The Hidden Costs of Hiring the Cheapest Contractor in Florida
When your roof springs a leak or a storm rolls through Pinellas County, it’s tempting to go with the lowest bid for a roof repair or roof replacement. After all, who doesn’t want to save money? But when it comes to hiring contractors, the cheapest option can quickly turn into the most expensive mistake.
At KAM Roofing Services, we’ve been called in too many times to fix poor-quality work from “budget” contractors who cut corners, used subpar materials, or skipped critical steps. These quick fixes may seem like a bargain upfront—but the long-term damage to your home, wallet, and peace of mind is anything but affordable.
If you’re a homeowner or property owner in Florida, here’s what you need to know before choosing a contractor based on price alone.
Why Some Contractors Offer Dirt-Cheap Prices
There’s a reason why some roofing bids come in significantly lower than others. Cheap contractors often use one or more of the following tactics to lower their costs:
- Hiring untrained labor or day workers
- Skipping permits and inspections
- Using low-grade materials that won’t hold up in Florida’s harsh climate
- Ignoring proper installation techniques to save time
- Not carrying insurance, which reduces their overhead but puts you at risk
- Operating without a valid Florida license
On paper, it looks like a great deal. But these short-term savings come at a serious long-term cost.
Hidden Cost #1: Shoddy Workmanship
When a contractor underbids the job, they have to make up that money somewhere. Usually, that means rushing the work or hiring unskilled labor. Roofing is a skilled trade, especially in a state like Florida where homes must be built to withstand wind, rain, and sun year-round.
Poor workmanship leads to:
- Leaks and water damage
- Loose or missing shingles
- Mold and rot from improper ventilation
- Roof failure during storms
At KAM Roofing Services, we’ve seen roof replacements fail in less than five years because the cheapest bid came from someone cutting every corner possible. What should’ve lasted 20+ years turned into a do-over—and a costly one at that.
Hidden Cost #2: Voided Warranties
Most roofing materials come with manufacturer warranties—but only if they’re installed correctly by licensed professionals. If your contractor uses unauthorized installers or skips steps like required underlayment or flashing, the warranty becomes void.
That means if your roof fails, you pay out of pocket for both labor and materials—even if the shingles were “guaranteed” for 25 years.
KAM Roofing Services is fully certified by leading roofing manufacturers, and we stand behind both our materials and workmanship. With us, your warranty holds real value.
Hidden Cost #3: Failed Inspections and Code Violations
Florida has strict building codes for a reason. Our weather demands it. Any roofing project in Pinellas County must follow the Florida Building Code and be inspected by local officials.
Cheap contractors often skip the permit process entirely—or fail inspections because they’ve ignored code requirements.
This leads to:
- Work stoppages
- Fines and penalties
- Redoing the job to bring it up to code
Even worse, some homeowners don’t discover code violations until they try to sell their home or file an insurance claim—and by then, the original contractor is long gone.
Hidden Cost #4: Insurance Liability
A reputable roofing company will always be insured, carrying both general liability and workers’ compensation policies. These policies protect homeowners from being financially responsible for accidents or property damage.
Budget contractors often operate without insurance to save money. If a worker is injured on your property, you could be sued. If your home is damaged during the job, you may have to pay for the repairs yourself.
At KAM Roofing Services, we’re fully insured and happy to provide proof before any work begins—because protecting your home should never come with surprise liability.
Hidden Cost #5: No Recourse When Problems Arise
One of the most frustrating aspects of hiring the cheapest contractor? When problems show up weeks or months later, they’re nowhere to be found. Fly-by-night roofers change phone numbers, shut down LLCs, and move to the next neighborhood after storm season hits.
Without a clear contract, valid license, or warranty, homeowners are left with no legal recourse.
KAM Roofing Services is a trusted local company with deep roots in the Pinellas County community. We’re not going anywhere—and we stand behind every roof we install or repair.
How to Choose the Right Contractor (Not the Cheapest One)
When you’re reviewing contractors, price matters—but it’s not the only thing that matters. A fair price for quality work will protect your home for decades. A cheap fix might only last a season.
Here’s what you should look for instead:
✅ Licensing
Always ask for a Florida contractor license number and verify it through the DBPR.
✅ Insurance
Request proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. A legit contractor will provide this without hesitation.
✅ Credentials and References
Ask about certifications from manufacturers, recent local jobs, and customer testimonials. Reputable contractors will proudly share them.
✅ Written Estimates and Contracts
Avoid handshake deals. Always get a detailed estimate outlining scope of work, materials, timeline, and payment structure.
✅ Local Experience
A contractor who knows Florida’s climate and Pinellas County codes will get the job done right the first time.
The KAM Roofing Services Difference
At KAM Roofing Services, we believe quality should never be sacrificed for cost. We might not be the cheapest bid you get—and that’s intentional. We use high-quality materials, follow all state and local codes, and employ trained crews who know Florida roofing inside and out.
Here’s what we bring to every job:
- Fully licensed and insured service
- Deep knowledge of Florida’s building codes
- Certified roofing materials with full warranties
- Transparent pricing and written contracts
- Clean, safe, respectful crews
- Honest communication and long-term reliability
When you hire KAM Roofing Services, you’re investing in peace of mind.
Contact KAM Roofing Services for Expert Roof Care Today
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects everything—and everyone—beneath it. Choosing the cheapest contractor may save you money today, but the true cost can be devastating in the long run.