Roofing estimates are essential when making important decisions for your home’s exterior. However, roofing estimating can be a difficult process without knowing what you’re looking for. Here’s an outline of the major steps involved in getting the best roofing estimate possible.
Ask The Right Questions
Make sure you know exactly what to ask for when it comes to your roof. Do a little self-diagnosis on your roof to see exactly what you think needs fixing. Do you think you’ll need a whole new roof, or a repair for the one you already have? When you bring your ideas to your contractor, they’ll get a better idea of what problems you’re having with your roof and give their expert opinion.
It’s important to also bring the right questions to your contractor. What type of roof do I have? Do I need repairs or just an upgrade? How much square footage am I looking at? Is it flat or sloped? Will my home require additional insulation under the new roof? These are just a few questions that can help push the process along much faster. They allow the contractor to give you a better informed estimate. Make sure to ask the same questions to each contractor you talk to, so nothing goes unanswered.
Listen To The Best Contractor
Don’t just go for one estimate – every contractor is different, so it’s important to get a few estimates. From there, you can notice any trends or patterns. That gives you a better idea of how much your roof repair or replacement is actually going to cost. Speak to a diverse group of companies, including local ones, rather than a handful of similar companies, so you can see what options are out there.
Also, make sure you’re noticing how each contractor goes about checking on your roof. The contractor who does the most thorough inspection is probably going to give you the most accurate estimate, so don’t forget to pay attention to their process. Beyond the quote, you’ll want to also get an idea of your contractor’s background and experience, and their customer testimonials. It’ll be easier to decide when you have a good feeling based on facts.
Value Specificity in Roofing Estimates
One thing to note about roofing estimates is that you want them to be as specific as possible. What does “roof replacement” mean? You should never have a roofer tell you how much they’re going to charge for a roof replacement without any context, because it can literally mean anything from adding a new layer of shingle tar paper to replacing your entire roof with asphalt shingles.
In fact, “roof replacement” is a term that very few roofers use because it doesn’t have any value in the estimate process. It’s far too imprecise to get an accurate quote. It’s best if the contractor uses numbers and specifics to give you a better idea of what you actually need.
Another thing you definitely want to see on your roofing estimate is a warranty. That includes a manufacturer’s and craftsmanship guarantee. Read the fine print to make sure you can trust that the warranty will cover you for the long term.
Pick The One That’s Worth It
It’s important to value the professionalism of your roofing contractor when getting an estimate. A contractor who is professional will be respectful of your home, take their time in assessing the damage, and be up-front about any costs. They will also be sure to complete all the work in a timely manner, and follow up after the job is completed.
When you’re looking for a roofing contractor, it’s important to make sure that they are insured. Insured roofers will always adhere to current safety standards and building codes. This also ensures that you won’t be held liable if there were to be an accident while on-site.
Your roof should last you decades, so you don’t want to skimp out and simply pick the cheapest service. The last thing you should be doing is worrying about your roof after you’ve already shelled out the money to get it fixed. Pick the service that you have the most facts on and the best feeling about. You’ll be getting a roof that will protect you and your loved ones for many years to come.
