Watch out for some Roofing Contractors

[roofer]

OPKS wrote:

So i did sign the contract, stating i would pay my deductible and they would do the work "per insurance allowed". Written in ink, says color of choice, all the fixings to match, "per insurance allowed" which they said means they do the work for what insurance offers. I would have no problem if it came up high. My problem is that insurance offered a depreciated value, pretty much 800-900 less than what the cost would be. This is with no choice on color, going with the cheapest. I tell you now, i am looking forward to the call tomorrow. If it came up $800 more so be it, it is in the contract that they take the insurance payment. But when it comes up low they want you to pay the difference. I will not back out of the contract, I plan to tell them I plan to pay the check and the deductible, if they don't like it THEY can back out. But a written deal should be a deal, gain or loss.

I play roulette and win 80% of the time. Its worth it. Insurance companies employ people. Roof Contractors are people too.

SOME INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL ALLOW FOR SUPPLEMENTS AT THE TIME OF DEPRECIATION RELEASE. ANY CONTRACTOR WORTH THEIR SALT WILL DEMAND FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE DAY OF CONSTRUCTION. PRICES HAVE INCREASED UP TO 5 DOLLARS PER SQUARE JUST FOR SHINGLES SINCE APRIL. THEY ARE NOT GOING DOWN EITHER.

[roofer]

james thomas wrote:

Trish, are you kidding me? I take it you work for Aspen? A 98% satisfactory rate, one of the largest roofing companies in America? And you found that stat where? LOL. These guys have been in business 3 whole years! They only offer a 2-yr labor warranty, that is a joke! You know why they only offer a 2-yr labor warranty, because they won't be in your area after the storm is over, then who will fix your leaky roof?

THE LOCAL GUYS FROM THE HOME DEPOT? WHO DO YOU HIRE?

[roofer]

Adela wrote:

I appreciate your input and the stress of obtaining 3 quotes. I'm in Houston area hit by Ike and was just approached by Aspen about 15 minutes ago as I have extensive roof damage. You have all the recollection of their sales pitch perfectly. I really appreciate the heads up as their pitch makes it sound really great...but what is it they say, if it's too good to be true... In spite of knowing that, desperation had me almost signing on the dotted line. I hope that others read your info and that your drama is over soon. God bless!

THREE QUOTES IS A JOKE. ROOFING SALES PEOPLE ARE ROBOTS JUST WAITING TO GET YOU THREE QUOTES. ITS NOT A LAW. LOOK AT THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE. REVIEW AND TEST. QUOTES AND MONEY DO NOT MATTER. WHAT MATTERS IS THE TERMS STATING YOU PAY DEDUCTIBLE AND THAT IS ALL. FURTHER, WARRANTIES ARE GOOD. ROOFING IS NOT EASY. THERE ARE NO SUPER HEROES, ITS JUST PEOPLE WORKING AS WELL AS THEY CAN. THE SALESMAN DOES NOT PUT THE ROOF ON THE HOUSE. THE CREW PAYS FOR REPAIRS. ITS ALL ABOUT CONTRACTS, SO ITS ALL ABOUT LAWYERS WHO ARE ALSO PEOPLE.

[roofer]

LeAnn wrote:

I wish I would have read this review before I got involved with Aspen. They act like they are doing everything to help you but in reality they are trying to rob you and the insurance company blind. They never give you a quote for the work and nothing is ever itemized. They dealt with my insurance company and finally agreed on a little over $8000.00 My neighbor used them and their insurance agreed on a little over $6000.00. I find it interesting how our houses are the same size but the price is so much different. I do have to say they were very quick to do the work before someone else can. They asked for a copy of my insurance claim summary to find out what other money they might be able to get their hands on. After the work was completed they had the nerve to show up at my house with a final bill of over $10,000.00. I told them that I was not going to pay over the amount the insurance company agreed upon. They tried to justify the amount by adding a 20% overhead and profit charge for contractors. I called my insurance company up and was told that if they were going to charge the overhead and profit charge it should have been in their bid. My insurance did add on about $2300.00 to the overall amount for all contractors fees to be paid to me but said I do not owe Aspen any of it because it was not in their bid. Aspen came over to talk about the bill and agreed that I was correct and did not owe the fee to them because it was not in their bid. They said they would change the amount and fax me the bill with the correct amount. They showed me where it would say on the bottom to be paid to Aspen contracting or the home owner. They said it is always paid to the owner if you are in good standing with the mortgage company. Make sure you read the final bill carefully. They changed it to say "all work is completed please release the funds to aspen contracting". It also had written "Supplements (see attached description)". The only attached description said "Aspen Contracting, Inc. a General Contractor requires Overhead & Profit for projects involving 2 or more trades and/or is complex in nature". I think they thought I was just a dumb blonde female and would not read it all. I told them I would not send this invoice in and if they wanted to get paid they had to change it to say it had to be paid to me and the supplement had to come off. They always give an excuse and said they were in a hurry to get the invoice to me and it was just a mistake. I am not sure how they sleep at night after all the lies they have told me. We will see if the invoice gets changed and how the rest of my dealings with them goes. I don't think they know who they are messing with.

