The Roof Whisperer

Once again, finding a contractor on Homestars proved to be an awesome choice.

I own two sides of a semi-detached in Toronto. One side has a flat roof, the other a pitched. The flat roof was in horrible shape, with the soffit fascia starting to break apart in two corners. There was no way my roof would have lasted more than another 6 months.

My first problem was actually finding a contractor that was willing to come into Toronto! So many would not even quote because they said the spacing between the houses wasn't enough for them. When I was able to find companies willing to come into Toronto, they wouldn't touch a flat roof. After asking around, I found out a flat roof is not something that DIY and 'side-job' guys will touch. You need to know what you are doing and the insurances required are very costly.

Then I found The Roof Whisperer. I was relieved when they did flat roofs and were willing to come into Toronto! Arthur met with me and did what some other contractors didn't bother doing, he actually went onto the roof! He took pictures of the areas of concern and showed them to me. He discussed the work that would need to be done. I was impressed by how he wasn't trying to 'sell' me on anything. We were just talking about the work. He even explained how my pitched roof was in great shape and didn't need anything done to it. I received a detailed quote by email that broke down the work required and also outlined all his companies insurances and certifications. I knew he was the man for the job.

The work schedule was agreed by both of us to be delayed because of some bad weather. The actual work was done while I was away on vacation, so I was a little nervous to see what I would come back to. I came home at night and even in the dark I could see the repaired soffit fascia corners which looked incredible. The next day I threw the ladder up and took a look at the work. All I can say is that these guys know exactly what they are doing. Everything looked so clean. Nothing sloppy at all. Very precise work. Even all the trim work around the chimney and vents. I can tell this wont require any warranty call backs.

During the work, some ceiling was accidentally damaged, a small little section of drywall. These things happen. Arthur was immediately on the phone with me explaining what happened and arranged to have someone repair it as soon as I found it convenient. I wasn't worried. These things happen! The small hole actually gave me a good look at the under side of the work done, I could see how much new wood was used on my roof! I was actually pleased that I had this opportunity to see this side of the work as I wasn't around to see the progression and how much old wood had to be removed. The ceiling repair guy came in as scheduled and did a fantastic job repairing that small section. No problems at all.

I got my detailed bill by email and I was very pleased to find out it was right on budget! I was amazed because I would have assumed some hefty extra charges when I saw how much wood had to be replaced. It was a cheque I was happy to write. It is worth the peace of mind to know I wont be dealing with water damage issues.

The Roof Whisperer is not the cheapest company out there. Arthur will tell you that himself. Maybe if you have a very simple shingle job to be done, he's not the right guy for you. But I wouldn't trust anyone else to do my roof again. I can see what that extra money pays for and I say it's worth it to have someone certified, insured and skilled in his trade. I want someone who knows exactly what they are doing when it comes to my roof and protecting it from water damage for a decade.

The best compliment anyone can give is a recommendation. I have already sent his contact info to a friend who needs his roof done in the next year.

Thanks, Roof Whisperer!