When you are looking for a roofer, it can be difficult to know which estimate is the best. There are so many factors that go into pricing, and there’s always room for negotiation. In this blog post we go over the 4 Things to Compare on Roof Estimates to assist you on your next roof transaction!
But how do you find the perfect roofing company? By comparing multiple estimates! This article will help you compare your quotes and figure out which one is right for you.
Looking at Multiple Roof Estimates
When replacing your roof, get estimates from different contractors to find the best one. The best way to compare multiple quotes is through the price, but also other factors such as warranty.
Price
The first thing to compare when looking at different roofing estimates is the price.
Are you getting a high quality product for your money? Are there extra expenses that aren’t included in the quote, such as hidden fees or taxes?
Warranty and Guarantee
Ensure that your contractor offers a warranty of some kind.
A good warranty should include at least a year of coverage, which will protect you if anything goes wrong with your roof due to poor craftsmanship or faulty materials.
Material Warranties vs Labor Warranties
Not all warranties are created equal – some cover the actual parts being used in your roofing installation, while others simply guarantee the work done.
In general, a material warranty is more thorough and will protect you better in the long run.
Customer Service and Reputation
You want to make sure that your roofer has good customer service and a great reputation with past clients!
Ask for references of people who have had similar roofs installed by this contractor; if they had a good experience, chances are you will too.
Compare Multiple Roofing Estimates
Overall, compare your roofers based on price and the warranty they offer – but also ensure that their customer service is top-notch!
Check to see what kind of warranties each contractor offers before choosing a company.
Also ask around for references or check online to see if previous clients have had a good experience working with this roofer.
By comparing multiple quotes, you are sure to find the perfect company that fits your needs!
Price, warranty of some kind (material or labor), customer service/reputation, references from past customers. Compare based on these factors when looking at your roofing estimates.
Check to see if the warranty includes material or labor, and whether it’s a good one (year of coverage) by checking multiple quotes. Ask for references from past customers/check online reviews as well!
4 Things to Compare on Roof Estimates
You should learn to check the roof estimates prepare by the roofing contractor. Here are the 4 important ones:
1. Items included in the contract – make sure that their itemized list includes the basic elements of the roofing work
2. Contract or fine print – make sure that there are no hidden agenda or fine prints in the contract
3. How roofers handle rotten decking in the future – this is about material warranty – the roofers should take care of this and related concerns with regards to materials
4. Workmanship Warranty – make sure that the roofers offer a warranty for their workmanship
What’s Found in the Roof Estimates
The roof estimates must include all information you need to know about the roof replacement, and these are the materials, price, labor cost.
1. Materials
Contractors must list all the materials used in the roof replacement. A complete specification of each material will give you an idea on which one is most suitable for your home.
Here are things to note with regards to what’s included in the materials:
- You might want to ask if there are warranties offered by the manufacturer or not, and how long it’s valid for.
- It’s also best to check whether the warranty is for material defects only, or also covers damage due to poor construction.
- The contractor must provide you with warranty information of each item used in the project.
- Also ask about how long it lasts and if there are any limitations on what claims can be made under that warranty (e.g., does it cover labor costs too?).
- Material warranties cover the materials that are used in your roofing installation.
- For instance, if a certain brand of shingles is chosen over another because it’s more durable and offers better warranties, then this should be covered under the warranty you’re given for your roof replacement project.
- Material warranties provide protection to homeowners when there are problems with their roofs due to poor craftsmanship or faulty materials.
- Material warranties are more thorough and will protect you better in the long run than labor warranties, which only cover workmanship.
- Contractors must list all of the materials used during your roof replacement project; sometimes they might need to be sourced from different places (e.g., shingles come from one supplier, roofing nails from another).
- Ask about what kind of warranty comes with each material – it could be a limited time offer or for the life of your home.
- Also ask whether there are any limitations on what claims can be made under that warranty (e.g., does it cover labor costs too?).
- Always check to see if there is a warranty for the materials used in your roof replacement.
- Ask about how long it lasts and any limitations on what claims can be made under that warranty (e.g., does it cover labor costs too?).
You might want to ask whether there are warranties offered by the manufacturer or not, as well as how long it’s valid for.
It’s also best to check if the warranty is for material defects only, or covers damage due to poor construction as well.
Contractors must list all of the materials used during your roof replacement project; sometimes they might need to be sourced from different places (e.g., shingles come from one supplier, roofing nails from another).
Material warranties provide protection to homeowners when there are problems with their roofs due to poor craftsmanship or faulty materials.
2. Overall Price
The overall price must include labor, materials and other expenses.
In the roof replacement estimates you should see a complete breakdown of costs involved in installing your new roof from start to finish including:
– Materials (amount x cost per item)
– Asphalt shingles/composition shingles or metal roofing material installed by (labor cost/sq. ft.)
– Roof decking (labor and materials)
– Underlayment (materials, labor and installation)
– Gutters / downspout(s), if needed (cost per linear foot; material such as copper or aluminum; installation included?)
3. Labor Warranty
You should ask the contractor about their labor warranty firstly. The type of roofing materials you choose will determine how long a new roof will last and what kind of maintenance is required over time.
The best way to ensure that your decision lasts for years to come is by understanding exactly what’s involved in installation, including whether there are hidden costs or if you’re getting a good deal.
The labor warranty should only last for as long as you own the home or up to a certain period.
Some warranties are limited to just one year or less, while others can last up to 30 years depending on the material used.
The labor warranty for your roof replacement project should be included in your overall cost estimate.
Make sure this is something that’s guaranteed by your contractor and not an added expense you’ll have to pay separately.
The overall price must include labor, materials and other expenses.
Do not forget to compare these factors when looking at your multiple roof estimates. Please check online reviews of past customers, ask references and more before making up your mind!
