Any opinions on any of these? I need a farmer's porch rebuilt and the back of my house roof stripped and reshingled. Had a contractor who came out and tried to sell me a metal roof. I have 5 roofs and I think metal on 2 and shingles on 3 would look ugly. A handyman that lives down the street gave me a good price on both but he's not insured. BIG THING for me. Handyman is known in town, reliable (word of mouth) and lives down the street. I drove around and took a look at some of his work and he's not bad.

So...do I keep looking and go with a handyman, find a different insured handyman, or go with a contractor who will charge me about 9K more. I'm thinking current handyman gets insured or I go with a different insured handyman.

Handyman price = $6,000.
Big Guy price = $14,500.

sigh.......

Have you talked to "handyman" about becoming insured?

Explain your dilemma to him and see what he says?

we just had a metal roof put on our house and siding, The Amish did ours, great job, probably not too many amish in New Hampshire tho.

He says he has liability and needs to get a copy of the policy. Still, that doesn't protect him if he falls, only if his ladder goes through my window.

My brother had a handyman fall off his roof no problem the guy wasn't even hurt and it is a two story. That other company is overcharging you in MHO

Are you worried he will hurt himself on your property or his job will need re-doing too soon?
Your house policy might cover either one of these.

His liability policy would cover any damage he might accidentally do, but it won't cover him if he is hurt. In most states, you cannot be held responsible if he hurts himself. You might want to check your local statutes.

If he has a liability policy and can provide you with a dec page or certificate of insurance, I think that speaks to him being a professional and protecting his clients. Individual workers comp can be outrageously expensive- more so than taking the risk of having a couple of minor injuries he would have to cover himself. That is his choice, in my opinion. Ask for a cert. of insurance and references, and if you like his work- I say go for it. If he is known and established, I favor giving my business to the guy who is working hard to get by.

If something happens, and your roof starts leaking 5 years from now, and there is damage before you notice, which company would still be around to take care of it? Will they be able to afford to fix what is ruined due to faulty installation? Do they have insurance that would help pay these costs?

The materials themselves are warrantied by the manufacturer. However installation is another matter :wink:

How long are you going to keep the house? A good metal roof can last 50 years and longer. You won't get that with shingles.

Barbara - I'm worried he will hurt himself.

Maggie - I agree with the philosophy, but I don't think he really has liability. He keeps brushing over that and wants to come down with the contracts. He made the comment to me he wants to do the job "under the table" which is why he can charge so little. He is trying to get by as work is slow.

Amma - I know, another thing to factor in. And, what if I'm not happy with it at all?

Moonpi - that is true. My house was built in 1898 and I am 52. Shingles are good for about 25 years but metal roof will outlast me and probably my house as well. :) It is a New Englander and I think the metal roof will also take away from its character. And actually, I'm not sure I even like the looks of them.