price seems high. If you are not working with subs you have experience with and you are working thru a PM there is always a high chance you will over pay. Most times the PM get a % of the job so very little incentive on them to get the best price for you.  You also want to make sure they are not getting some other kind of kickback from the subcontractor. If you are not local you should insist on getting at least 3 quotes on work that costs more than $1000. Perhaps you could hire a local building inspector to stop by the job several times and get up on the roof and get you some pics. Lots of roofers have flat pricing for a square (100 sqft) of shingles including a single layer tearoff. I always want my roofer to have actually looked at the job to determine how many layers need to come off. The only thing they cant see is damaged plywood and that is usually quoted as and extra with a cost of $X per sheet that needs to be replaced.