A roof replacement is a significant investment for you, as the homeowner. Getting multiple bids is definitely a smart strategy, but only if you know how to organize and analyze them. Most homeowners obsess over the final bid number but fail to analyze the critical details. We’ll show you how to get an honest estimate and how to judge contractors fairly.
What a Complete Roofing Estimate Should Include
A complete estimate you receive from a Park City roofing company should represent a lot more than a single dollar figure. Be sure to review a complete estimate for the following items before you sign anything.
- Specific materials – brands of shingles, type of underlayment, what flashing and ventilation they are using.
- Labor costs – A breakdown of labor vs. material costs.
- Cleanup and removal of debris – the cost should include the removal of old shingles.
- Permits – the cost should be included in the estimate for permits.
- Evidence of licensing and insurance – both liability and workers’ compensation.
- Clear project cates – no guesswork on when the project will start and end.
- Workmanship warranty – a guarantee for both the materials and the work done.
If your roofing estimate is missing any of these, you’re inviting the possibility of unexpected costs later.
The Right Way to Compare Quotes
It’s commonly said that getting three quotes is the ideal way to understand the cost of a project, but it’s more important to understand how to truly compare each quote than to simply have three quotes. To fairly compare each quote, be sure that each quote contains the same work.
Make sure all quotes include the same type of shingles, the same ordering specs, the same type of underlayment, and the same scope of work (e.g., full replacement vs. partial). The lowest price may not include the same scope of work. Other standard line items, such as disposal of the old shingles and permit fees, may also be excluded. The lowest price may also be due to using substandard shingles that may be thinner or have fewer layers.
Any contractor should be able to describe their line items in great detail. If they won’t or can’t explain their quote in detail, you should eliminate them from your list of potential contractors.
Red Flags to Watch for in a Roofing Quote
Price alone will not tell the full story. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Labor that is uninsured and/or materials that are less expensive because of unusually low bids.
- A valid roofing company in Park City will not submit a bid without a license and insurance.
- A description of roofing materials that is generic and devoid of brand names.
- Legitimate roofing companies will not pressure you to make a decision on the same day.
Most estimates will be valid for about 3 months. If you are being pressured to make an immediate decision so the bid can be accepted, that should be viewed as a red flag.
Choosing the Right Park City Roofing Company
An accurate estimate will help to preserve your budget. When work has begun, the clear expectations will help to prevent misunderstandings. A detailed, thorough quote with an openness to questions will help identify the right Park City roofing company to help you. When you are ready to proceed, make sure you obtain written estimates from at least three licensed and insured companies. Compare your estimates using the provided list.