Roof Repair Estimates

Here are a few useful tips that will help you get the best low bid roofing estimates from the best roofing contractors in your area.

Tip #1. Before you begin your search for a roofing contractor you should answer these questions: How many years is your current roof designed to last? How many years has your roof been on your house? Do you have issues with leaks from your roof? Is part of your roof damaged?

If you can answer these questions before talking to a roofing contractor you will be in a better position to assess the contractor’s recommendations and to get the best roofing estimate.

Tip #2. Don’t limit yourself. You should get roofing estimates from 3 or more roofing companies. Set up appointments with local roofing contractors to inspect the roof on your home or business and discuss their products and services.  Make sure they give you written estimates.

Tell the roofing estimator that you are receiving bids from a few different companies. This will encourage them to give you a bid that is competitive.

Tip #3. Make notes to your self about the roofing contractor. Was the contractor polite? Did they show up on time? If they were tardy or rude when trying to make a sale, then you may be in for more of the same if you hire them. If the contractor didn’t give you their best when trying to sell you their skills and services, then they probably won’t give you their best if you hire them.  Or maybe they are giving you their best and their best just isn’t good enough.

Tip #4. Evaluate different roofing materials and guarantees. Read each roofing estimate and brochure they give you. If they don’t give you any brochures, ask for them. Different roofing contractors use different product lines. So ask they contractor which manufacturers they prefer and why. When they tell you that a particular roofing product is guaranteed ask what that guarantee covers. Does the guarantee cover only the roofing product or does it also include the labor cost of any repairs or replacement.

Tip #5. Ask about their contractor’s license. Do they have an active contractor’s license? Was the license issued to the person or persons who will be doing the work? Contact your State’s contractor’s licensing office and verify the contractor’s licensing information and ask if their have been any complaints against them in the past.

Tip #6. Ask about their insurance. Make sure they have general liability insurance which will cover any damage to your property that occurs while they are working on your property. If they have employees who are going to be working on your property then they should also have worker’s compensation insurance which will cover any employee injuries that occur while working on your property.

If the roofing contractor lacks the necessary insurance you may be liable for damages or injuries that happen on your property.

It is also a good idea to review your home owner’s insurance policy to see if it covers injuries or damages that may occur during the roofing work.

Tip #7. Ensure that the contractor gets all required permits. The permit shields you from any claims that you roofing project violates any local ordinances.  The permit also pays for an inspector to come out and inspect the work of the roofing contractor to make sure it’s safe and up to code.

Tip #8. Use a referral service.  This is the best way to ensure that you get the lowest bid roofing estimates from the best roofing contractors in your area.  There are several free online services that pre-screen roofing contractors for you.  All you have to do is fill out an easy online form outlining your roofing project and pre-screened contractors will contact you to provide you with free roofing estimates.