I DONT THINK YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT BEING A ROOF CONTRACTOR OR HOW INSURANCE WORKS. I AM CERTAIN AFTER READING YOUR OBJECTIONS. WHO CARES, YOU PAID YOUR DEDUCTIBLE AND GOT A NEW ROOF RIGHT? WHAT DO YOU LOVE YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY?

[roofer]

Joey wrote:

I see this over and over, the homeowners have to be carefull. I have worked with most insurance in Texas, Florida, New Orleans and I know for sure that some companies try to take advantage of people. I have work with alot of homeowners and this is the first thing I tell them, " If you think something is not right when talking to your contractor, look for another one you trust. You need to take your time, find a local company, ask for tel. number of jobs they have done, look for good prices, you will save alot if you do you research.

DOES YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY PAY CONTRACTORS TO UPDATE TO CODE? SEVERAL DO NOT. EVERY ROOF YOU ARE REFERRING TO IN THIS FORUM IS DIFFERENT. NO WAY CAN YOU GENERALIZE ABOUT CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING. I DO NOT HATE ASPEN. I HATE STUPID ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFS AND EVERY IDIOT THAT THINKS THEY SHOULD BE FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE YOU BOUGHT INSURANCE WHEN YOU BOUGHT YOUR HOUSE. ITS NOT YOUR MONEY, ITS AN INSURANCE PRICE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS NO INCENTIVE TO UPGRADE YOUR ROOF. PEOPLE HEAR WHAT THEY WANT TO. NO LOCAL COMPANIES EXIST. WORKERS TRAVEL. SALES PEOPLE HAVE NOTHING TO DO GENERALLY WITH CONSTRUCTION CREWS. ITS CALLED SUBCONTRACTING.

[roofer]

unhappy wrote:

I called for them to come out for a free estimate. They showed up the day before the appointment to look at my roof. They then wanted me to sign their non binding agreement after he looked at my roof. I told them to come back the next day to file a claim with me. They showed up 40 minutes earlier than when i said to be there. They said I basically need a new everything. But still no written estimate. When I called to cancel my proposal and let them know I wanted to get other bids, the salesman told me that it's not a bidding war. If the insurance company gives me $5000 then they do the job for $5000. Red Flag!!! I should control how much we are spending, not the roofing company. BTW, they put their sign in my front yard without even asking for my permission! Stay Away from aspen!!!

YOU CANT CONTROL THE HAIL STORMS AND HOW THEY AFFECT THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND EQUATION; NEITHER CAN THE SALES PERSON. IT REALLY IS NOT A BIDDING WAR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SETS THE PRICE. A GOOD CONTRACTOR IS A BUSINESS PERSON AND BUSINESS PEOPLE LOOK AT COSTS.

[roofer]

Homeowner 943 wrote:

After the first contact on 07/18/09 I found the Aspen sales person to be very pushey. He wanted me to sign the non-binding agreement and when I asked what it ment he stated, "when you sign this and the insurance company approves the work you are OBLIGATED to use Aspen Contracting to replace your roof". The sales rep KNEW that we had 40 year shingles on the roof but his estimate was for 30 year shingles. He also knew we had COPPER valleys and flashing on the roof but his estimate did not include the COPPER valleys and flashing instead he substituted a different metal.
When I informed him that I wanted to see his crew at work and look at the craftsmenship he was very evasive. He claims to have signed up several homes in my neighborhood prior to 07/20/09 but as of this post on 07/27/09 not one bit of work has begun.
When I informed the sales person I was going to get other estimates he stated that he WOULD NOT meet with the insurance adjuster on 07/21/09.
He openly stated that if he does all this work he expects to get the contract.
By refusing to meet the adjuster he determined his own fate. Aspen will not be repairing my roof.
I also agree with some posts before mine stating that the adjuster does not require and does not want to see any estimates, which I completely understand.
Also the sales person would not explain who worked on the roofing crews or where they were from or what type of experience thay ALL have.
This is my report and take it as you see fit.

