Roof Repair on 6-Yr Old House - Contact Builder/Seller?

[Mark S.]

My primary residence is about 6 years old. I had it built brand new. I am pretty sure the builder had a 1-year warranty on most “house stuff” and 10-year warranty on the foundation. I have a few small wet spots on ceiling. It looks like the roof repair cost will be somewhere around $1,000. They are going to remove shingles on valleys and low slope of roof, install weather shield stuff, and re-shingle. It’s too small to file an insurance claim (and even then, it may not be covered). I’m wondering if it’s worth it to contact the builder to see what he says. My first thought is to just tough it out, pay out of pocket, and move on. Thoughts?

[Mark S.]

@Matt Shields Thanks, Matt. This a local builder who has been around for a while and about to phase into retirement. Not on social media and no real online presence. In speaking to the neighbors, I’m one of the few that had a generally good overall experience. The others have had their host of issues (none roof-related from what I learned in conversations with them). It appears they used some sort of metal instead of the more common ice storm shields used today and they just didn’t use enough or it’s failing. If it were the roof as a whole, I’d probably call the builder, but since it’s one small section and I doubt he’ll do anything, I’m hesitant to make that call. Even if I do, how does that conversation start? “Hey, Mr. Builder, I just wanted you to know that I am having roof leaks after only 6 years. It appears the roof could have been protected better with ice storm shield stuff versus the metal you used. I think you should split the repair cost with me.”