Are you about to get a roof estimate or just got one? Do you want to know how long roof estimates are usually good for?
Your roofing project will not be cheap, so it makes sense that you’ll need time before signing anything. After all, it’s a huge decision.
But just like any contract, roof estimates are only valid for a certain length of time. This isn’t to rush you into signing, but it’s actually the best way for a roofer to guarantee accurate pricing.
So, how long is a roof estimate for? Also, what happens if it expires?
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in educating homeowners on the full roofing process, from getting an estimate to the finer details of the actual project. That’s why I’ll break down how long roof estimates are generally good for and much more.
By the end of this, you’ll know the answers to the following questions:
- How long is a roof estimate good for?
- What happens if your roof estimate expires?
- What do you need to ask a roofing contractor when getting a roof estimate?
How long is a roof estimate good for?
Most roof estimates are good for 30 days, but some are good for up to 90 days. So, it really does depend on the roofing contractor.
However, you’ll find that most roof estimates are valid for 30 days. This is simply because of the constant fluctuation of roofing material costs, which suppliers review every 30 to 90 days.
Roofing materials (and building materials in general) have had consistent price increases over the last 5 years. So, 30 days is just the best time span to avoid any changes or frustration if prices go up.
Fortunately, suppliers usually let roofers know when they’re coming. Reputable roofers are transparent about any upcoming price increases when creating your estimate and walking you through it.
What happens if your roof estimate expires?
There are only two things that can happen if a roof estimate expires. The first is simply getting an updated estimate from the roofing contractors that starts the 30 days (or however long) over again.
This is as simple as changing the date and you signing on the dotted line. But as you just learned, costs can go up since the first estimate was created.
If anything changed cost-wise, the roofing contractor will let you know and update the line items on the estimate that have increased. Obviously, this isn’t ideal.
However, the important thing is that a roofing contractor is transparent and explains why they’re updating the prices.
What do you need to ask a roofing contractor when getting a roof estimate?
If you let your roof estimate expire, something was holding you back from moving forward with the project. Maybe it’s because the price took you by surprise or because you just didn’t feel comfortable with the roofing contractor.
Even if it was price, you can’t feel confident signing unless you trust and know you’re dealing with a reputable company. The best way to do this is by asking some simple questions when getting an estimate.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
You should always ask any roofer providing an estimate for proof they’re licensed, bonded, and insured in your state. These three pieces of paperwork protect your investment by ensuring a roofing project is done right.
Reputable roofers have no problem showing proof, so feel free to ask for proof. However, each state’s requirements are different, and some areas may not require one or the other.
So, research your local codes to learn what permits and paperwork are required in your area. But even if one or another isn’t required, I still recommend looking for a roofer with all three to truly protect your roof investment.
Do you have shingle certifications?
Shingle manufacturers look for established roofing companies in a given area known for high-quality work to get certified in their products. These certifications allow roofers to provide the best material warranties and enhanced warranties a manufacturer can offer.
But what it really tells you is that they’re trusted to install their products to the right standards and specifications. So, you always need to ask the roofing contractor if they’re certified by any of the major shingle manufacturers.
This isn't to say that not having certifications means a roofing company is bad. However, looking for certifications means getting better warranties and learning who the shingle brands trust.
What precautions do you take to protect my property?
Getting a new roof is a big home improvement project, so property damage is always possible. However, reputable roofing companies do everything possible to protect your property during a roof replacement.
That’s why you need to ask any roofer providing an estimate how they’ll protect your property, such as your lawn, landscaping, windows, light fixtures, etc. We secure tarps from the gutters to the ground to cover things around the roof line, but every roofer does things a little differently.
What happens if you accidentally damage my property?
Speaking of property damage, you should also ask what happens if there’s any accidental damage. In my opinion, roofers should take care of any damage caused during the roofing project.
However, plenty of roofers include a clause that they’re not liable for damage. Some companies make it clear upfront they're not liable for damage in the contract, while others bury it in the estimate’s fine print.
Either way, all they have to do is point to the fine print or clauses stating they aren’t liable if they accidentally damage anything on your property.
How long do you stand behind your work?
A workmanship warranty protects your roof investment against any installation errors that lead to a leak or other problems. Roofers offer workmanship warranties that range anywhere from 2 to 25 years or even a lifetime (for the life of the materials).
So, it’s absolutely crucial to ask the roofing contractor how long they guarantee their work. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than a 10-year workmanship warranty, but definitely don’t be afraid to look for a longer one.
Even more importantly, you shouldn’t even consider hiring them if they don’t provide the warranty information in writing on the 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.
What should you make sure is included in a roof estimate before signing it?
After reading this article, you know how long a roof estimate is good for and what happens if it expires. The important thing is that you know on the front-end how long you have to sign, and there’s transparency on any price changes if it does expire.
Just remember to ask the questions we covered to ensure you’re working with a reputable roofer. And if you already got an estimate, don’t be afraid to reach back out to ask them.
As long as you do this, you’ll feel better when making a decision. However, you still need to be able to look at an estimate and feel confident that everything is there.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the things that should be in every roof estimate.
Check out What Should My Roof Estimate Include to ensure it has everything you need to see and know before signing it.
