How To Review And Compare Roofing Estimates

Apart from the final cost, you must review the roofing estimates invited from different contractors to make sure that:

. The estimates include the use of quality material and not general run of the mill type of products.
. Details showing break up of costs reflecting material, labor and transportation costs separately and also ways to take care of any incidental problem(s) are included.

. The response(s) received by calling customer references are satisfactory.

The amount that the estimate reflects against the cost of material should be viewed carefully. If there is no breakdown reflecting material, labor and transportation separately, call the contractor and ask for details of the quality of material that is to be used. Many contractors use commodity-roofing material in an effort to lower overall costs to create the lowest bid. Although it may not always, necessarily lead to a bad roofing solution, in the long run it may be better to use hi-quality material to avoid the need of frequent repairs associated with the use of ordinary grade roofing material.

Talking of material quality, it should be kept in mind that the quality of sealant and insulation to be used are of primary importance. Thin insulation is slightly lower in cost than multi-layered insulation but will vitally affect the related recurring costs for power. A marginal cost increase for thicker insulation will lower regular costs of heating and air-conditioning for the life of the roof. However, if your home is in a place that has moderate weather through the year, you could go for thinner insulation for saving a bit on the costs.

Low quality sealing in the roofing project may later lead to maintenance woes. Some low budget estimates include the use of pitch pans where a better option is to use metal flashings, preferably made of copper. Such estimates may not include a provision for a covering plate at the seams, in case of a gravel top roof. Considering all implications, it would be a wise decision to pay a bit more and opt for better quality roofing.

Another very important factor for scrutiny is the quantity of the material budgeted. Even if you cannot get on the roof to take measurements of the actual roof dimensions to calculate the quantity of material required, you must check with your contractor for justification of quantity of material reflected in the budget. This will ensure that what you pay covers only the amount of material actually to be consumed in constructing your new roof and does not finance excess material which will never be used.

This will also help to determine if material less than the actual requirement has been reflected in an attempt to make a low bid. Such a case may later run up unexpectedly high costs. Also check the amount charged against labor costs. Many times it includes extra training costs incurred by the contractor or for hiring quality workmen. More often than not it is just for higher profit margins.