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I have tried to experiment a little with group rates in the past and I think it is a great idea (win-win for customers and reputable contractors). Also, it ensures quality from us contractors as we will want to make sure everyone is extremely satisfied so we can stay in the neighborhood's good graces....the only problem I have had is that it really only ends up being a few houses willing to pay for the work in the same relative timeframe (such as a new roof or HVAC replacement on outdated inefficient units). Most prefer to only do it when it is absolutely necessary (multiple leaks beyond small repairs or HVAC unit totally stops working and repair is expensive). Then the deep discount hurts the contractor in the end because you will have filled your time with a handful of jobs that are paying much less then the handful you could have filled at your normal rate required to run your company.
Shingle prices today are more than we have EVER paid in my entire lifetime (with the exception after Hurricane Hugo, Fran, Andrew and Katrina where some suppliers went to jail for gouging).
There are economies to be shared even if TWO neighbors re-roof at the same time (and we share these savings between both customers.)
What you are suggesting routinely happens when we work for a customer on a street or cul-de-sac where the homes are of similar age and a neighbor or two approach us for the same service. EVERYBODY WINS!
Please use caution concerning payments. Always pay for work (or in some cases materials) that are "in place". Never pay "up front" for any construction-related service. The only exception is for a special ordered item that is not returnable. Custom materials that are created for a specific customer are owned by the customer, even if they change their mind later.
We have worked with apartment complexes, home owner associations, neighbors on the same street, and management companies for multiple re-roofs simultaneously to enjoy volume purchasing (shingles by the tractor trailer load shipped directly from the manufacturer), volume labor discounts, direct shipments on fasteners, and even discounts on landfill fees, etc.
Such a project requires detailed project management and coordination with all parties to achieve maximum benefit. The bottom line here is that everyone enjoys the savings! Check the roofer's written labor warranty. Short warranties are of no benefit. Why shouldn't the labor warranty last as long as the material warranty? Get EVERYTHING in writing to protect yourself from problems later.
J Trent - how come I never heard back from you about a quote? Did you consider my house too small?
I have tried to experiment a little with group rates in the past and I think it is a great idea (win-win for customers and reputable contractors). Also, it ensures quality from us contractors as we will want to make sure everyone is extremely satisfied so we can stay in the neighborhood's good graces....the only problem I have had is that it really only ends up being a few houses willing to pay for the work in the same relative timeframe (such as a new roof or HVAC replacement on outdated inefficient units). Most prefer to only do it when it is absolutely necessary (multiple leaks beyond small repairs or HVAC unit totally stops working and repair is expensive). Then the deep discount hurts the contractor in the end because you will have filled your time with a handful of jobs that are paying much less then the handful you could have filled at your normal rate required to run your company.
You're right -- the problem with this is getting everyone to agree to get the work done within the same time frame. It's one thing to get mulch delivered this way, as that is a pretty easy check for people to write. But a $4-$9k roof is an entirely different matter.
I've set this type of thing up for a few of the HOAs I manage. You really should bring this up to your board and HOA manager- they could help you (recommending vendors, mailing the notices, etc.)
For roofs, I'd suggest getting two or three vendors to bid based on square footage of roof to be replaced. Make sure each vendor providing a bid has auto, liability, and worker's comp insurance. Make sure folks know that they are not required to use one of the bidding vendors.
The best roofer I've worked with in the Triangle is Will Hayes with Roofwerks.
For roofs, I'd suggest getting two or three vendors to bid based on square footage of roof to be replaced. Make sure each vendor providing a bid has auto, liability, and worker's comp insurance. Make sure folks know that they are not required to use one of the bidding vendors.
The best roofer I've worked with in the Triangle is Will Hayes with Roofwerks.
Great advice! this is what I did. In fact, Roofwerks guys were at my house today replacing mine. They'll be back tomorrow to finish the job. Out of the quotes I recd, they were the only company who came prepared with a copy of their insurance, and a long list of references. The work so far is top knotch. I love that they are using safety harnesses, I have a ranch but a hi roofline. These guys are head and shoulders above another co I used for my last house.
One other co only gave me workers comp info. Op, this is something you or your HOA would need to get if you are going to recommend them to your residents for a group discount.
J Trent - how come I never heard back from you about a quote? Did you consider my house too small?
Hey RaleighLass, no house is too small and we're NEVER too busy to respond to questions. We like to teach folks how to get value and avoid getting ripped off. I remember chatting with you about Westinghouse HVAC equipment before Christmas and sending a quote. My apologies if we failed to get it to you. Please send a direct message with your phone number and we can be in touch on Monday to follow up.
Hey RaleighLass, no house is too small and we're NEVER too busy to respond to questions. We like to teach folks how to get value and avoid getting ripped off. I remember chatting with you about Westinghouse HVAC equipment before Christmas and sending a quote. My apologies if we failed to get it to you. Please send a direct message with your phone number and we can be in touch on Monday to follow up.
Thanks! I never recd your quote. Was hoping we could talk about roof and a/c. I'm good now, thanks anyhow.
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