A roof estimate is a written document that gives homeowners an idea of the cost of a new roof and the duration of this project. However, it’s more than finding out the overall costs of re-roofing. This document contains all the elements that you need to consider to help determine the right roofer for the job.
Larger companies and more experienced contractors may include more extended details on their estimates, so you should evaluate each item carefully. There are details that quality roofing estimates should consist of and every homeowner should consider when it comes to comparing roofing contractors.
Materials
A roofer will typically give recommendations to the materials that are best suited for your needs during your consultation. The roofing estimate should clearly state and itemize a breakdown of the cost of all the materials that you and your consultant have discussed. This should include specific color options and styles. Any brand preferences should also be specified.
Furthermore, the roofing estimate should provide general information beyond the main roof material. It should also include the underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and accessories such as ridge caps.
Changes in the middle of the roofing project can cause delays and lead to added costs down the line. Before signing the estimate, make sure to review each component and fulfill any changes or corrections if needed.
The Scope of Work
The scope of work, also known as the “project scope,” describes all the resources and the exact work needed to accomplish the job. This should provide the materials, systems, application methods, structural repairs, or changes as well as the start and estimated completion dates. The number of needed installers are also listed in this section.
Make sure that the detailed work meets the requirements of the manufacturer’s warranty, including ventilation, low slope roofs, and even ice dam protection if applicable. A detailed summary of the project shows that the contractor knows what they need to do to your roof and how they plan to execute it.
Change Procedure
It’s not uncommon to need changes while a roofing installation is in progress. Several unforeseen circumstances warrant changes such as structural problems. Any structural issues that are discovered after the old roof is removed will need repairs before installation can proceed.
No matter the reason, the contract should outline how the changes should take place as well as the people who are authorized to sign off. Homeowners need reassurance that any issue that may come up during the project will be dealt with by the contractor.
Post-installation Work
Cleanup is mostly the scope of any post-installation work. This entails the disposal of any garbage or debris that was brought about by the roofing job, including packaging, nails, excess materials, and tar blobs. It also includes cleaning and mending any damaged landscaping.
The estimates should also include the cleanup expectations, including those who will be responsible for internal and external clean-up. The costs of removal of old materials and recycling costs will also need to be taken into account.
The contractor should do the cleanup as a poor job can be a future hazard as some materials can be toxic and unsafe for regular disposal, while others can cause serious medical emergencies like leftover nails. Make sure that the estimate includes that the contractor will haul away all the debris or else you’ll be stuck with a mess that the contractor is not legally obligated to move.
Warranty Coverage
As you obtain a roofing estimate, it’s a good idea to know the type of protection you can expect from a roof warranty. It’s also essential to go through the details of the warranty. Find out what is covered in the installation warranty and the length of the coverage.
Payment Schedule
After covering the details of the project itself, you should start discussing the payment schedules and terms. This includes down payments, progress payments, as well as the final payment. Roofing estimates need to consider when and how payments need to be made, as this can prevent any disputes that can occur in the future.
Deposit requirements are different for every contractor, but a legitimate contractor will never ask for the full payment upfront. The typical re-roofing project will ask for an initial deposit, which should be between 10-15 percent of the total value of the project. Progress payments are typically given once the materials are delivered, while the final payment upon the project’s completion.
These factors can help in determining the aspects you’re looking for in a roofing contractor and avoiding confusion when comparing multiple estimates. Remember to avoid signing the first roofing estimate from the first contractor that sends a proposal. It is in the best interest of any homeowner to gather multiple estimates and compare each one to find the best fit for the job and what the project entails.
Fahey Roofing Contractors has the experienced and skilled contractors you need to help you with any necessary roof repairs and roof replacement. We serve various areas in West Virginia and Ohio. If you have more questions, visit our website today or contact us at (304) 826-1333 for West Virginia and (740) 523-0380 for Ohio to learn more.