Important Details Of A Roofing Estimate
You can begin the process of calling roofing contractors in your area by getting recommendations from friends and neighbors. It is recommended to get at least 3 bids and compare them before hiring a contractor. Be wary of roofing companies who show up right after a severe storm. Local, established roofing businesses are more reliable and accessible.
There can be a lot of variation in roofing estimates, depending on what each contractor chooses to include in the bid. Thats why you should review the pertinent details in each estimate.
Here are some items that should be included in each roofing estimate.
1. Company Contact Info
All estimates should have the roofing company contact information that includes the company name, address, phone number, and email address. Youll need this info if you have questions about the estimate. The insurance and licenses should be visible on the estimate so that you know they are legit. If a roofing contractor doesnt carry the right insurance or have the proper licenses required by the state or city, do not consider them for the job.
2. A Full Work Description
A very detailed description of the work to be done should be included in a roofing estimate. All roofing materials, underlayment type and thickness, flashing locations, and even the size of the nails and fasteners that are to be used should be listed. Tearing off the old roofing materials or ripping out rotten wood must also be in the estimate. Each step should be clearly defined.
Protecting Your Property During Roof Replacement
When most people think about what to include in a roof estimate, they immediately jump to the materials that will be used.
However, there are some additional things you should know about when it comes to protecting your property during replacement work.
Clean Up As with any home project, whether its construction or not, clean up is important!
b\Make sure your contractor gets rid of all leftover nails, debris, and materials after the roof is complete. You dont want to have to worry about any safety hazards later on because they weren
Roof Replacement Company Reputation If youre not sure whether or not a company does quality work, make sure you do some research into their reputation!
Check out online reviews, talk to other people in your town or city who have had construction done recently. You can also check with the BBB for complaints against certain roofing companies.
Roof Replacement During Bad Weather Roof replacement isnt something you want to do during bad weather because its dangerous!
Make sure that if there are big storms coming through your area, you reschedule the roof replacement for a better time.
Full Description Of Work
Your roofing project should be clearly defined to you and your contractor. This way, both of you are properly informed about the specific work that will be done to your roof. Establishing and clearly defining the scope of work enables both parties to have realistic and reasonable expectations about the project.
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Your Companys Work Guarantee And Policy On Fixing Issues
Last but not least, you need to include your companys work guarantee and policy on fixing issues in the estimate. This will give the customer peace of mind knowing that they are working with a reputable company that stands by its work.
It is important to be clear about what is covered in your guarantee and what is not. You should also list your policy on fixing any issues or potential repairs that may arise after the job is completed.
When your client is aware of the policy upfront, your roofing company can protect itself from client disappointment.
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As you can see, there are several important elements that need to be included in a roofing estimate. By including all of these elements, you will be able to provide a detailed and accurate estimate for your potential customers. This will help you win more business and build a strong reputation for your roofing company.
If youre looking for more helpful tips on running your roofing business, be sure to check out our blog for more posts like The Top 5 Reasons Roofing Companies Fail. We have a wealth of resources to help you grow your company and succeed in the roofing industry.
AMSI Supply is dedicated to supplying roofers with top-quality tools and materials. Browse our offerings or Contact Us to learn more.
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Details Matter In A Roofing Estimate
Reputable roofing companies are professional and upfront with their customers. Here at Brian Dawson Roofing, we are dedicated to providing the best roofing services possible, and we dont compromise by excluding essential items in our estimates simply to present a lower bid. If you need a roof inspection or a new roof, contact us today for your free estimate.
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Benefits Of Hiring A Roofing Contractors
Hiring roofing contractors brings you a lot of benefits! Theyre properly insured, they have years of experience and can help you get started with your roof replacement.
These include:
Insured Roofing contractors are insured in case anything goes wrong.
They need to be covered so you dont get stuck with any of the cost if they or one of their workers gets injured during roof replacement work
Years of Experience A roofer has years upon years of experience under his belt, which means he knows what hes doing when it comes to roofing.
This can save you hours of research and calling around for estimates
Helps Get Started When youre just getting started with your roof replacement, a contractor is the best way to go!
Theyll take care of all the necessary permits, they know what kind of materials are needed in your area when winter hits so you can get the best roof for your buck.
So if you want a roofing estimate, you should definitely consider hiring a contractor!
