Do you need a new roof? Are you about to start getting estimates from a few different roofers?
Choosing a roofer is the biggest decision you’ll make for your roof replacement. So, it’s crucial you make the right one.
Unfortunately, bad roofers get homeowners to sign estimates or contracts they should run from all the time. And why does this happen? Because they simply don’t know what red flags to look for.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in helping homeowners avoid making a bad hire. That’s why I’ll break down the red flags to be on the lookout for when reviewing a roofing estimate.
This article breaks down the following 8 red flags to look for on your roof estimate:
- The scope of work is vague
- The roof estimate only comes with a price
- Hiding the roof estimate’s fine print
- Hidden fees that bring the initial roof estimate price down\
- There’s nothing about protecting your property in the estimate
- Clauses that state a roofer isn’t liable for property damage
- The roof estimate doesn’t include warranty information
- The roofing contractor isn’t willing to go over the roof estimate with you
1. The scope of work is vague
Every roof estimate should have a scope of work broken down by line items that show exactly what will be done during a roof replacement. This should be 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.
No matter what, everything a roofer plans on doing should be listed in the scope of work. This is especially important when comparing multiple estimates to determine if something is missing and why the different companies charge different prices.
So, it’s a huge red flag if the scope of work is vague or just says “roof replacement”. And don’t think about signing a contract if the scope of work isn’t broken down clearly and concisely.
2. The roof estimate only comes with a price
As you just learned, a roof estimate should contain a full scope of work for your roof replacement. Not only is being vague a red flag but so are roof estimates that only come with a price.
If your estimate only comes with a price, you have no idea what you’re paying for because there’s no scope of work, materials, labor, etc. This is where bad roofers sneak in lower-quality roofing materials, warranties, labor, and more to lower their price to win your business.
I even guarantee an estimate that only lists the price will be the lowest out of the multiple quotes you get. While the low price may seem tempting, it’s not worth the headaches, stress, and spending more money on repairs.
3. Hiding the roof estimate’s fine print
No matter what you’re buying, the contract will always have fine print. Your roof estimate is no different.
Obviously, it’s a good idea to read the fine print on your roof estimate. But it’s a huge red flag if you can’t find it or it’s hidden on your roof estimate.
This just screams they're trying to hide something in it. In fact, the next few things we’ll cover are common things that some roofers bury in their contract’s fine print.
4. Hidden fees that bring the initial roof estimate price down
You’re expecting to pay the price you signed the contract for, but an increase is possible for one reason or another. Reputable roofers let you know on the front end and have a discussion if there’s a price change for any reason when presenting their estimate.
However, a huge red flag is when there are hidden fees buried in the estimate or left off completely. These hidden costs can show up in the form of dump fees, extra labor costs, replacement decking, and other line items they’re going to charge you for on the back end once the job is complete.
To avoid hidden fees and even spot them yourself, you should always get multiple estimates. You’ll be able to compare them to determine if one of the roofing companies left something off that’ll show up later as a hidden fee.
5. There’s nothing about protecting your property in the estimate
Reputable roofing companies do everything possible to protect your home during a roof replacement. So, it’s a huge red flag if there isn’t any information about how they’ll protect your property.
There should be line items listing out what they’ll use and how they’ll do it. Keep in mind that every roofer does things a little differently.
For example, we commonly secure tarps from the gutters to the ground to cover things around the roof line. We also ask what needs to be protected to ensure we get it out of the way or covered up.
If you don’t see anything in the estimate, ask how they’ll protect your property, such as your lawn, landscaping, windows, light fixtures, etc. After getting their answer, make sure to ask for it in writing if it isn’t already.
6. Clauses that state a roofer isn’t liable for property damage
Even when taking protective measures, accidental property damage is always possible during a roofing project. While it’s frustrating, the important thing is how a roofer handles it.
In my opinion, roofers should take care of any damage caused during the roof replacement project. So, it’s a huge red flag if they have clauses in their estimate stating they aren’t liable for potential property 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. Some might even say they take responsibility for damage when meeting with you, but it’s different in writing.
Unfortunately, all they have to do is point to the fine print or clauses stating they aren’t liable.
7. The roof estimate doesn’t include warranty information
Every single roof estimate should include the warranties you’re getting with your new roof. It’s a major red flag when there’s no warranty information on an estimate.
Your estimate should have two types of warranties: material and workmanship. Both must be included, but the one you really need to look for in writing is the workmanship warranty.
While the length varies from contractor to contractor, you should always look for one that offers at least a 10-year workmanship warranty. Without a workmanship warranty in writing, the roofing company has no responsibility to fix installation errors or leaks that show up down the road.
8. The roofing contractor isn’t willing to go over the roof estimate with you
The most important part of getting an estimate for your new roof is reviewing it with the roofer. If they aren’t willing to do this with you, it’s a huge red flag.
They should go over every line item so you understand what you’re paying for and what will happen during the project. This also provides the perfect opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns you have.
You’re about to spend a lot of money, so reputable roofers have no problem going over the estimate to make you feel comfortable about signing.
What should be included in every roof estimate?
Now you know the red flags to look out for on your roof estimate. Spotting these red flags before signing will help you avoid being taken advantage of by a bad roofer.
However, red flags aren’t the only thing you need to be looking for when reviewing a roof estimate. You also need to make sure everything that should be included is there.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down what should be in in every roof replacement estimate.
Check out What Should My Roof Estimate Include to learn all the things you need to look for when getting quotes for your new roof.
