While several estimates for your roof repair project helps you give an idea on how much you need to spend, not all of them include the details you need to know. You’ve probably come across many kinds of roof estimates; some have the total amount listed but isn’t broken-down while others are more specific in detail. This only makes you wonder what an ideal roofing estimate should look like.
Although it can be a bit scary to undertake, especially if you haven’t done it before, doing some proper research can be helpful in what’s to be expected from a roofing contractor when getting a roof replacement estimate. Southern Roofing Company weighs in on what you need to look for in an ideal roofing estimate.
Before Getting an Estimate
You’ll need to determine a few things first before you start soliciting estimates from several contractors. Firstly, you need to decide which type of roofing material you want installed. You might have one in mind already, such as asphalt shingles, but there are other options to consider which may even be a better choice for your home. A top-quality roofing material can cost you a bit more, you’ll benefit more in the long run, such as minimal maintenance and more energy savings.
To get a better peace of mind, you’ll need to double-check if your prospective contractors are legitimate businesses in the industry. Be sure to research their company names and whether they have a good track record on trusted sites such as the Better Business Bureau®.
What Should Be Included in a Roofing Estimate?
Typically, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete, and it should include several things that should be present in any type of roof estimate. Even if you get one that’s just written on a sheet of paper, so long as all the important details of the estimate are found and has the necessary signatures, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
An ideal roofing estimate should include the following listed below:
- Full Work Description – A detailed description of the work to be done should be included in any roofing estimate. This should be provided so you’ll know how your roof will be replaced, along with guarantees and limited lifetime warranties. Having these will give you excellent protection during the initial years of the roof’s lifespan and be subsequently pro-rated after a certain number of years.
- Contact Info – A professional estimate should indicate contact information that includes the company name, address, phone number, and email address. It should also include proof of the contractor’s license, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance. If your prospective contractor doesn’t carry the right insurance or the proper licenses required by the state or city, don’t consider hiring them for your project.
A lien release should also be included in the roof repair and replacement estimate, as it provides you with protection against liability in case the contractor doesn’t pay the subcontractors or those who provide the roofing materials for your roofing repairs or replacement. If a roofing contractor offers to reduce or even waive your deductible, you shouldn’t accept it because it’s against the law. - Timeline – A detailed timeline should be included in a roofing estimate. This indicates the start date, which is the day that they will actually begin work on your roof, and an estimated completion date. The exact duration may not be as important to some as to others, but it’s better to choose someone who has a good track record of finishing a project on time.
- Keep in mind that this is just a projected timeline, and it can change whenever if are unexpected problems found on your roof that need to be repaired. Roof estimates should also include the date that the quote was provided or created, as it can determine whether you get the price quoted or not. For instance, if you have an estimate that’s six months old, then a new one may be needed since it may already be outdated by this time.
- Material Costs – All materials that will be used to complete the roofing job should be listed in the estimate, as they’re essential to determining the cost. All roofing materials such as the covering, flashing, underlayment, drip edges, gutters, underlayment type and thickness, and even the size of the nails and fasteners that are to be used should be listed as well.
A shingle and metal roofing estimate should also provide the type of sealant that will be used to seal any areas that require waterproofing, such as flashing and nail holes. It may be a red flag if you notice that one estimate doesn’t include something others have listed. - Total Costs – This should always be included in a roofing estimate, so that you’ll know how much you’ll have to pay for the work performed. This is also needed so you can compare the costs of contractors to determine what’s reasonable. The price shouldn’t just list the costs of the materials to be used for the project, but also an estimated cost of removing your old roof and properly disposing of the materials.
- Expectations and Guarantees – Along with everything listed above, a shingle or metal roofing estimate should also include a section that explains the workmanship guarantees, material guarantees, and cleanup expectations. Roofing manufacturers offer extensive warranties and roofing contractor certification programs to ensure the prospective contractor you’re keen to hire is qualified.
- Warranties – Similar to guarantees, an estimate should also include a section that explains 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.
Lifetime warranties generally last around 50 years, so the roof estimate should also state whether the warranty is transferable to a new owner of the property in case you decide to resell your home after a few years. A transferable warranty is a big selling point for homes that are regularly maintained.
When you’re looking for a trusted contractor that specializes in metal roofing and asphalt shingles, don’t hesitate to hire our team at Southern Roofing Company. Call us today at (470) 299-7663 or fill out our convenient form online to get started.