Agate Beach Building Company

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I was not able to be there during most of the work, but I got regular updates from Bob about progress and photos. I was impressed by the detail in the proposal and his knowledge of what needed to be done and the high quality materials he would use. Once rain stopped so they could begin work, the job was done in a timely fashion and they cleaned up well after themselves. I elected to select Bob's company from the 2 other estimates I got because of the detail in the proposal which made me feel I would be getting good quality workmanship and materials.

I called the owner of Agate Beach Building Company in May. We spoke by phone and I provided him with the property address and asked him for a quote on a new roof for an older home. He seems very responsive and asked how I got his contact information and I obviously told him Angie's List. I grew up in Newport, but don't live there now, so I needed to find a provider that would be professional, responsive and honest. That is why I went to Angie's List. Well, I did not get any of that from this provider. I gave him the scope of work for the roof repair, he said he would look at the project and provide me a quote the following week. I called him twice to see when the quote would be ready and he never returned my call. When I was talking to him, he was telling me how professional he was and how Angie's List was good for him. This was my first time using Angie's List and the provider did not at all live up to my expectations. When someone tells you they are going to give you a quote, they don't even respond, ignore your phone calls -- that sums up a horrible experience for me. Seriously, just say no if you don't want work and don't waste my time. That is pitiful. After relying on the Angie's List service and Agate Beach Building Company to find me a good roofing provider and not being successful, I went out on my own and received two bids. One for $13k and the other for $10k. One of two companies that provided a quote was CB Roofing in Waldport (very responsive). Weak effort on the part of the Agate Beach guys.

We pretty much knew we wanted to hire the crew at Agate Beach Building as soon as we started talking to owner Bob Hein about the new roof and repairs needed on the family's 80-year-old beach cottage. We collected 4 written bids for the work (2 others promised bids and never delivered). Agate Beach's quote for the roof was essentially the same price as 2 of the other 3 bids, but included much more detail about what would be done to remedy attic bird intrusion, how adequate ventilation would be provided given the conversion from cedar shake roof to asphalt shingle, and materials and techniques that would be used. The roof work was a typical fixed-price bid, but dry rot repairs were based on time and materials because the extent of damage under the floor and behind the walls of the porch was unknown. In the end, the total cost was slightly less than Bob's estimate of what total costs would run, despite the fact we had added 2 more items to the work order. Granted, this was due in part to the fact the hidden damage was less extensive than Bob feared it might be, but given some of our conversations with other contractors, I'd have to say his assessment of the work that would be required was the most accurate. Bob told us his experience included time working for a roofing manufacturer on warranty claims, which gave him a lot of first-hand knowledge about all the installation mistakes that can negatively affect the performance of a roof over time. We liked the fact that Bob personally works on the job -- doesn't just turn it over to employees -- but also that he works with a crew of about 5 guys, so the job goes much quicker than it would with someone working alone or with only one other person. Another thing I appreciated was Bob's ability to know what really needs fixing and what can be left alone. We had one contractor tell us, as part of his bid, that all siding needed to be replaced and underlying rot issues addressed at a cost of approximately $15,000 over and above the cost of a new roof. Bob concluded there was no rot under the siding that needed attention, and that replacement of siding in several areas, at a cost of several hundred dollars, would suffice when combined with a good caulking and painting job next season. In other words, we got the sense that Bob has a good feel for what is needed and what is not, that he will NOT "pad" the job with unnecessary work, but won't cut corners either. At some point we will need to replace framing around a couple of our windows where there is some decay, but elected not to do that work now because it would have added significant costs to the job. Bob supported that decision, telling us it was something that could be done at some time in the future without putting us as risk of a much bigger problem. The roof and repairs look good. The job was done in a little more than a week with everything cleaned up and hauled away. So we're quite happy with the work.

Very responsive and friendly, began work immediately and completed it in a very few days. worked very efficiently. A congenial work crew. I couldn't have asked more.

I did not use them.

We found Bob Hein (owner of Agate Beach Building Co.) through Robin Crum (A Helping Hand Home Maintenance, Depoe Bay). They work together on general contracting projects, with Bob specializing on roofs. Robin worked with Bob on installing the new roof and two skylights, and Robin did all the interior work on the skylights (a wonderful job!). The two of them were a dynamic interacting team with extraordinary knowledge and experience -- great for problem solving and innovative ideas, and they were a true pleasure to be around. Bob has 35 years in all aspects of the roofing industry in the Pacific Northwest. He was articulate, communicative, and patient. He fully explained every aspect of the roofing process and carefully answered all of our questions. He responded promptly to all of our phone calls and emails. Bob told us up front that he cost more than most roofers because he would only work with certain materials and methods on the Oregon coast. This still allowed many choices, and we carefully researched his options. In short time we were extremely comfortable with Bob and trusted him completely with our roof installation. We insisted on a fixed bid, which we received from Bob. Of course, any "discovery" problems were additional time and material, such as water-damaged roof sheathing. A contractor's work crew is of utmost importance, and Bob had a great professional crew. Just as important, Bob was present and working on-site every day. Bob was very cautious and careful, acting as if he were installing his own roof and wanted it to last a lifetime. Our roof was a late October job. Bob was extremely concerned about rain, so he carefully did the roof removal in sections to avoid water problems. Bob is a rare professional. He is also a straight shooter who is extremely likable.