How do I make a claim on a roofing contractor's license and permit bond?

Question

I hired a local contractor to replace my roof. Long story short, the roof is leaking around the chimney, and it appears the flashing is bad. There is now internal water damage to the house. I have a contractor with a one year workmanship guarantee, but he is fighting honoring it. He says the damage is not water damage and was not caused by him. He is also resisting redoing the flashing because he says it looks right.

I have gone through the city of Indpls, but they have not been much help, other than providing me with the name of the insurance and bond company. They assured me that I would have little problem collecting the bond, but when I called the bond company they said that this type of bond doesn't cover workmanship issues. They would not supply me with the text of the bond, saying it was against privacy rules. I do know the contractor did not take out a permit before he did the did the work. What do I have to prove to collect on this type of bond?

Answer 1

The bond is of no real value to you because the bond amount is usually a small amount and is provided to the municipality as a requirement order to do business. A bond is not a replacement for a general liability policy and it most definitely does not guarantee that the work will be done in a proper manner.

You will have to contact a lawyer to file suit against the contractor based on the allegation that the contractor's negligence caused your financial loss. A demand letter from your attorney might be enough impetus to get the situation resolved.