What people keep running into with contractor work
Complaints tagged contractor work, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
9 recurring problems · 227 people · 13 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 59How to tell if a new roof was installed correctlyContractors sometimes take shortcuts that leave visible vulnerabilities, like gaps where moisture can seep in and rot the wood underneath. Homeowners are left guessing whether these flaws are normal settling or bad workmanship that will cause future damage.
- 54How to tell if roof flashing is installed wrongPoorly installed roof flashing relies heavily on caulk rather than proper metal integration, leaving homeowners with leaks and visually unacceptable work. Without clear industry standards to reference, it becomes difficult to dispute substandard craftsmanship and demand corrections from a roofing contractor.
- 32How to find where a roof leak is actually coming fromWater travels along framing, pipes, and angles before pooling in a ceiling or insulation, meaning the drip spot rarely sits directly below the entry point. Tracing the path requires opening up walls or tracking water back to penetrations like pipes and concrete patches where moisture seeps through seams far from where it appears inside.
- 31Should I use foam or caulk to seal gaps in exterior walls?Homeowners dealing with pest infestations struggle to choose between materials like foam, caulk, or netting because they are unsure what will actually block the openings in stucco and brick. Without a reliable way to securely close large gaps, pests continue to get inside and leave droppings, rendering temporary fixes ineffective.
- 28Is newly finished contractor work actually acceptable?Homeowners often lack a clear baseline for what counts as standard trade practice versus poor workmanship, leaving them unsure whether to accept a flawed layout or a shortcut like partial greenboard installation. This uncertainty makes it difficult to confront contractors effectively without risking a dispute over whether the finished job meets building standards.
- 9How to clean dark roof stains without ruining the shinglesDark roof stains caused by environmental moisture can usually be treated with specialized chemical concentrates instead of a full roof replacement. However, improper cleaning techniques can strip the protective granules and shorten the lifespan of the shingles, leaving homeowners torn between whether to clean now or risk damaging the roof.
- 7Water leaking behind new gutters and soffitsWater is following the drip-edge flange downward, hitting the back of the gutter, and dropping straight down the outside instead of flowing inside. This accumulated water collects between the soffit and the lip of the fascia, causing leaks that did not happen before the installation.
- 5How to tell if a gutter installation job is badContractors sometimes leave large gaps in downspout adapters and poor connections that fail to direct water away from the foundation. This leaves homeowners uncertain whether they should withhold final payment or demand fixes to prevent basement water intrusion.
- 4How to keep a tub spout drop ear from wigglingTub spouts can wiggle in and out if the drop ear is not properly anchored behind the wall. Securing the drop ear with a solid piece of blocking prevents movement that can stress the plumbing connections and lead to leaks.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.