Whether you are a new homeowner, or have been living in your home for many years, replacing a roof is something that you will have to do at some point. Although this type of extensive undertaking can be a little bit scary to think about, knowing what you’re up against and doing some proper research can take a little of the unknown out of the equation. By knowing what to expect when getting a roof replacement estimate, you will know who the highest quality roofer is at the fairest price available.
Gather some information
Before you start soliciting for bids for your roof replacement estimate, it is important to gather some information. Start by deciding on the type of roofing material that you want to use. What type of roof do you want?
This can be something as simple as choosing between metal, slate or composite shingle roofing. Or you may want to choose a particular color or style of shingle. With all of the different shingle varieties available, you can get great roof protection in a very attractive package.
Choosing a high quality roofing material installed by a professional roofer is a great investment. It will help improve not only the structure of your roof, but the overall efficiency of your home.
Contact some roofing contractors
After you have made this decision, it is time to start calling the contractors in your area. You can start on this process by talking to your insurance company and to your friends and neighbors. Be wary of any fly-by-night roofing companies, especially right after a significant weather event. Once you have decided on who is on your list, request estimates from each. Then compare the estimates side by side.
A roofing estimate should take about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Whenever you get your roofing estimate, you will want to look for a number of items that should be present. If an estimate does not include all of these important things, then it should set off red flags and you should remove them from consideration.
Roofing estimate components
The following should be in a roofing estimate:
Project Start Date
This is the day that they will actually begin work on your roof. This is a very important detail to know, as you will need to ensure that it is soon enough to meet your needs.
Estimated Completion Date
This is just as important as the starting date. How fast does this particular contractor finish their work? Although the exact duration may not be as important to some as to others, you will want to choose someone who can finish in a timely fashion.
Full Work Description
An estimate should include a very detailed description of the work that is to be done. This will include a detailed list of:
- All roofing materials
- Underlayment type and thickness
- Flashing locations
- The size of the nails and fasteners that will be used.
Sealant Type
In addition to the materials above, the estimate should provide the type of sealant that will be used to seal any areas that require waterproofing, such as flashing and nail holes.
Guarantees and Expectations
In addition to the above, your contractor should also include a section that discusses the workmanship guarantees, material guarantees and cleanup expectations. Roofing manufacturers offer extensive warranties and roofing contractor certification programs to ensure you get a qualified installer.
Insurance and Licenses
The roofing contractor you hire should make their insurance and licenses visible on the estimate. This helps you determine if they are reputable. If the roofing contractor you select doesn’t carry the right insurance or have the proper licenses to be able to pull a permit, then steer clear of that company.
All of these roof replacement estimate factors are very important when it comes to having a roofing contractor replace your roof. Go over the details of each document closely so that you can choose the contractor that best meets your expectation for the type of work to be done at a price that meets your budget. Once you have decided, it’s time to accept their proposal and let them get to work!