A new roof or even a repair can be a big investment for a homeowner. That is why it is important that you get it right from the beginning so that you don’t get caught up in expensive repairs down the line. You can only get it right when working with the right roofing contractor. You can reach out to C&D Bronx Roofers if you’re looking for a roofing company that you can trust. In order to save on costs, you need to learn how to look at the estimates. Here are some tips that will come in handy when looking at quotes from roofing contractors.
Obtain Multiple Quotes
Experts recommend getting at least three quotes when looking for a roofing contractor. A good company will want to inspect the roof before providing a quote. You can still know what they will be looking out for which can give you a rough estimate of the amount they will charge. The roof size and pitch will play a big role in determining the quote that you get from the contractor. The extent of the damage will also have a say in the final quote that you get from the contractor.
Call Roofing Supplies
You can call roofing suppliers to have an idea of the cost of materials. There are contractors who will charge you exorbitantly using roofing materials as an excuse. Even if there is a markup, there shouldn’t be a big difference with the price that is charged for the roofing materials. You need to work with a contractor that honors their word. Such a contractor will be more concerned about the quality of delivery because they stand by their word. Once you’ve known the cost of roofing materials, you will be able to determine if the markup is justified.
Time For Delivering Roofing Estimate
The time it takes for the estimate to be delivered will be an indication on the level of professionalism of the contractor. If a contractor says they will deliver the estimate on Tuesday but only communicates on Friday, this alone should be an alarming sign. You want to work with a contractor whose word is their bond. If they can’t be trusted with simple communication, why should trust such a person with your roof? It is the little details that matter when dealing with the contractor and they should be able to demonstrate that they can be trusted.
The estimates alone shouldn’t be the only consideration to have in mind when hiring a contractor. There are also other factors as well.
Insurance is Mandatory
You should only work with a contractor who is fully insured. The roofing company should have both liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Don’t just take their word for it, ask for the certificates. Follow up with insurance companies if you feel there is something that is missing.
Choose Local
You should look for a local contractor as it will make things much easier. A local business will be operating locally and will have already established a reputation. You reduce the risk of working with someone that is not known in the local community. You don’t want to be working with a company that will vanish in thin air when things become hot.
Price is Not Everything
You should never choose a roofing company based on price alone. Cheap bids will drive down the market. Cheap can be expensive in the long run. A contractor with a cheap bid is likely to cut corners with the repairs or installation of the new roof. If the price is the sole criteria why you pick a roofing company, you might end up paying a lot more than you had bargained for.
Everything Should Be in Writing
You need to have a contract so that everything that needs to be covered is included. The contractor will know what is expected at every phase of the project. The contract will protect you in case the company that you’re working with decides to play foul.
To sum it up, the estimates can be used as gauge what you can be expected to pay for the roofing job. There should be open and transparent communication when dealing with the contractor. You don’t want to end up with a shoddy job which will be expensive in terms of repairs. Be wary of a contractor with a cheap estimate. Don’t even try to engage the person because there will be something that is being hidden which you will only find out the hard way.
