When you’re looking for a roof estimate, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many options available.
You want to make sure that your home or business is protected from damage and weather-related problems while also getting the best value for your money. In this blog post we will be covering the 5 Red Flags to Look Out for on Your Roof Estimate.
To find a reputable roofing contractor, you should get multiple opinions and then make your decision. Here are 5 red flags to look out for when you’re receiving a roof estimate discussed in this article.
Red Flags to Look Out for on Your Roof Estimate
After talking to a few roofing companies, you can estimate what kind of project they will do and how much it will cost. Know what to be on the lookout for when going over your estimates.
Lookout for Hidden Fine Prints
You should always read the fine print on your roof estimate. If a roofing company hides their fine print, it is likely because they are trying to hide something.
Hiding the fine print in contracts usually revolves around not taking responsibility for damage to your property.
They might tell you they’ll fix anything that breaks during the roof replacement process, but they won’t.
You should always read the fine print on your roof estimate. If a roofing company hides their fine print, it is likely because they are trying to hide something.
Lookout if You Only Get a Price
A roof estimate should include information about the price, materials being used, warranty lengths, quality of installation.
The estimate should be detailed and outline specific items. This list includes the cost of all materials and labor for installing a roof.
If your estimate doesn’t have an itemized list, you don’t know what you’re paying for. The company might be promising a cheaper price, but they offer a lower quality roofing material and warranty.
Lookout for Vague Estimates and Hidden Fees
If you want to make sure that your home or business is protected from damage and weather-related problems while also getting the best value for your money; then you should watch out for vague estimates and hidden fees.
Roofing companies can try to add on additional expenses with unclear explanations such as “extra materials” needed or a need for an “additional worker”.
They might also tack on unexpected charges like administrative or sales fees when they don’t have any legal reason to do so.
Lookout if There’s No Warranty Information
If a roof estimate does not include warranty information, it is a major red flag.
A roof should have a warranty from the manufacturer and another on the workmanship. Every roofing contractor should offer a warranty on their workmanship.
A contractor’s warranty should offer a lifetime or 25-year warranty. If the roofing company doesn’t include a warranty in their estimate, they will not be responsible for any leaks that happen after installation.
Lookout if the Roofer Doesn’t Explain the Estimates
The contractor should explain the estimate, and be willing to answer questions.
It is helpful to go over every line item of a contract with your contractor so that you know what you’re paying for and any questions or concerns.
Roofing contractors should be transparent with their customers by explaining what they’re doing and. how it’s going to be done.
If you don’t feel like the contractor is upfront about costs or process, then they likely aren’t reliable enough for your business.
More Red Flags to Look Out For
Lookout for Unlicensed Roofing Contractors
Roofers should be licensed to do the work they’re promising. They need this license before getting insurance and signing a contract with you.
If your roofer does not have their licenses, there is no way of knowing if they can actually do what they promise or are even qualified to handle such a big job.
A contractor’s warranty should offer a lifetime or 25-year warranty. If the roofing company doesn’t include a warranty in their estimate, they will not be responsible for any leaks that happen after installation.
Lookout if Your Roofer is Uninsured or Underinsured
If your roofers are uninsured, you’ll be held liable for every injury that happens while they’re working on your roof.
You could be sued if someone falls off the roof and gets injured, potentially losing all of your assets in court.
If a worker is under insured, you’ll only receive what’s left after their insurance pays them back for any damages or injuries incurred during their work.
You might not get enough money to cover the repairs you need.
A contractor’s warranty should offer a lifetime or 25-year warranty. If the roofing company doesn’t include a warranty in their estimate, they will not be responsible for any leaks that happen after installation.
Lookout for Unexpected Costs
Roofers should never expect their customers to pay extra fees.
All costs listed in the estimate must be applicable every single time, regardless of other factors that might arise during installation or after work is finished.
The roofing contractor must honor all verbal agreements as well as written contracts if a client and contractor had a previous conversation about pricing or changing an estimate.
Lookout for Disputes on the Estimate
A roofing company should not leave out any information from their contract, nor send you an incomplete copy of it with errors either.
Make sure that all changes are noted in the signed documents as well as both parties initial them to show they agree with the new terms.
What Should Be Included in the Roofing Estimate?
The estimate should have all of the costs that are necessary to complete your project. This includes labor, materials and contractor fees for everything involved in the installation process.
If they don’t list these items on their estimate, you won’t know how much money you need or what you’re signing up for with them
The roofing contractor must be transparent in everything, from fine prints, to price, to all the charges, warranties — the contractor should walk you through all these.
If they don’t, then you might end up paying more for the roof than it’s worth.
Every contractor needs to have insurance that is enough for all their employees and any accidents or damages during the job.
If one of these problems arises after work has started, the company should handle them immediately — not letting things go until an argument erupts.
Know What You’re Paying For
When going over your estimates, you should always make sure the price includes everything you need.
If there are any extra charges on top of your estimate, they’re usually hidden fees that increase the cost of your project.
If you don’t want to be surprised by unexpected costs or find yourself paying for something twice, read every line in your contract before signing it and ask questions if you don’t understand.
It’s a good idea to have an expert look over your estimate before you sign it so they can point out anything that seems odd or suspicious in the wording.
This way, you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises when the work is being done and be happy with what gets completed on your roof from start to finish!
Why Get an Estimate for Your Roofing?
You want to make sure that you’re hiring a roofing company with professionals and an understanding of the job they need to do.
Prospective homeowners should ask for references, check out their website and read online reviews before making a decision on who will be working on their project.
If all goes well during the estimate process, then you can be sure that you’ve found a roofing company who will do the best possible job and satisfy all your needs.
Ensure That Your Roofer Is Licensed, Bonded and Insured for Safety’s Sake!
You don’t want to risk allowing unlicensed or uninsured contractors on your property because they might not be able to complete everything that needs to be done.
If your contractor doesn’t have a license, it’s usually illegal for them to work on any job within the state and they could face fines if caught by law enforcement.
This is why you should always ask to see a copy of their permit before hiring anyone!
Additionally, homeowners shouldn’t hire companies who don’t carry the insurance necessary to protect both the property and any workers on site.
This way, if there is an accident or someone gets hurt during work hours, you don’t have to worry about paying for their medical expenses out of your own pocket!
The contractor should be bonded as well because it guarantees that they pay for damages if something goes wrong with the work.
This way, you won’t have to pay for the cost of repairs if they create any problems with your roof during their job!
