Get Multiple Roofing Estimates Before Choosing a Roofer
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
Roof disasters can happen virtually overnight. Especially if a large hail or ice storm or some other turbulent weather wreaks havoc on roof shingles or the overall structure of the roof. Since many homeowners need help with roof repairs, calling a local company or using your friend’s roofer is inevitable. But should you go with the first roofer in the phone book or the guy your dad’s used for years without first getting a roofing estimate from a variety of roof companies? The answer is no. You should shop around and make sure that you’re getting the best service for the best price before hiring a roofer. Every roofer has their own techniques and preferred brand of materials they use, and the cost of higher-priced materials will only be added to your bill, even if less expensive materials will work just as well.
Check Out Roofers from Different Companies
If you speak with people about picking a roofer, they will all most likely have a different recommendation. It’s a good idea to get estimates from roofers for which you have a personal recommendation, but don’t forget to call around and speak with other companies. The phone book and newspaper are full of large and small roofing companies eager to offer an estimate on your roof repairs.
A smaller company may be easier to work with because they don’t get the same amount of off-the-street clients as larger companies who work off brand recognition do. An independent roofer may be willing to negotiate certain fees and provide more individualized attention.
Understand What an Estimate Entails
It’s easier for a homeowner to understand the final roofing estimate cost if he or she understands what the roofer is evaluating during the appointment. For repairs, a roofer will assess the extent of the damage and determine the supplies and labor needed to make the repairs. If structures such as chimneys or flues will affect the repair process, the roofer will factor in the added labor or supplies needed.
For roof replacements the size of the roof will be measured, and the roofer will used rounded figures to determine the amount of supplies, the cost of labor, and extra fees associated with replacing the roof. Based on local fees, a roofer may include the charges he incurs for cleaning up, collecting, and disposing of old roofing materials.
Discuss Fees and Request a Written Estimate
After the roofer evaluates the roof and makes all the necessary calculations, it’s time to start negotiations. Estimates are usually the highest price offered by the roofer, so there is some wiggle room to negotiate a lower cost. For repairs being covered by home insurance, the roofer may be willing to negate your deductible cost. You may also be able to reduce or negate the cost of cheaper materials and trash collection in the overall estimate.
When shopping around for estimates, it’s a good idea to mention cheaper estimates you’ve received from other roofers. To avoid losing a job to a competing roofing company, a roofer may be willing to match or even go lower than another roofer’s estimate.
The final aspect of the estimate is to receive a written Roofing Estimate on company letter head. Should the roofer fail to meet the agreement, this contract will act as legal proof of the agreement between you and the roofer. A roofer who won’t provide a legal, written estimate isn’t reliable and should be avoided.