Prior to the purchase of my new house (build c. 1926), my home inspection revealed the rather urgent need for replacement of the flat roof, which was bubbled and uneven. The inspector also noted that the chimney would likely need replacing before the roof was done, as it was also in terrible shape. After deciding to go ahead with the purchase, I solicited many roof estimates (I received 7 in all) from roofers recommended by friends, neighbours, and a couple whose flyers arrived at my door. Not all responded to my request for an estimate, some came to do the estimate without a ladder and so didn't climb up on the roof to have a look--which I think is absurd! Some estimates were quite low (lowest was $2500) while others were quite high ($11,000). Only three included an estimate for a new chimney. One of my neighbours is a structural engineer who also writes home inspection manuals, and he had been very satisfied with Canadian Roofing. When their representative, Jason, came over, he not only did a thorough inspection of the roof and chimney itself, but he also sat down and explained the entire process to me, also alerting me to possible 'surprises' that might arise (rotting wood, etc.). He was pleasant, personable, and--most important for me--somewhat flexible on his price. His wasn't the lowest estimate by far, but it also wasn't the highest, yet he took time to make sure I understood what was involved in the job. I booked them, and a few weeks later, when Jason said they would arrive, the crew worked quickly to build a new chimney. A few weeks after that, when the weather allowed, they did the roof. Polite, personable, efficient, these guys were great. No grunting, no hostility, explanations supplied when asked, they were in and out in a day and a half and the clean up was thorough, too. Finally, Jason didn't ask or expect to be paid until I was fully satisfied--which I am.
