Replacing an outdated, roof with a new, energy-efficient roof is a comprehensive process that needs to be carefully planned out with professionals. It is something you will have to take on at one point or another, whether you have been living in your home for quite some time or are a new homeowner. When it comes to getting a roofing estimate, it is important to understand what it generally involves so you can avoid shady—or fraudulent—roofing companies waiting to take advantage of clueless homeowners.
In this article, Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. takes a close look at what a roofing estimate from a reputable roofing contractor should include.
Important Details of a Roofing Estimate
While a roofing estimate can vary from roofer to roofer, understanding the basics of the document can save you from frustration down the road. Here are essential items to look for when getting an estimate:
1. Company Contact Information
An estimate should have the contact information of the roofing company, including the company name, physical address, phone number, and email address. These details will come in handy when you have inquiries about the estimate or the roofing project itself. If the contractor you are considering cannot provide basic details about their operation, then take it as a warning sign and go to the next roofer.
2. A Full Description of Work
An in-depth description of the work to be done should also be included in the roofing estimate. All roofing materials, such as the type of the tiles or shingles, locations of the flashing, type and thickness of the underlayment, sizes of the nails and fasteners, and type of the sealant for waterproofing, to be used should be listed and specified within the document. Ideally, even the brands of the roofing products should be jotted down. Finally, whether or not the roof repair and replacement contractor will tear off the old roofing material and underlayment must be spelled out in the estimate.
3. Start and Completion Dates
The start date refers to the day the roofing contractor will begin work on your roof. You need to make sure that this date suits your personal schedule to avoid complications later on. The completion date is another important detail as it gives insight into how quickly the roofing company plans to complete the job. A roofing professional should be able to finish a roofing task, whether a simple repair or a full-on replacement, on time, barring any unforeseen situations, that is.
4. Warranties and Guarantees of Work
Within the estimate, a section should be dedicated to the manufacturer’s warranties, workmanship guarantees, material guarantees and cleanup expectations. In general, limited lifetime warranties offer protection against material defects during the early years of the new roofing’s service life and are then subsequently prorated after a certain period of time. On the other hand, a labor or workmanship warranty provides coverage against installation errors. This type of warranty is typically valid for a year following the completion of the replacement.
Moreover, the estimate should state whether the warranty is transferable to a new owner of the residential property in the event that you put your house on the market. For many, the ability to sign over the roofing warranty and workmanship guarantees are a huge selling point. Be sure to carefully read the fine print to get the details of the warranties and guarantees offered by your roof replacement company.
5. The Total Cost
Naturally, an estimate for a new roof will need to include the total cost you have to pay. It is recommended to gather bids from various contractors and compare them to determine reasonable pricing. Common details that make up the estimated cost of the roof replacement include:
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Starter shingles on eaves and rakes
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Regular shingles
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Underlayment
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Ice and water barrier
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Flashing, kick-out flashing, and counter flashing
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Chimney work
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Lead pipe jacks
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Ridge vents and flapper vents
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Gutters
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Cleanup and dump fees
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Permits
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Installation labor
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Old roofing tear-off
Keep in mind that going with the lowest bid is not always the best decision. You need to consider other important factors, like the roofing company’s reputation in the community, years of experience, certifications, and more.
Payment Terms and Schedules
In a well-thought-out roofing contract, a detailed explanation of the parties involved and their responsibilities for specific portions of the roof should be included. If certain parts of the roofing task will be outsourced to other contractors, these factions and associated responsibilities must be identified within the document. Information about upfront payment, total deposit, and mode and period of payments should also be stated in further detail. Ideally, the roof replacement contract will include a provision for the customer to hold back the final payment until they are satisfied with the completed job.
Insurance and Licensing Information
Be sure to select a roofing contractor that is fully licensed and carries the pertinent insurance policies. General liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance are non-negotiable parts of a roofing insurance plan. A lien release that offers you protection against liability in the event that the roofer fails to pay the subcontractors or companies that will provide the materials needed for your roof should also be included and prioritized. If the roofer you are considering cannot or hesitates to provide information about their licensing and insurance, simply take a step back and do not sign a contract with them.
The Homeowner’s Right to Cancel
According to the law, homeowners who enter into contracts with roofing and remodeling contractors have the right to cancel the contract, without penalty or obligation, but only within three business days after signing the contract. However, it is still critical that you review the contract before you attempt to get out of it. Some contractors may include a clause that renders you on the hook for 10 percent of the entire contract should you back after your three-day right to rescission.
Go Over the Roofing Quote With Your Contractor
After you receive your final quote for the new roof, be sure to go over it with your roofing contractor. An experienced and professional roofer will sit down with you and discuss every line item so you can better understand the things you are spending thousands of dollars on. It also allows you the opportunity to raise your concerns or ask any questions you may have regarding the roofing quote or project itself. While it is not exactly an anomaly in the quote itself, a roofer who is unwilling to go over the quote with you is a red flag.
Additional Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor
Before you sign on the dotted line, consider asking the following questions to further understand your final roofing quote.
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Does the roofing quote include tax?
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What will be the process if the roofing team discovers more damage than was originally found during the inspection?
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What safety precautions are you implementing?
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How will you protect my patio furniture, gutters, and landscaping from damage during the installation?
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Who will be responsible for the cost of damage incurred to your property during the installation?
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. is a premier source of top-quality and professional roofing solutions, including storm damage roof repair and roof replacement. With industry-leading GAF products, outstanding workmanship, and competitive prices, our skilled team will deliver the style and functionality you need for your West Tennessee home. Give us call at (901) 676-7449 to get started. You may also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment or request an estimate.