Do you need a new roof? Are you getting multiple estimates from different roofing contractors?
Getting two or three estimates for a roof replacement is always a good idea. It helps you find the right roofing contractor, compare prices, and find the right solution.
However, price is just one thing to compare when looking at multiple roof estimates. There’s plenty more to compare to help you understand the price difference and which roofer you can trust.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in helping homeowners like you make the right hiring decision. So, let’s look at how you can do this by simply looking at the right things on an estimate.
Let’s get to the 7 things you need to compare when reviewing your multiple roof estimates.
1. The scope of work
The first thing you need to compare in each roof estimate is the scope of work. Each estimate should have the scope of work broken down by line items to show exactly what they’ll do during a roof replacement.
There should be a line item for everything from tearing off the old roof (including the number of layers) to how and where materials will be installed to the clean-up after completion. If it’ll be done during the roof replacement and impacts the cost, it should be included as a line item for the scope of work.
Comparing the scope of work helps you determine if something is missing from an estimate and why the different roofing companies charge a lower or higher price. But no matter what, don’t sign a contract if the scope of work isn’t broken down clearly and concisely.
2. The materials and components
While they’ll be mentioned in the scope of work, you also need to compare what’s being replaced/installed. Each estimate must include the main roofing material and the other roof system components, with the only acceptable difference being the brand.
The components of a roof system that must be included in every roof replacement are:
- Drip edge
- Underlayment
- Ice & water shield
- Starter shingles
- Roof vents and ventilation system
- Roof flashing
- Ridge capping
- Pipe boots
I guarantee you’ll be looking at problems down the road if even just one of the components above is missing from an estimate. So, compare each estimate to ensure they all include the correct materials and components.
You also need to keep an eye out for a roofer trying to use a different or cheaper material in other ways, such as installing 3-tab asphalt shingles at the ridge instead of ridge capping.
3. How replacement decking is handled
Roof decking is another crucial roofing component that's the foundation for your entire roof system. I didn’t mention it above because it won’t need replacing if it's in good shape.
Unfortunately, you can’t judge the full extent of the decking’s condition until your old roof is torn off. That’s why you need to compare how rotten or compromised decking is handled on each estimate.
(Full decking replacement)
Some roofing companies include it as a line item for the cost per sheet to replace decking. If any needs to be replaced after the tear-off process, they should let you know how much and that it’ll show up on the final invoice.
Another way is to include replacement decking in the estimate automatically, but this leaves you paying for the decking materials whether they use them or not. Both ways are fine, as long as you know upfront.
But if there’s nothing about replacement decking in an estimate, it’s probably a hidden fee to make their prices seem lower on the front end.
4. Each roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty
A workmanship warranty covers any installation errors that lead to a leak or another problem. The length of a workmanship warranty varies from roofer to roofer, so it’s crucial to compare what each offers in writing.
This could be anywhere from 2 to 25 years or even a lifetime (for the life of the materials). With that in mind, I always recommend looking for at least a 10-year workmanship warranty from any company providing an estimate.
Every roofing company should provide a warranty on their work, so don’t even think about hiring one that doesn’t provide one in writing on an estimate. And if you want to ensure they’ll honor it, check each roofer’s reviews to learn how problems or leaks were handled after installation.
5. How the roofing companies handles property damage
Accidents can happen during any home improvement project, and roofing is no different. While it can be frustrating, the important thing is how it’s handled.
That’s why one of the most important things to compare is how the different roofing companies take responsibility for damage to your property. Some companies make it clear they're not liable for damage that happens during your roof replacement upfront in the contract, while others bury it in the estimate.
In my opinion, roofers should take responsibility if damage is caused to a home during the roof replacement process. So, I recommend asking every roofer who provides an estimate about what happens if there’s accidental damage.
6. The precautions they take to protect your home
Speaking of accidental damage, reputable roofers take precautions to avoid damage to the things under the roof line. In my opinion, protecting your property is one of the most important parts of the roof replacement process.
This is usually done with plastic and tarps to cover your attic, swimming pool, deck/patio, landscaping, and other things you have around your home that could be damaged. Every estimate should have a line item with a list of what they’ll use, where, and how much it adds to the cost.
That’s why you need to compare the precautions each roofer takes to protect your home if any at all.
7. Each roof estimate’s fine print
Every contract has fine print that you need to read before signing, and roof estimates are no different. The fine print on your roof estimate includes crucial information about exclusions and how a roofing company does things.
That’s why you must always compare the fine print details when getting multiple roof estimates. This is where they usually hide statements about not being responsible for property damage and other exclusions.
Some even hide replacement decking and other things in the fine print to lower the initial price, just to add it later. And all the roofer has to do is point to the fine print if you question the final bill.
What questions do you need to ask when getting estimates from roofing contractors?
Now you know the 7 things to compare when getting multiple roof estimates. Getting multiple estimates is a great way to find a roofer, and comparing them helps you make the right decision.
However, this is just one thing you must do when hiring a reputable roofing company. You also need to ask questions when meeting with them.
In fact, asking the right questions will help you spot a bad roofer from a mile away. But what are these questions? And what are the “right” answers?
Check out the Top 10 Questions To Ask A Roofing Contractor to learn what every homeowner needs to ask when getting an estimate for a roof replacement.
