Need advice-roofing issue, turned water leakage

[kjcba8101]

on my rent house, I have a roof leak that's caused water damage inside the home

Facts-
I've owned the home for 3 years (9 yrs old). The roof is original and was installed improperly causing water to leak in over the years, rot boards out, create a mold issue. I had a roof inspection done and have the contact info for the guy that did it. Any recourse there? My bill is estimated at $6k and could rise from there.

Thanks

 

[hollywood]

It's all pretty much going to turn on the specifics of the contract and if there's any provisions for a warranty or other recovery if the inspection was faulty.

Another aspect I see with this is the intervening 3 yr period. Roofs can be damaged after an inspection and it's almost a certainty the inspection company would claim that such damage happened after the fact and they're not responsible.

 

[kjcba8101]

The problem is that the roofer layered the shingles in an incorrect order (done at the time of construction of the home). My inspector never looked at this, or likely even crawled up on the roof. The issue was very clear at the time of inspection and has been that way since the home was built

 

[Air_Thurman]

Did you have a home inspector who looked at the roof or specifically a roof inspector?

Probably sucks but I imagine it would cost more than 6K to attempt to get an inspection company to pay for something like this. I would imagine most inspectors have their backsides covered pretty well.

 

[kjcba8101]

I paid $150 for a roof inspection and report (according to the invoice).

I'd like to see the report.

 

[Air_Thurman]

Yeah, seems weird to me you had a roof inspector and they didn't go into the attic and didn't catch the problem. Really sucks.

 

[hollywood]

Bottom line, you've got to get your hands on any documents you signed (contracts) with the inspector/company. Without them, you're pretty much sunk - unless you can get your hands on an identical one in use at the time.

Everything, unless there's an Oklahoma Statute on the topic which sets terms, is going to be controlled by the contract.

 

[kjcba8101]

I'll see if I can get a copy. I have a meeting with my renter tonight. My gut feeling tells me he's trying to get out of the rental contract (20 months remaining at $1700 per month). The amount of damage this has done might increase drastically if that happens.

 

[kjcba8101]

The renters aren't moving out. But a rough estimate for the damages is $10,000. My insurance co says they won't cover things unless they are a spontaneous incident-lightning, hail, etc.

Is going after the inspector my best option? I'm looking to get the contract and report from my real estate agent.

Thanks

 

[hollywood]

Absolutely, you have my email (or should) shoot me a copy of the contract you had with the inspector (company) when you find it. They likely have some form or professional insurance that would cover them in case they screw up.

 

[kjcba8101]

I'm hoping they do. He's a small time contractor (but I hope he has some sort of liability insurance). I spoke with him already. He's taking the position of creating the idea that there's been lots of storms that would have caused damage.

Hollywood, I do have your email and I'll send it as soon as I can get a copy of it. Thanks a million.

 

[boxter]

The problem is that the roofer layered the shingles in an incorrect order (done at the time of construction of the home). My inspector never looked at this, or likely even crawled up on the roof. The issue was very clear at the time of inspection and has been that way since the home was built

If the issue was clear at the time of the inspection, why didn't you discuss the problem then? I guess I'm assuming you went into the attic before you considered writing a contract on a property and saw the issues.

I use 2 different home inspectors but always go over any issues I find with a property and have a discussion.

$150 max per square ought to get your house re roofed assuming is an 8-9 pitch with Elk or a quality shingle. Don't use the insurance roofing clowns. Insurance pays around $275 sq for reroof in okla and clowns make a killing.

Sq footage under roof( porches, patio, garage) x 1.55 Divide by 100 = squares.

4000 ft under roof X 1.55=6200~100=62 sq
Not exact but close on a 8-9 pitch.

 

[kjcba8101]

I was told the issue existed from the time of construction until now.

The issue reared its head due to the rain of late. I didn't notice it until now (neither did the inspector). It's now caused major damage inside the home.

 

[kjcba8101]

To clarify-I meant that the issue should have been clear to the roof inspector. I'm the furthest thing from a construction guy and to be honest, I never paid attention to the roof.