A roof replacement can be one of the biggest costs you can have for your home or business. The magnitude of the project and the cost can be wildly intimidating and can also be confusing, especially when receiving an estimated cost. So, what should a roofing estimate look like?
Many homeowners don’t have much experience in the roof replacement department. What to look for and what an estimate should look like is something most don’t know, making understanding your estimate crucial to making the best decision and not being overcharged.
A roofing estimate needs to be specific and have everything that is necessary for the job. You need a line item list showing the number of roof layers that will be removed, the details about how your property will be protected during the process, etc.
To ensure that you are getting quality service and the end result you are looking for, make sure you understand the estimate and that you get quality answers to any of your questions. A roofing estimate should have the following elements to it.
The Roofing Company’s Information
An estimate should not just contain information about the job, but about the roofing company itself as well. This should include the contact information for the business and the names of the people you may need to contact. You also should get proof of license and insurance from the company. Take the time you need to verify the contractor’s license. Look up your stat’s licensing agency and run a check on your contractor’s number to guarantee that they are legit. This will protect you from any fraud, damages, or an incomplete job.
Payment
One of the most important parts to an estimate is the information regarding payment. This should state how payment can be made and how installments or payment plans should be structured. Make sure you really understand how much you are responsible for and when your payments are due. Any questions you have should be asked ahead of time so there aren’t any misunderstandings.
Breakdown of Cost
This is the bread and butter of what you are looking for in a roofing estimate. How much is this whole ordeal going to cost? This needs to include every aspect of the roofing work, everything from materials to permits to clean-up. Labor costs should also be factored into each line item. Materials and permits should be similarly priced in a particular area, despite the vendor, labor costs, however, will vary. You should shop around to get a variety of pricing in order to make an educated decision.
Timeline of the Project
A roofing estimate should also give you a clear start date and at least an estimated finish date. Projects can have delays, but any experienced roofer should be able to see what may slow the project down and give you a decently accurate timeline. Make sure you check the company’s reviews to see if this has been an issue in the past.
What it’s Going to Cost
The total cost of the estimate should be clear as day. It should take into account every line item in the cost breakdown, including labor. It also needs to have taken the timeline into account of the cost. The estimate should tell you exactly what you will need to expect to pay for the roofing project.