THE AVERAGE AGE OF AN AMERICAN CARPENTER???
54 YEARS OLD. IMMIGRANTS BUILT THIS COUNTRY. EVERY CREW OFFERS SOMETHING DIFFERENT. A GOOD COMPANY PRODUCES A ROOF THAT WILL NOT LEAK QUICKLY, THE SALES PEOPLE DO NOT MATTER. THEY ARE COURIERS FOR HOMEOWNERS. THEY WANT TO GET PAID FAIR MARKET VALUE. SHINGLE PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET DEMAND. THERE ARE AREAS HIT BY HAIL 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS WHERE I LIVE. NO TIME IS A GOOD TIME TO GET A NEW ROOF.

[roofer]

Sugarloaf resident wrote:

I find the last 3 posts interesting. They all were posted on Sept 1, they all capatilize ASPEN, and the first 2 mention being in control. It seems funny - and as someone who is researching this company before using them - this makes me wonder if this in an Aspen salesperson trying to make up for some of the negative comments in this thread. Makes you wonder..,

OH MY GOD. YOU MEAN A GOOD PERSON DOING GOOD WORK FOR A COMPANY OF 100s of PEOPLE, TRIED TO REPLY TO FALSE ADS FROM A COMPETITOR? GO WITH THE LOCAL COMPANY IF YOU ARE A SALESPERSON. YOU CAN FIND THEIR LOCAL OFFICE AND LEASE THEIR NAME. LOCAL IS AWESOME! AND HEY, THEY WILL BE THERE LATER RECYCLING THEIR NAME AND GETTING PAID BY OUT OF TOWNERS; LOCAL PFF. ITS ROOFIN IDIOTS!

[Pro Roofer]

roofer wrote:

<quoted text>
YOU CANT CONTROL THE HAIL STORMS AND HOW THEY AFFECT THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND EQUATION; NEITHER CAN THE SALES PERSON. IT REALLY IS NOT A BIDDING WAR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SETS THE PRICE. A GOOD CONTRACTOR IS A BUSINESS PERSON AND BUSINESS PEOPLE LOOK AT COSTS.

These people are so greedy it's pathetic. I try to tell people that the insurance companies do not pay any extra money. Still I meet ignorant homeowners who try to get me to give them free estimates. I used to give free estimates before these hail storms hit my area but thanks to all the smooth talking hail storm chasers I have been forced to LOWER my rates. These people do not understand that by hiring some of these storm chasers that they get what they pay for. Roofing cost money. It's that simple. I have to compete by lowering my prices but I don't have time to talk to someone who has a 20 square roof and a thousand dollar deductible who wants to haggle with me. I used to get $240 a square for a 20 square 6/12 three tab roof. I met a guy with a 20 square roof and a total insurance claim of only =$180 a square. I don't even have time to talk to people like that. It cost money to stay in business. These guys doing the work for so cheap, who give money back aren't going to be in business. as far as I am concerned any body that hires a storm chaser get what they pay for.

[Pro Roofer]

unhappy wrote:

I called for them to come out for a free estimate. They showed up the day before the appointment to look at my roof. They then wanted me to sign their non binding agreement after he looked at my roof. I told them to come back the next day to file a claim with me. They showed up 40 minutes earlier than when i said to be there. They said I basically need a new everything. But still no written estimate. When I called to cancel my proposal and let them know I wanted to get other bids, the salesman told me that it's not a bidding war. If the insurance company gives me $5000 then they do the job for $5000. Red Flag!!! I should control how much we are spending, not the roofing company. BTW, they put their sign in my front yard without even asking for my permission! Stay Away from aspen!!!

You get no sympathy from me. The salesman you talked to get's paid on commision. He's only allowed to sell you a roof for the price the insurance company allows. You wasted his time because you wanted to make money off of your claim. The insurance companys don't pay enough money for you to negotiate a better price with a good roofer. It takes money to get a good roof. You tried to get his company to estimate your roof for free after you signed a contract that you never had any intention of honoring so that you could make a profit. Go cry me a river when your roof starts leaking. I charge $200 just for a service call. Start saving your money now. You are going to need it.

[Pro Roofer]

That's $200 just for me to show up. Afterwards I charge more for labor and materials, slick.

[experiencied roofer]

Right on Pro roofer, everyone wants a top-notch roof, but they don't want to pay for it. They want you to cover their deductible, put thousands of dollars in their pocket, give them a free shingle upgrade, etc. As far as all roofing companies using subs this is just not true, our company employs our own crews, pays work comp, insurance, etc. on all our employees. There are local companies who DO NOT sell out to stormer's these are the companies people need to find and do business with!!!! P.S. it looks like "roofer" from houston, texas is an aspen salesmen. That's what this forum is for, its for people to post their experiences, I don't think everybody posting on this forum are "aspen competitors".

