Southern Roofing Company

When you need a roof repair or replacement, you shouldn’t wait long before calling a professional. However, choose who you will hire carefully. As much as possible, hire a local company for your roofing needs. Moreover, asking for quotes from different contractors can help you select the best person for the job. 

Learn why obtaining estimates is essential for roofing projects and how to assess them in this blog post.

Why Obtain Roofing Estimates?

By consulting at least three contractors, you’ll know if your roof requires replacement or not. For instance, if two contractors recommend a replacement while one says you only need repairs, you likely need a new roof. 

Getting estimates will also allow you to compare prices and which company offers the highest quality roof. Keep in mind that choosing the contractor with the lowest quote isn’t always a good idea. Choose a contractor for your new asphalt shingles, not depending on the price but the quality of products and services. Some contractors cut corners or use lower quality materials to offer you lower prices. 

Another advantage of obtaining quotes is being able to determine who is the best contractor for your project. By getting multiple bids, you’ll also have a chance to see how each roofer communicates and deals with clients. It would help to do your research when looking for a roofing contractor. Make sure to only talk to roofers with valid license and insurance. Also, read reviews and other forms of customer feedback. 

What to Expect in Roofing Estimates

Contact Details of the Contractor

All roofing estimates should include the contact information of the company, including the name, address, phone number, and email address of the roofer. You can use these details in case you have concerns about your roof repair or the estimate. Expect to see insurance and licenses on the estimate as well.

A Complete Description of the Job

Your potential contractor must include a detailed description of the job. It should describe the materials, including the type and thickness of underlayment, size of nails and fasteners, and flashing locations. If rotted wooden components require replacement, your roofer should also mention it on the estimate. 

When the Project Will Start and End

The start date of your project refers to when the contractor will start working on your roof. As much as possible, the date should be suitable for your needs and schedule. These dates give you an idea about how quickly a roofer can complete the project.

Material Cost

Are you considering getting an asphalt shingle or metal roofing system? Another key component of a roofing estimate is the material cost. Avoid hiring a contractor who charges at least a 30 percent markup on materials. Market prices for materials still depend on your location, so it would help to consult a local supplier to ensure your contractor is charging you reasonable prices. However, you must decide on what materials you prefer first. 

Labor Cost

Any home improvement estimate must include labor costs. These costs are usually broken down into the cost of removing the shingles and installing new ones and the cost to remove and replace an old decking material. A reputable contractor can clearly explain what’s included in the labor costs. 

Warranties

Make sure to hire a roofer who offers comprehensive warranties for both labor and materials. The estimate should have a section dedicated to workmanship guarantees, material guarantees, and cleanup. 

How to Assess and Compare Them

Comparing Warranties

Most asphalt shingles and other roofing materials come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Still, you want to hire a contractor who offers warranties for their installation and materials. A good roofer would offer coverage that’s nearly as long as the warranty of the shingles. You must also consider the location of your prospective contractors. If the companies offer similar warranties, choose one that’s nearest to you, as it will be easier to reach them in case your roof requires repairs in the future. 

Make Sure Every Material Is Listed

Besides the shingles, roofing tiles, metal roofing, or your preferred roofing option, the estimate must also include supplementary materials. This includes the sealants, additional plywood, and felt or underlayment. Not all roofers list materials like plywood replacement boards, because they aren’t necessary unless your existing ones are rotting. However, once they remove the old roofing materials and found out the boards need replacement, this can quickly add to your project’s cost. Ensure all supplementary materials are in the quote before signing a contract. 

Asking for an itemized quote will also allow you to compare the prices and quality of materials better. For instance, underlayments usually come in two weights, which are 15 lb and 30 lb. The latter option may have a higher upfront, but it’s significantly thicker, which is ideal for your home. It means that some contractors offer higher bids than others because they use better quality materials. 

Pay Attention to the Labor Section

Labor costs are not always similar among contractors, and it’s not a relatively fixed hourly wage. Usually, a roofer who has more experience and training chargers higher labor costs. Many tend to avoid contractors with high labor costs, but higher wages can be due to more experienced workers. Keep in mind that a roof installed by skilled professionals are not only appealing but also more durable and longer-lasting. 

Did Your Prospective Roofers Include Incidentals?

Check if every estimate from your prospective contractors includes incidental costs. Incidentals refer to services such as cleanup and waste disposal. You want to hire a roofer who will handle the aftermath of the project for you. It’s also not safe to have old materials like shingles and nails around your yard. See to it that incidentals are stated on the quote to prevent being charge last minute for the said services.  

Need new asphalt shingles or metal roofing? At Southern Roofing Company, you can rely on us for superior residential roofing services. Call us at (470) 299-7663 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free roof analysis.