Theyll help you get started, they can make sure your roof is done right and they have the proper insurance to protect both themselves and their workers.
Costs And Payment Schedules
A roof estimate should include labor and materials, permits, and clean-up or removal of any debris. The total of the job should include all costs with no surprises, hidden fees, or sudden changes.
That said, a contractor may have to switch products depending on availability , or they may have to adjust the cost if they have to perform an unforeseen task such as repairing or replacing a part of the roofing system.
Each roofing company has structured payment schedules when it comes to payment terms. These range from month-to-month financing to full payment upon completion. A contractor will sometimes require a deposit of up to 30 percent in advance, 30 percent at a given benchmark, and the remainder when the job is done.
Clear and concise costs and payment terms should be included in your roof estimate so that you understand what to expect before the contractor begins work.
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Prepare For Hidden Costs
Provisions in estimates allow roofing contractors to add extra charges that may come up along the way. For instance, your roof requires deep cleaning or has a more extensive underlying issue. But before they proceed, they often notify you of the additional cost. In California, its normal to allocate as much as 10% of the contract price for added costs.
Building A Profitable Roofing Business
The most important number in your business is your profit margin. This should be the number you use to track the performance of your sales reps & company as a whole, not a per square price.
You should even consider removing per square pricing from your company culture altogether. Encourage your sales team to focus on profit margins instead of discussing what per square price they got on a project. We hope that some of these roof estimating tips will help your company maximize profits & increase sales.
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Are Roof Repairs Cheaper Than A Roof Replacement
If your roof can be repaired, youll save money over a roof replacement. Additionally, youll be able to put off a roof replacement sometimes for several years. The longer your roof last, the more cost-effective it becomes.
Most asphalt roofs are designed to last for 20 to 30 years, so as long as yours hasnt been severely damaged, repairs may get you through until the natural end of your roofs lifespan.
Gutters & Gutter Covers
You may not need to replace your gutters, and your home may not be a great fit for gutter covers! Nevertheless, its important to have the conversation to establish if you will need the gutters replaced or not. You dont want to run into an issue where you need to replace the gutters next year. Its best to replace them at the same time as the roof.
If you have problems with your gutters getting clogged with leaves and debris, the time to solve this issue once and for all is when you get your new gutters installed. A gutter guard will relieve you of this hassle.
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Digital Roofing Estimates During Covid
When your roof needs a repair or replacement, its critical to address it as soon as possible. A properly installed and well-maintained roof helps to protect your home from the elements, providing you and your family a safer place to live.
Many roofing companies can provide a no-contact experience by providing digital roof estimates.
Free Roofing Estimates: What Should Be Included
Getting free estimates from several roofing contractors is a must before you decide which company should do the job for you. When you get multiple estimates, you can compare them side by side and easily discern the advantages of working with one company over another.
All roofing estimates are not the same. Make sure any quote you get contains all of the important information, so you dont have any surprises.
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Terms & Payment Schedule
How Long is the Estimate Valid For – Most estimates are valid for 30 days due to fluctuations in material and overhead costs.
Material & Workmanship Warranty – Material and workmanship warranties can vary and should be detailed in the estimate.
Terms & Payment Schedule – The contract terms and payment details should be included in the estimate/contract.
Above are the main components of what all roof estimates should include. We suggest that the homeowner or business owner review each line item in detail with the roofing company. If a roof estimate is missing one or more details of these key components, we recommend discussing them with the roofing contractor and confirm everything is included in the documentation before signing a contract. If you have any additional questions or would like a FREE roof replacement estimate contact us today.
Elements Included In A Roof Replacement Estimate
Shopping around for roof replacement estimates can seem overwhelming. What should it include? What shouldn’t be in it? Will it cover everything needed during the replacement?
Whether its your first time getting a roof replaced or youve gone through the process before, its important to understand whats included in a typical replacement estimate so you can compare estimates from different contractors and hire the best one for your needs.
On average, we work on over 1,000 roofs per year. For every replacement, we always walk our homeowners through a thorough explanation of their estimate so they know exactly what theyre paying for. Now, we want to share this information with you.