[experiencied roofer]

roofer wrote:

<quoted text>
DOES YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY PAY CONTRACTORS TO UPDATE TO CODE? SEVERAL DO NOT. EVERY ROOF YOU ARE REFERRING TO IN THIS FORUM IS DIFFERENT. NO WAY CAN YOU GENERALIZE ABOUT CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING. I DO NOT HATE ASPEN. I HATE STUPID ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFS AND EVERY IDIOT THAT THINKS THEY SHOULD BE FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE YOU BOUGHT INSURANCE WHEN YOU BOUGHT YOUR HOUSE. ITS NOT YOUR MONEY, ITS AN INSURANCE PRICE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS NO INCENTIVE TO UPGRADE YOUR ROOF. PEOPLE HEAR WHAT THEY WANT TO. NO LOCAL COMPANIES EXIST. WORKERS TRAVEL. SALES PEOPLE HAVE NOTHING TO DO GENERALLY WITH CONSTRUCTION CREWS. ITS CALLED SUBCONTRACTING.

Local Companies don't exist? Are you kidding me? I'm sure you don't hate Aspen, either do I. You talk about generalization's, you are the one who seems to be commiting that offense!!!!

[linda]

I wished i had seen this before i contracted aspen contracting. my house was damaged by hail in april 2009, i noticed all around my neighborhood every house was getting new roofs, so i decided to look into that and got the aspen number called and made an appointment they seemed very professional and i decided to sign right there on the spot, me being a first time home buyer i guess i didnt know any better, well they came to put my new roof like scheduled, but maybe after a month or less after it was done it started raining a lot here in georgia, a couple of days later we noticed that our roof was leaking, our den and kitchen roof has some nasty spots from where it got wet! i called that same day to get somebody to come and see the damages, my husband and i took pictures and recorded the exact spot water was coming from and showed them to the inspector, well its been like 3 weeks and i still havent gotten my roof fixed, i have 2 tarps on my roof! and they have called to get the rest of the money the insurance was suppose to return after work being done was done! i am not going to pay the rest until they come and fix the damage, its sad how much they take advantage of the situations! I DO NOT RECOMEND THIS COMPANY TO ANYONE!

[Michelle_Merriam _Kansas]

I had a great experience with Aspen. I found them trustworthy, easy to deal with and felt I got a quality product. They did put the sign in the yard (but don't all contractors?) and they did work with the insurance company, but it was all fine. I think a lot of the criticisms posted here are way off base, just judging from my experience.

[Jason Atlanta]

Without being partial to either side.
I worked for both sides. A storming company and a local company.
I noticed two very important things.
The storming company focused on the marketing and sales. The warranty issues were only an issue while they were there and more importantly, if the customer owed money (ha ha).
The local company focused on the warranty issues due to their reputation and fear of being sued.
My point.
It was quite obvious that the storming company did not have the customer's interest in mind.
On the other hand, the local company genuinely cared about the customer.
Guess what though, the local company would not pay me a fair value for the sale because they did not see the true value of a salesperson unlike a con artist storming company.On the other hand the storming company would pay more because they did not have the warranty related overhead that a reputable local company had. It was a double edged sword. Work for a storming company knowing I would get paid but also knowing the homeowner was getting screwed in the future, or work for a local company that did the work right but make only about a third of the amount. Oh my God, it is funny. I finally decided on neither. My conscious kept me away from the stormer and my wallet kept me away from the local company. What irony.

[Adam from CT]

Aspen did my roof after a Tornado hit my street in mid 2009. 1st, they promised to be there one day and never showed up, then they showed up and i found a mess in my yard they ruined $500 to $1,000 of landscaping, and left rusty nails and razors in my lawn. When i asked them to come and clean it up, they said sure we are on our way...well 7 hours later they never showed. They finially came the next afternoon to "roll" the backyard with a magnet. That did nothing, it is October (a month after they finished) and i am still finding nails and such in my yard. Oh and I still haven't recieved a bill (I guess they don't want to be paid?) I wouldn't advise them to do work on anyone's house. The roof is fine, however the process is way to unprofessional and not trustworthy.

[old roofer]

roofing is no longer A trade,it's an industry.
contact A local roofer and ask him about A roof,then ask A storm chaser salesman about A roof.
they can't find their but with 2 hands.
go on craigslist and check out the sales adds in Houston,or Denver,or Atlanta or anywhere hail or hurricanes have hit recently.the adds read that if you can sell cars you can sell roofs.
great deal,A car salesman selling you protection on your biggest investment.
go local or stay home.

[pd housewife]

it's 2009... stop complaining about what some did or did not do for you or your roof...if you own a house or a rent a house you should be grown enough to do the research!...aspen pays my bills and will continue to do so!..they have a good name..you all are just mad you couldn't make off with extra money like Joe Smoe downt the street did with the fly by night operation!

[concerned customer]

if these claims are true why have they not been reported to the bbb