How do I review a roofing company’s photos of completed work?
Ask for photos in groups by job, then match each group to a contract, an invoice and a date. Look for before, during and after shots, and check whether the work shown is typical of what the company does or only its best examples.
Photos persuade, so check them as you would any other claim. Ask for the original files rather than copies, because the details such as dates are usually stored with them. Match each set to a job record, and confirm that the company, not another firm, did the work. A good folder should show the roof before the job, key steps in the middle and the finished result.
Look for detail that shows craft: flashing, edges, vents, valleys and how the crew handled the lines and the cleanup. A buyer cannot judge everything from a picture, so consider asking a trusted roofer to look at a sample and tell you what they see. Pay attention to whether the photos show a range of roof types and complexity, or only simple jobs.
Finally, go beyond the camera. Ask whether any of these jobs had warranty claims, leaks or complaints, and how they were handled. With the seller’s agreement, visit a few completed roofs or call the owners. Your accountant can then confirm that the jobs in the photos fit the revenue in the statements. Take your time with this step, because a careful review of the photos can spare you from surprises that show up months later.
Key takeaways
- Ask for original photo files grouped by job, and match them to contracts and invoices.
- Check details of craft and whether the photos show typical work or only the best.
- Follow up with claims history and, with permission, talk to a few past customers.
Related reading
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Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to conduct due diligence when buying a business
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat are the steps to buying a business?
- 03Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentAfter buying a business, what is the next step?
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