The short: I hired them to replace my roof and install solar. I didn't choose Roofmasters because of the price (they were competitive anyhow). I was 100% satisfied with Roofmasters' quality and professionalism from the very first day.
You'll only tackle this project once in your life as a homeowner, maybe twice. More if you invest in real estate. I was overly cautious about whom to choose because I knew I would be "stuck" with the work for 25 years.
My project:
Tear off shingles, tear off plywood sheathing. Tear off all bargeboards/fascia. Install new "cool-roof" shingles, new radiant-barrier sheathing, install new bargeboards/fascia, install new gutters w/ gutter guards. As a courtesy for also doing solar, they installed three skylights and a solar attic fan (I provided these materials). Install 9.1kW system, consisting of 26 LG 350W panels, 26 microinverters, and necessary hardware, controller box, etc.
At first, I wanted to keep both projects independent. However, I realized it would be more practical to solicit bids from companies who could tackle both projects at once. I reached out the 'big names' available nationwide: SR and V. Also, locally, SC, SS, AS, GWES, RM, CRS, SS, HS, and SH. I sat through SIX in-home sales consultations and many back-forth phone calls. It was painful.
QUOTES FOR SOLAR.
About the same in the price range (no more than 5% from each other). Some companies emphasize building a system based on the offset, others present an idea and listen to any changes you want. Roofmasters was the latter.
QUOTES FOR ROOFING.
All over the place. Some as low as $5k, some as high as 18k. However, few solar/roof companies were willing to work with me down the specifics I desired. The standard bid: tear off, and re-shingle is easy to quote. However, once I brought options like radiant-barrier, replace bargeboards, etc. many companies balked or struggled to add the wording to the proposals or provide a quote within a reasonable time (within 2 weeks).
WHAT STOOD THEM APART
(1) They tackled both projects independent of each other, yet aware not to make it difficult for each crew. This model allowed me the opportunity to customize each work. Ultimately, their business strategy convinced me they were the better choice.
(2) No sales consultant meant no high-pressure environment, and no push to sign a contract without due diligence. J had Ja (solar system sales) emailed me the solar quote and developed a system based on what I desired. I met him once the contract was signed. This may NOT work for everybody -- but I'm sure we can all agree to have sales consultants at home can be cumbersome.
(3) Their proposal was 100% accurate and left NO ROOM for ambiguity or misunderstandings.
(4) They were extremely attentive and responsive to changes. Better than anybody else I got bids from. Within days, both J and Ja would send me updated proposals.
(5) Whether to drop-off a check or samples, J was always willing to have a driver come by.
(6) The roofer crew (6+) was early, on-time, and visibly alert and eager to start even at 7 am! The foreman, Mr. O with 30+ years in the roofing business, clearly showed leadership and was constantly overseeing everyone. Talk about a man with a head on a swivel. Yet, when I climbed up on the roof to chat or ask questions, he gave me 100% of his attention. He was not condescending or patronizing -- he explained in layman's terms why what I asked could not be done.
(7) The solar crew (3), was on-time and very eager to explain each step of the way. They made no assumptions about the location of anything that was within my control and worked diligently but cautious. If you ever hired electricians and framers, you know they work differently. Fr's crew was overly attentive to detail. The pictures speak for themselves.
(8) Their coordination with Ygreene, the PACE financing provider, was superb. Ygreene handles everything electronically, so everything moved forward efficiently while giving me the opportunity to review everything on my own time.
OTHER DETAILS OF MY EXPERIENCE
Up until this point, everybody else was sending "solar consultants," and they were taking roofing measurements or pictures. Few struggled to answer basic roofing questions (and I'm no expert). This opportunity opened the door to misunderstandings. However, J sent Ju (A ROOFER!) to my house. Ju took measurements and made a note of all the "extras" I wanted (gutters, radiant barrier, cool roof, etc.). He answered my questions, made suggestions, etc. It was clear he knew about roofs.
Within a few days I received an incredibly detailed proposal with the specificity (in writing) ~ others failed at this.
SUMMARY
J has a great crew put together. They are a small company, and from day one I appreciated the candor of everyone involved. It never felt like I was 'just one more project' increasing the bottom line. read more