Searching for a professional and trustworthy roofer can be a lengthy process. It can be tempting to accept whatever a roofing company puts together for you. But if your estimate, also known as a bid, does not include the items below, then you shouldn’t hire the company.
1. The Project Details
First and foremost, your estimate should include vital project details such as the start and end dates of the project, the payment terms, and who will be responsible for what. If the roofer is using a subcontractor for any work, they should be transparent about it. And if they are using a subcontractor, make sure it is clear who will be overseeing the work. If it isn’t someone directly employed by the roofer, how can they ensure good project management?
2. Cost of Labor & Materials
You can expect about 60% of your roof replacement budget to go towards labor and 40% to go to the materials cost. The roofer should be able to point to this breakdown in the estimate, so you know where your budget is going.
3. Required Permits
In many areas, a roof replacement will require a permit from the city, county, or state. Pulling permits is something your roofer should take care of for you, but the permit does come with a small fee and can take some time to pull.
4. Product Information
The estimate should clearly state what type of decking, underlayment, flashing, and shingles will be used. It should also outline the ventilation and the specific manufacturer’s warranties offered for each product. Remember, not all materials are created equal. Some companies cut costs with lower-quality materials that will fail faster, costing you in the long run. The company should tell you what type and brand of materials that they will be using.
5. The Roofer’s License
The most important protection you have as a customer is making sure that the roofing contractor you are working with is licensed to do work in your state. In fact, in Maryland, it is illegal to offer home improvement services without a license. It is crucial for companies to be licensed because licensure ensures that they have met basic qualifications, including financial solvency, knowing industry standards, and contribution to a guaranty fund that compensates customers if something goes wrong. The contractor should also show proof that they offer workman’s compensation and liability insurance if anything happens to their employees while on your property.
Take the stress out of finding a reputable roofing company for your next project. Get matched with a professional roofer in your area that has a good track record, is licensed and insured, and will provide you with a formal estimate including all of the items above.