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How To Ensure That You Are Getting A Competitive Estimate
Roofing estimates will vary. Your overall costs will depend on your contractors relationship with their vendors as well as their labor costs. In most instances, customers receive two to three estimates for their roofing project. After you have received the estimates, compare the prices, quality of service, level of communication, expertise and experience with your type of roof design and desired materials. While bottom of the barrel pricing may be initially appealing, in the long run it may be detrimental. Roofing contractors in Indianapolis all have different practices and pricing methods. At Jackson Contracting, we value: quality, transparency, communication, and fair pricing.
Remember, your roof protects your home and the people that dwell inside of it. Ensure that you take note of a roofing contractors availability, communication, knowledge and reliability during the estimate. This information will help you to make a well informed choice when choosing your next roofing contractor in Indianapolis.
An Itemized List Of Costs
The next element on the roofing estimate is an itemized list of all the costs associated with the project. This includes labor, materials, permits, dump fees, and any other miscellaneous costs.
Make sure that you are as detailed as possible so there are no surprises for the customer later on.
Just in case your roofing team runs into potential obstacles that up the cost, you should include a line stating that the roofing quote is subject to change if more add-ons or order changes arise during the job.
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Tips For Estimating Nail Costs
Estimating nail cost starts with knowing how many nails per shingle you need. Numbers can vary between brands, but for most standard three-tab shingles, you need:
- 5 nails per starter shingle
- 4 nails for field shingles
To calculate, verify how many shingles come per bundle. Most bundles come with between 15-29 shingles. Next, determine how many starter shingles youll need and multiply it by 5 nails.
Finally, multiply the total number of non-starter field shingles by 4. Add these two amounts together for the total number of nails.
For example:
X bundles × Y shingles per bundle = Z total shingles. X starter shingles × 5 nails = Z total starter nails. X field shingles × 4 nails = Z total field nails. X starter nails + Y field nails = Z total nails.
Keep in mind, in a high-wind arealike cities in hurricane or tornado zonesits recommended that each shingle has 6 nails. Make sure to check your shingle manufacturers specifications as well as city ordinances to confirm nail requirements.
Pipe Boots And Roof Flashing
To ensure your roof pipes dont leak, a contractor places a neoprene boot around the base of the penetration. Your roof estimate should include the number of penetrations and the specific kind of boot thatll go around them.
The estimate should also include any flashing your roof needs. Flashing is metal placed anywhere the shingles butt up against something, such as a wall, chimney, or in open valleys.
Your existing flashing can be reused to cut down the cost a little if your contractor determines that the metal is in good shape. The estimate should include where theyre going to install the flashing and the kind of metal its made out of.
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Tear Off And Dispose Of Existing Roof Materials
You may think this is a given! Most times, it is included as part of the roof replacement process. What will be the most important point to clarify is that it is included in the total fees! Disposal of roofing materials is typically charged by weight for the companies. You just need to make sure you wont be hit with any surprise fees following the job because of tearing off materials!
The pricing may vary on this too if your current roofing system has two layers or more.
Be very wary of a contractor telling you that they dont need to tear off the existing materials before installing the new roof system. It is highly important that tear off is a part of the process. This ensures that the new roof system is not compromised and warranties remain valid.
Ask The Right Questions
1. How long have you had this roof?
Start with the basics. Knowing at least an approximation of the roofs age helps you diagnose the cause of damage. Is the wear of the roof due to age, or is it being prematurely damaged by other factors?
2. Do you know how the damage occurred?
Understanding how a roof became damaged shapes your estimate by clueing you in to the materials or add-ons the new roof will need to avoid repeated damage.
3. How long do you hope to have your new or repaired roof?
This question can help you distinguish between homeowners looking for a quick patch and those wanting to invest in the long-term sustainability of their roof.
4. What type of roof are you interested in installing?
Many homeowners do little research before requesting an estimate. This question opens up the conversation, so you can explain their options and give them an estimate for the type of roof they really want.
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Get The Estimate In Writing
If youre making an insurance claim, youll need to get a roof repair estimate in writing. If youre not making a claim, still consider getting the estimate in writing. Its a good idea to do so. The estimate will include the nature of the roof damage, the repair needed, and the estimated costs for the repairs which should include labor and materials. If this is for an insurance claim, make sure the wording is legible.
Additional costs can be incurred if the roofer finds more damage when opening the wall or pulling back the shingles. The extra costs should be documented in the written estimate, so you will not experience sticker shock as the roof repair process begins. Also, if the roofing contractor gives you a non-written estimate, consider moving on to another contractor because they may not be the best fit for the job.
