Comparing estimates is an important part of planning a roof replacement and the part where you decide which roofing contractor will turn your plans on paper to a physical roof. In today’s post, Evergreen Renovations & Roofing shares a guide on how to compare roofing estimates.
The Important Parts of a Roofing Estimate
Roofing estimates vary depending on the roofing contractor. Some will provide a one-page summary, others a detailed multi-page quotation that doubles as a contract when signed. Whatever the format, estimates nevertheless have parts in common that will become your basis for comparison:
List of Materials — This part may be identified as “bill of materials” or “BOM” and should have a detailed breakdown of everything that will be used in the installation, down to the type of fasteners that will be used. This section should reflect the exact roofing product that you’ve discussed with the contractor during consultation.
Scope of Work — This section describes the work your contractor is expected to perform, including the type of labor, expected number of work hours per day, the number of installers and expected start and completion dates. It may also include plans for protecting parts of the house unrelated to the roofing project such as interior design, as well as action plans in case of unplanned repairs.
Payment Plans — A typical roofing payment plan consists of a down payment, one or more installments after certain milestones, and a final payment after satisfactory completion. Percentages and due dates will be discussed in this section.
Warranty Coverage — Warranty coverage may be provided as a separate document. Look for workmanship or installation warranties in addition to factory or manufacturer’s warranty.
Questions to Ask Roofing Contractors
A reputable roofing contractor will allow ample time for you to review the estimate and make corrections and revisions. During your follow-up phone or video interview with the contractor, ask them the following:
What Kind of Insurance Do You Have? Look for workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, which, respectively, provide coverage for worksite injuries and accidental property damage.
Are You Licensed as a Roofer? A business license is different from a contractor’s license. A prospective roofing contractor should have no problem providing verifiable license information. For your convenience, we at Evergreen Renovations & Roofing display our license information at the bottom of every page on our site.
Will You Obtain the Permits? Contractors are responsible for building permit applications, which should be clearly stated in the estimate. This is important as whoever applied for the permit application will be the one responsible for correcting noncompliance with building codes.
Evergreen Renovations & Roofing is your leading provider of home exterior design and roof replacement services. Give us a call at (503) 720-4699. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
