No Roof After 6 Weeks

[bowtie 3]

My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: Virginia

After collecting referrals from some other homeowners we called a local roofing company for a quote for replacing the roof on our 2-story home. The company rep presented the samples, colors, warranty, etc. We agreed on the price and signed the contract. We didn't think to add a time for beginning the job or an end. At the time we signed the contract the rep said they were running 1-2 weeks to begin new jobs. It's been 6 weeks today and the roofer calls once a week to give me his excuses for the project delay. What is a reasonable time to give this roofer to begin and how long is a contract in effect.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If your contract is silent as to when the work will begin, the standard would normally be "within a reasonable time" for the industry. That, as you can see, is a rather nebulous concept.

Have you tried instructing the contractor that if they do not start work by a specified date you will have to work with a different roofer? Did you put any money down on the contract?

[bowtie 3]

We didn't pay a deposit. Is there a " standard " letter that can be sent to the roofer specifying a " beginning and end " of work done. I don't think I would want to business with the roofer after having sent him the letter. It just seems that 6 weeks is not a " reasonable time ".

[Who'sThatGuy]

Why not call the contractor and tell him how you feel. He may start work, or let you out of the contract so you could work with another contractor.