If you’ve had recent roof damage or your roof shows signs that it needs to be replaced soon, you may talk to a few different companies to get roof repair estimates. And while the estimates may look a bit different each time, they should all have some critical components. Here’s a look at some things you should expect to see on a roof repair estimate.
Company Information
First and foremost, the company’s name, address, and contact information should be listed at the top of the estimate. Why is this important? If you have any questions about the estimate or need to contact the company for any reason, this information will be readily available. Plus, it’s always a good idea to know who you’re doing business with so you can check reviews and make sure they’re a reputable company.
Licensing & Insurance Information
You want to make sure the roofing company is licensed to do business in your area and that they have the proper insurance coverage to protect you from liability for any damages or injuries that may occur during roofing repairs. Using the company’s license number, you should definitely verify the company’s status with your local business licensing office. Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers out there. If the company doesn’t give its license & insurance information in the estimate, be sure to ask for it.
Scope of Work
The scope of work is a detailed description of the work that needs to be completed on your roof. A full description of the work the company intends to do will help you understand the estimate and ensure that all of your needs are met. Within the scope of work, your bid should include itemized costs, including the materials needed, labor costs, permits, and cleanup.
- Materials: The estimate should list the materials that will be used in the repair or replacement of your roof. This is important for a few reasons. First, you’ll be able to see precisely what the company plans on using and compare it to other estimates. Second, you’ll be able to do further research and decide if the materials suit your needs. For example, if you’re looking for an eco-friendlier roof, you can research the materials listed to see if they meet your standards. Insert something like > While materials are important, proper installation of the roof is even more important. If installed incorrectly, even the best quality roof materials will fail if installed wrong.
- Permits: Your chosen roofing company will need to pull the necessary local permits for your roof repair or replacement, and the cost of the permit should be included in your estimate. If it’s not, be sure to ask about it. In some cases, the company may include the permit fee in the project’s overall cost. However, you may need to pay for the permit separately in other cases.
- Cleanup: After your roof is repaired or replaced, some debris and construction materials will likely be left behind. The cost of cleanup should also be included in your estimate’s scope of work. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect after the project is completed and won’t be surprised by any hidden costs.
Estimated Start Date & Timeline
You’ll also want your quote to include an estimated start date for the project and a general timeline for completion. The contractor may give you a general timeline like “3-6 weeks” or a more specific date range. Knowing when the project is scheduled to start will help you plan accordingly and make sure there’s no overlap with other home improvement projects you may have planned.
Total Cost Estimate
Of course, your roofing estimate should also include the total estimated cost for the project. When getting roof repair estimates, comparing apples to apples is important. This means looking at each company’s offered services, materials, and warranties. It’s also important to note that even though the materials may look similar, the quality of the work should be the most important part of the work. Oftentimes, the cheapest quote also means the lowest-quality work.
Questions To Ask Your Roofer After Receiving A Quote
After you’ve received your roof repair estimate, you may have questions. Be sure your contractor goes over the estimate with you and answers any questions. Understanding everything included in the quote is essential to making an informed decision about your roof repair. Here are a few questions to ask:
- How long is the estimate good for?
- Is tax included in the estimate?
- What if more work is needed than what is listed in the estimate?
- What sort of warranties are included?
- Do you offer financing options?
Get Your Estimate From A Trusted New Jersey Roofing Contractor
Your roof is one of the most essential parts of your home, and you want to ensure it’s in good hands. Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding is a family-owned and operated roofing company with over 47 years of experience in Warren County and the surrounding areas. We’re dedicated to providing our customers with quality workmanship, fair prices, and excellent customer service.
Contact us today for a free roofing estimate for your repair or replacement project. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the best roofing solution for your home. We look forward to serving you!