You got at least two or three estimates from roofing companies for your roof replacement. This is a great way to determine which company is best for you. It’s always surprising to see how much the prices differ.
All of them looked at the roof. How can the estimates for roofing differ so much?
RoofElite‘s team has been helping homeowners understand “why” roofing estimates differ in price for years.
This article will cover:
- Why does my roof estimate vary so much from one person to another?
- Compare roof estimates using these 5 factors
Why Does My Roof Estimate Vary So Much From One Person to Another?
The main reason why roofing estimates are so different is that each roofing company is unique. There are also two other major reasons for the wide range of pricing.
There are different costs for each roofing company
The majority of estimates will vary due to the fact that each roofing company has its own overhead costs and labor costs.
The prices of most roofing companies are much cheaper than older ones because they don’t have as many overheads. I am not saying an older roofing company is better because there are many good new roofing companies.
Roofing companies close down daily because they do not know how to maintain earnings during the slow months. A roofing company that is more established will be there to maintain your roof five years down the road if you have a problem.
A roofer tries to get your business by offering a low price
We need to discuss the darker side of the roofing industry and why some estimates cost less than others. Roofers can tell if you are trying to get the lowest price.
To cut costs, companies may use inferior materials or a different type of material, such as 3-tab asphalt shingles for ridge capping.
It’s not that a cheaper estimate is incorrect or that a roofer is trying to take advantage. There are ways to determine why one roofing estimate is lower than another.
Compare Roof Estimates Using These 5 Factors
You now know why the roofing estimates can vary so widely. You need to investigate why roofing estimates are so different.
There are things that you can compare in order to make sure you don’t get taken advantage of. Here are the five things you should compare when comparing multiple roofing estimates.
1. Roof estimates include each item in detail
You should compare each estimate line by line. This includes everything from the roof materials to the dump fees and the labor of the roofing contractor.
It should be added as a line in your estimate if it affects the cost of a new roof. Compare the line items and make sure that they all include the same information. This will help you to understand why different roofing companies charge higher or lower prices.
There should be an itemized line for tarps that will protect your pool, landscaping, or other areas while the roof is being replaced. It may add to the price, but it will show that the contractor is taking all the necessary precautions to safeguard your property.
You’ll have to decide if a cheaper price is worth the potential damage. It’s just one example of how doing something the right way could cost you more.
It’s therefore important to ask a potential roofing contractor if they have any concerns about omitting a particular line item from their estimate that is included in another.
2. Roof materials and components
You must compare not only the roof materials, but also the components and roofing materials listed in the estimate. It is important to compare the list of roofing materials and components on each estimate, not just the brand.
The following components and materials should be included in every roof estimate:
- Drip edge
- Underlayment
- Ice and Water Shield
- Roof flashings and pipe boots
- Starter shingles for asphalt shingle roofs
- Shingles or other roofing materials
- Ridge capping
- Roof vents
Each item listed above should be included with every estimate for a roof. It’s not necessary to match the brands or manufacturers, but it is important that you match the materials and components.
If you want to get the best warranty and quality, make sure that all the roof components are from the same manufacturer. You’ll notice that the price will be lower if you see a mix of generic manufacturers. It will also show up in the quality of the roof after installation.
Some roofing contractors will leave out necessary materials or use another material in order to reduce their costs and beat the competition. If your estimate is missing any of the information listed above, you should not even consider hiring that contractor.
3. The different roofers’ methods of replacing rotten decking
Roof Decking forms the basis of your roof system. It’s important to note that while roof decking is a component of your roofing system, it does not need to be replaced as often as the other components.
A roofing contractor cannot determine the amount of decking that needs to be replaced unless your roof has been removed. You should compare the way each roofing contractor handles decking when it is damaged or rotting.
Some roofing companies list the cost of replacing a sheet if the decking is found to be rotten. The roofing contractor will tell you the cost and that it will appear on your final bill.
Some roofing companies also include the cost of replacement decking as part of their initial estimates. You’ll be charged for decking material regardless of whether the company uses it or not.
Both methods are reliable, provided you know what to expect if the decking needs to be replaced. If there is no mention of roof decking in the estimate, there is likely a hidden charge that will make the initial price appear lower.
4. What is the warranty period offered by each roofing company?
You’ll get warranties for the roofing materials as well as your contractor’s work when you install a new roof. You should compare the warranty information in each estimate.
First, all roofing contractors should provide a warranty on their workmanship. If your estimate does not include one, you should never consider hiring the contractor.
The length of the workmanship warranty will vary from one contractor to another. When a contractor performs their job correctly, they will be able to stand behind it for ten years.
It’s a good idea, however, to raise your standards by searching for a roofer that offers a lifetime warranty (or close to it) or at least 25 years.
5. Details in fine print for each roofing estimate
You should read all the small print in your roof estimate. This information is crucial and tells you much about the roofing company.
You should compare how different roofing companies handle damage to your home.
In their fine print, some companies say that they are not responsible for damages to your gutters or light fixtures. They may also claim that your sprinkler heads and other items hanging on your house are not covered. Some companies will also exclude coverage for things like your pool or landscaping, as well as protection of your property.
In doing so, they are omitting a vital part of the replacement process. A roofing company that hides things in fine print and doesn’t explain them is probably not a reputable one in your area.
What Are the Red Flags in a Roof Estimate That You Should Look Out for to Avoid Being Taken by a Roofing Contractor and Ripped Off?
You now understand why roof estimates differ and how to compare the two to find out what’s different. This is an excellent way to make sure you are making the best hiring decision.
Roofing has a poor reputation, and it’s not without reason. There’s still a possibility that the estimate could be filled with red flags, without you knowing it.
It is not my intention that you be taken advantage of by those in the roofing industry. This is why I have written another article to help you identify these red flags.