What You Need To Be On The Lookout For When Getting A Roof Replacement Estimate
When you find out your roof needs to be replaced, it can be a really stressful experience. Then on top of it all, you need to make heads or tails of one or more estimates. There are a lot of things that you’ll need to know so that you get the best deal and the best service in town.
Follow this list of seven things to expect during a roof replacement estimate to make your project go smoothly.
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1. Choosing Which Companies To Call
Start by asking your friends and family if they know of a good roof contractor. These are your best sources for local information. You’ll want to know things like the quality of work, if the project was done on time, if the job site was cleaned up thoroughly, and how fair the price was.
Once you get a few suggestions, make a list. Get reviews from the internet and narrow down the list to three or four contractors. Next, set up an appointment with each one separately. For RoofSmart, about 40% of our business comes from word of mouth/referral. Our stellar reputation precedes us most of the time!
2. Prepare Your Questions To Ask The Contractor
Come up with a list of questions that you’re going to ask the contractors before they arrive at your house. Include things like how long they’ve been in business, whether they specialize in the type of roof you want to install, and what the project timeline looks like. Ask them what’s special about your project, not just the standard stuff. Check them out on the State’s contractor registry. It’s super easy and really important (unless you want to hire a guy that started yesterday, but promises 30 years of “experience”)
Replacement roofing is specialized remodeling. Usually, building codes have changed since your home was built. What should be updated so your roof meets current code?
Make sure to take note of each contractor’s responses.
3. Be Prepared For The Contractor’s Questions
A good contractor will have questions for you as well. The very basic information they’ll want to know is what kind of roof you want to have installed and how long you want it to last. Don’t be afraid to let the contractor know that you have others bidding on the project, as any professional should be able to justify what he’s proposing in comparison to the competition. A good contractor should be trying to find out what would be a good fit for you, not doing a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. Receiving The Estimate
When getting the estimate from your roofing contractor, you’ll need to know several important details. RoofSmart has pride in the details, don’t accept the estimate without this information:
- Full description of work
- Materials installed
- Warranty and guarantee
- Payment information
- Provisions
- What happens if there’s a surprise
5. Prepare For Hidden Costs
There are provisions in estimates that allow the contractor to add in extra costs as they come up. Typically before they proceed, they will notify you of the additional cost. You should plan on approximately 10% of the contract price just to be safe. At RoofSmart, our average is less than 4%. We usually have it pretty well scoped out ahead of time.
6. Determine Extra Services You May Need
If you need the contractor to handle certain aspects of the project, like any carpentry or framing work, then you must be upfront with them. You will have to pay for these extra services if they agree to perform them.
7. Choosing The Contractor
Now that you’ve gone through everything, including asking questions, reviewing the estimate, and determining what your extra service needs are, you are ready to select your contractor. Remember, just because someone offers you a lower price does not necessarily mean you are getting the better deal. Often, an experienced contractor will charge more, but they had a smart reason for doing it. It’s rare that higher quality is cheap. Russian roulette is not for everyone.
What RoofSmart Has To Offer You
At RoofSmart, we have more than ten years of experience in the industry, and we’ve helped set the standard for how roofing services should be with our team of Meticulous Roofing Nerds.
Our work is smart, our solutions are effective, and our integrity is bulletproof. RoofSmart’s mission is to set the standard for how contractors should treat clients.
You can rest assured that when you choose us, you choose right. Our clients aren’t just customers; they’re friends, family, and fellow community members. We’re devoted to taking care of our client’s needs!
Contact RoofSmart Today
When you’re ready to replace your roof, let RoofSmart take your stress away. Contact us today at (206) 487-4877 for your free inspection. We’ll make sure your roofing experience is the best it can be!
