What is the name of your state? California
After being pleased enough with a roofer's services (a repair back in Feb. of 2017), I called them to have a look at a moldy stain on the back bedroom ceiling. I made it clear, albeit over the phone with their receptionist, that I just wanted a free estimate. She told me that would be fine, and I'd be sent one if the inspection showed any need of further repair. After two guys came out on March 22nd, they found no evidence of a leak. I've pasted the whole tale of woe below (with personal info. redacted), but the upshot is that I received a bill for $475! I called, and the boss emailed me back. I emailed him back but got no response, so I called again on April 12th, but was astounded and foolishly relieved to hear on voicemail that the company had gone out of business on 4/5. I thought nothing more of it until I received a call last Thurs. and again this past Wed. from Joel at TCS Corp., a debt collection agency purportedly retained by the now defunct roofers.
I feel that there was no contract and I should pay nothing. However, I guess I'm leery of calling because the msg. said any info. could be used (against me) in this case. I would prefer to write something similar to what I wrote below, but this may not protect me. I thought I had read somewhere that I should receive something in writing from the agency, but I feel I need to act before things go on too long. (I may have a neighbor's video footage proving the workers weren't on my property for the amount of time claimed, but whether or not this is admissible or useful, I do not know.)
Thanks for any advice!
Olivetto
"Good Morning S___,
Unfortunately any leaks caused by plugged drains or gutters are not covered under our warranty. We only cover the leak if it was due to workmanship on our part. Since gutters and downspouts can plug at anytime it is the home owners responsibility to make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. Once a drain gets clogged it can cause it to overflow and cause a leak which was in your case. I hope this helps out. Make sure in the future to keep the drains clear.
Thank you
(Roofer)
Dear M______,
Thank you for your email message, but I am afraid I cannot understand the connection between your explanation and what I was told by your secretary over the telephone when I first called for an investigation of the stain on my back bedroom ceiling. I was assured by her that there would be no charge to inspect the warrantied work and that I would be given an estimate prior to any repairs.
The two gentlemen who came told me after their inspection of the ceiling and attic that there was no connection between my plugged gutter and the stain. There was, in fact, no leak. In the course of their investigation, they went ahead and used my garden hose to simply unplug three downspouts never informing me of any charge before, during, or after. Needless to say, I was shocked at the amount of $475. That is over a third of the cost of the complete tar and gravel roof tuneup you did for me last year. This is exorbitant also because the men were on my property for no more than one hour.
I really hope that we can come to a more amicable agreement.
Best regards,
(Me)"
After being pleased enough with a roofer's services (a repair back in Feb. of 2017), I called them to have a look at a moldy stain on the back bedroom ceiling. I made it clear, albeit over the phone with their receptionist, that I just wanted a free estimate. She told me that would be fine, and I'd be sent one if the inspection showed any need of further repair. After two guys came out on March 22nd, they found no evidence of a leak. I've pasted the whole tale of woe below (with personal info. redacted), but the upshot is that I received a bill for $475! I called, and the boss emailed me back. I emailed him back but got no response, so I called again on April 12th, but was astounded and foolishly relieved to hear on voicemail that the company had gone out of business on 4/5. I thought nothing more of it until I received a call last Thurs. and again this past Wed. from Joel at TCS Corp., a debt collection agency purportedly retained by the now defunct roofers.
I feel that there was no contract and I should pay nothing. However, I guess I'm leery of calling because the msg. said any info. could be used (against me) in this case. I would prefer to write something similar to what I wrote below, but this may not protect me. I thought I had read somewhere that I should receive something in writing from the agency, but I feel I need to act before things go on too long. (I may have a neighbor's video footage proving the workers weren't on my property for the amount of time claimed, but whether or not this is admissible or useful, I do not know.)
Thanks for any advice!
Olivetto
"Good Morning S___,
Unfortunately any leaks caused by plugged drains or gutters are not covered under our warranty. We only cover the leak if it was due to workmanship on our part. Since gutters and downspouts can plug at anytime it is the home owners responsibility to make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. Once a drain gets clogged it can cause it to overflow and cause a leak which was in your case. I hope this helps out. Make sure in the future to keep the drains clear.
Thank you
(Roofer)
Dear M______,
Thank you for your email message, but I am afraid I cannot understand the connection between your explanation and what I was told by your secretary over the telephone when I first called for an investigation of the stain on my back bedroom ceiling. I was assured by her that there would be no charge to inspect the warrantied work and that I would be given an estimate prior to any repairs.
The two gentlemen who came told me after their inspection of the ceiling and attic that there was no connection between my plugged gutter and the stain. There was, in fact, no leak. In the course of their investigation, they went ahead and used my garden hose to simply unplug three downspouts never informing me of any charge before, during, or after. Needless to say, I was shocked at the amount of $475. That is over a third of the cost of the complete tar and gravel roof tuneup you did for me last year. This is exorbitant also because the men were on my property for no more than one hour.
I really hope that we can come to a more amicable agreement.
Best regards,
(Me)"