If you decide to get a full roof replacement this summer, several things must be addressed if you want to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible, one of which is finding a good roofing service contractor. This means you can’t just hire anyone available for the job. You’ll have to do your research and check to see who has a good reputation in the area so that you can approach them to get an estimate.
Finding the Right Estimate
When getting estimates, one of the easiest things you can do is ask your friends and neighbors who they have hired in the past for roof replacement projects. Their referrals can help you find good prospects to take on your roofing project. You can then check out their websites and see the kind of roofing services they offer. You can also check to see if their site is updated and looks professional, as well as read reviews from their previous customers.
Once you have your list of prospective roofing service contractors, you’ll need to approach each of them to obtain a roof replacement estimate. This is necessary because you’ll be comparing their offers to give you an idea of how much you’ll need to spend for your project. However, you should also keep in mind that some contractors may offer roofing quotes or bids instead of estimates, and they’re much more different from estimates than what you might think.
How Quotes & Bids Differ From an Estimate
Some terminology used during your roof replacement project can be a bit confusing, so it’s important to understand what each of them entails when you receive offers from prospective contractors. You’ll not only get estimates, after all, but also quotes and bids, and each of them will have different information about your roofing project.
Estimates provide a rough figure of how much the project will cost. This is typically based on the roofing and siding replacement contractor’s knowledge and expertise, which can sometimes include the current market prices of the materials to be used. Just think of it as a ballpark figure of how much the roofing job will cost based on the contractor’s experience.
On the other hand, quotes–also sometimes called bids–tend to be more detailed, as they outline every part of your roofing project. It’s usually the same document that becomes a contract when both parties have agreed upon the terms and conditions and signed it. The project will typically cost either more or less than the estimate by around 10 to 15 percent.
Comparing Different Estimates
Once you’ve received your project estimates, take the time to compare each of them. Even if they’re not as detailed as a quote, an estimate must be clear and concise about the scope of your roof replacement project. Take a closer look at the numbers as well, as they’ll be presented differently for each contractor. Even if it’s just an estimate, good contractors will know how to keep the information organized and easy to understand.
That said, a typical roof replacement estimate consists of the following:
- Basic contractor information – This means your estimate should have the key contact information of the roofing and siding replacement contractor who provided it. This includes their physical address, email address and phone numbers. An outline of who’s overseeing the day-to-day responsibilities during construction should also be provided, along with who you’ll be sending the overall payment. This will make it easier to contact them later on with any inquiries or concerns about your roofing project.
- Proof of business licenses – Although different cities and states will have different requirements for business permits, your contractor still has to meet the local requirements to operate in their area. This is necessary if you don’t want to encounter problems with your roofing project later on. You can verify the license by taking down the license number and checking in with the state’s licensing board.
- Proof of insurance and bonding – The estimate should also provide proof that your contractor carries at least two types of insurance, as is required by most states. Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage when a roofer suffers a work-related injury or illness during the installation. General liability insurance, meanwhile, provides coverage for you and your home’s assets in case of property damage. The estimate should also provide proof of bonding so that you’re protected in case the contractor is unable to complete the project.
- Project timeline and itemized costs – An estimated start and end date must also be specified in your roofing estimate, along with the payment terms and related details of the costs of your project. The costs must be itemized in detail, as this will help you compare different roofing estimates. This will also help ensure that there won’t be any unexpected costs during construction. However, it’s always safer to set aside part of your roofing budget in case of hidden damage and additional repair costs.
Other Tips to Remember
It helps to keep a record of all estimates, quotes and contracts in a single folder. These will become useful references in case you have any questions or concerns at any point during the roof replacement process. When comparing different estimates, don’t automatically go for the lowest price. Not everything will always be included in an estimate, which means the final price will most likely be higher than what was initially offered. Higher estimates don’t necessarily mean better quality and workmanship either, so go for the price that works best for you instead. Of course, you should also choose a contractor who’s already trusted locally and well-established in the community.
As a trusted name among professional roofing and siding manufacturers, Window World of Boston always gets the job done with speed and efficiency. We partnered with Owens Corning®, one of the most respected names in the industry, to bring you a proven roofing solution from a brand you can trust. The high-performance roofing systems we build combine key elements to ensure that you have a well-built roof that will perform for many years to come!
To learn more about our roofing product offerings, give us a call us at (781) 262-3925 if you’re from Woburn, (781) 343-7129 if you’re in Pembroke, or (508) 845-6676 if you live in Shrewsbury. You can also fill out our convenient online form.
