Comparing estimates is among the most critical phases of the roof replacement process. You’ll reach it once you’ve found some reputable roofing contractors in the local area and narrowed them down to at least three or four. Assessing each one of these estimates allows you to scope your budget and encourage contractors to be competitive with their pricing.

When evaluating these proposals, you must know what to look for so you can effectively identify which one is the best estimate out of all of them. Precision Remodeling Solutions, your local roofing contractor, discusses more below:

Things to Assess on All Roofing Estimates

Upon receiving multiple quotes from your shortlist of prospective contractors, make sure to carefully consider each. There are four categories you need to look into when comparing and assessing: breakdown of materials, labor costs, warranty information, and incidentals.

• Breakdown of Materials – A roofing estimate must have an itemized list of all the materials that will be needed for the roof replacement. This will give you an idea of the cost and quality of each material.
• Labor Cost – One of the estimates may have a higher labor charge than the rest. It is often an indication that the installers who’ll work on your roof are skilled and experienced, but to see if the labor costs are justifiable, check the contractor if they’re fully licensed, certified, and insured.
• Warranty – Roofing materials and components are often backed by manufacturer warranties. However, you’ll also want the contractors to include their own warranties that cover labor and installation on the estimates they provide. If all the prospects provide the same warranty, consider working with one close to your location. It will be easier to contact them to schedule roof repairs and maintenance in the future.
• Incidentals – Check if the estimates include a section called the incidentals, which is a blanket term in the roofing industry that refers to miscellaneous roof-related services. These include cleanup and waste disposal during and after the roof replacement.

Depending on the scope of your roofing project, each estimate provided to you should be thorough, transparent and even lengthy. Always consider the numbers in each proposal and how they’re presented. A good contractor must see to it that the information is well-organized within the document. Ask for a revised estimate if you feel it is not itemized.

Checking Varied Estimates

Ideally, the estimates for your roof replacement will be very similar. However, some bids might either be too high or too low. Here’s what each one means:

• Higher Bid – An estimate with a higher bid may be an indication that a roofing contractor uses more equipment and overhead. It could also mean the asphalt shingles included in the estimate have a high price point. Check the roofing material’s life span and market price to find what works best for your home and budget. The estimate might also have hidden fees. Discuss with your contractor the permits, tear-off fees, and other factors that may affect the price of the roof replacement.
• Lower Bid – An estimate with a lower bid, meanwhile, means the prospective contractor may not be as reliable as they say they are. Be sure to check its credentials, particularly its license and insurance. If they can’t provide one, disregard the estimate and remove them from your shortlist. It is likely the contractor is a scammer—one that preys on unsuspecting homeowners and offering extremely low bids that are too good to be true.

Regardless of how high or low the estimates are, always check for errors. Ask questions and relay your concerns to prospective contractors if you have any. Keep in mind that you can always negotiate with the contractor the price for the project before you sign a contract. Make sure both you and your chosen roofer arrive at an agreement that any unexpected expenses will be presented in writing so you can remain within budget.

For your roof replacement needs, turn to Precision Remodeling Solutions. We are a GAF-certified roofing contractor that takes pride in offering the best products and top-notch workmanship and service. Give us a call at (215) 360-5857 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.