Roofing for Dummies

Will you be the dummy when it comes a time, to do your roof?

You certainly won’t be today since you are smart enough to find this website. I understand the frustrations when hiring roofers. There are good ones, not so good ones, and then there are great ones. The things you want are, to get a great roof, a great roofer, a great warranty, and best of all this at a great price. That is not such a dumb thing to ask. Let's see how to do it.

Generally, it is a good idea to have three different roofing contractors give you bids for your roofing project. Sometimes the process can be confusing with each roofer having a different approach to the job. Each roofer pointing you in all different directions can mean a variety of pricing and products used. The best way not to get so confused is to be prepared. Do your homework before getting started. There are many pages on this website with advice and question to ask your roofing contractor, but how do you really compare the different bids?

We have all heard the saying ”compare apples to apples.” That’s ok for apples but not practical in roofing. There are just too many variables in the roofing process.

Labor cost. Every roofer has different costs for labor, based experience and workers comp insurance policies. If your contractor has an unsafe record, the cost for his insurance will be higher and this is rolled over to you.

Products used. Most roofers get about the same pricing. The thing you need to know is what each contractor is using and get it written in the contract.

Equipment used. Every tool has a life. How you take care of the tool determines the costs of equipment. This includes the trucks the tools and the office to run the company.

Shop or office. Some roofers work out of their home, some have a small office, and some have a larger office and yard to keep supplies. Overhead like this affects the bids given to you.

Salesmen. The estimator or salesperson is paid for their expert service and is there when you need them.

Insurance. Worker Comp. and General Liability. Some roofers have one or both or maybe none. This will affect the bid greatly.

These issues will make comparing apples to apples impossible to do.

High bids are not always the best bids, but neither are the low ones.

So what's the best way to pick a contractor? I think a referral is the best. Knowing a person that has just recently done their roof. Ask them who they used because this is a good way to start looking for a roofer. You don’t have to use the highest bid or the lowest. The bids right in the middle normally are a fair contract price and quality contractors.

Have a prepared contractor question sheet ready, with important questions to ask.

Do your homework and know what products you want.

Ask the difference in cost if the roofer uses different products.

Do not be a dummy. Understanding the estimates will be easier if you take a little time and be prepared.

Have a question? AskARoofer HERE

 Need a contractor?  Check out our list of Roofing Contractors HERE.