The longevity and look of your new roof highly depend on your contractor. You can find the right professionals for your residential or commercial roofing project by obtaining multiple estimates. Experts strongly recommend consulting at least three different companies before hiring one. By having an idea about your roof replacement cost, you can avoid contractors that make unfair demands. 

Continue reading to find out what you should expect when getting roofing estimates.  

What Should You Do Before Getting Roofing Estimates?

Find Prospective Roofers

In most cases, it’s more convenient and safer to work with a local roofing company. You can get referrals from your family, friends and colleagues. There’s also the option of going online to find roofers in your area. Create a list of potential contractors and look into their backgrounds. Check their websites, verify credentials and read online reviews. 

Gather Essential Information About Your Roof

The more you know about your roof, the more informed decisions you can make for your project. Supplying roofers with vital information, such as the roofing system’s size, material and age, will help them provide more accurate estimates. 

What Should Be in Roofing Estimates?

Roof Inspection

A contractor should thoroughly assess the condition of your roof before providing you with an estimate. They will check each component for damage and look for signs of leaks. Following the inspection, your prospective roofer will present you with different options to address any existing issues. 

Company Information and Work Timeline

The roofing company’s basic information should always be present in estimates. Expect to see your potential contractor’s phone number, email address and other contact details. The document should indicate who’s responsible for overseeing the actual construction. It should state your payment options and the project’s estimated start and finish dates. 

Proof of License and Insurance  

Beware of companies that can’t provide proof of license and insurance. If you hire them, you’ll be liable for incidents that could happen during your project. For instance, if a worker gets injured while replacing your roof, you could be responsible for hospital bills if your contractor doesn’t have insurance. You can verify a roofer’s license number with your local licensing board. 

Itemized Costs

Several factors can affect the overall cost of your project, such as the size of your roof and your preferred material. The price of replacing a low slope roofing system will also be different from pitched roofs. Your prospective contractor should provide you with a detailed quote specifying all the costs involved in your project. The estimate should clearly state the cost of labor, materials and permits. 

Will the contractor handle the cleanup and disposal of refuse materials? If so, they should also indicate the cost of these specific services. It’s the same if your project involves changing the roof’s structure. 

List of Materials

Your roof has different components that work together to defend your home against the elements. Estimates must mention the materials your contractor will use and their specific brands. It should cite at least the major components, such as underlayment, shingles, flashing and vents. 

Permits

Obtaining permits may be necessary for your project, depending on your location. Reliable local roofers would know which documents must be secured before the work begins. They’ll also include the costs of permits in the estimates. 

Warranties

A contractor confident about their skills and products will not think twice about offering comprehensive warranties. You want to choose a roofer who provides both labor and material warranties. Labor warranties protect you against installation errors. On the other hand, material warranties cover products with manufacturing defects. 

Tips for Comparing Roofing Estimates

Carefully Assess Each Quote

After getting estimates, the next step is to evaluate them objectively. A good quote will clearly state every detail of your project. It should mention everything that can affect the work’s overall costs, from material and installation to cleanup and unexpected issues. 

Consider how each contractor presents their bids. Is the information organized and easy to understand? If there are parts of the quote that seems vague or hard to comprehend, don’t hesitate to request a revision. You shouldn’t sign anything unless everything is clear to you. 

Look Out for Bids That Are Too Low  

While most roofing estimates are comparable, prices could occasionally be significantly different. Always be careful of quotes that are too good to be true. It isn’t uncommon for unreliable companies to offer low bids to attract more clients. These people often use substandard materials or suddenly disappear without completing the job. They might not even have proper licensing and insurance, leaving you responsible for potential property damage and injuries. 

Sometimes, a contractor provides a higher quote because they are more experienced. It’s also possible that they are using higher-end products in their services. Materials from reputable manufacturers are usually more appealing, more durable and longer-lasting. Their warranties can also influence roofing costs.  ‘

Ask About Unexpected Costs

After your contractor removes the old roofing material, they might discover hidden issues, such as leaks, rot and mold growth. They would need to address these problems before securing the new material. It may also be necessary to bring your roof up to code if you live in an old house. Set aside funds for these scenarios to avoid long delays in your project. It helps to ask your contractor about the estimated cost of dealing with these issues so you can factor them in when creating a budget. 

Consider Skills and Experience 

Whether you’re considering investing in asphalt, metal or PVC roofing, you must choose a contractor specializing in the material you prefer. This ensures your new roof is installed correctly and lasts long. Experienced professionals can also help you choose the best style and colors for your home or business.