We’ve received 3 roofing bids but they’re very different both in price and in scope of work. How do I know which one is the best?
That’s a great question Ella. The best way(s) to know if you are getting a fair price from a roofer, or any contractor for that matter, is to 1. Ask for a referral from family, friends and co-workers. Chances are good that if they were satisfied with the work you may be too. 2. Just as you would with a doctor get a second (or third and fourth) opinion. Countless times I have heard a homeowner’s story about how they received an estimate of $2,000 from one tradesperson and only $200 from two others. 3. Question everything. The materials they use, the warranty period, how log will the job take to complete, will they come back if you have issues, and so on. 4. Ask them to provide you with contact information to one or two of their satisfied customers, and actually call them. You may be thinking ‘Well, they are only going to give me a number to a happy customer not an angry one.’ True, but you’d be surprised how often a satisfied customer will say something like… "They did a great job, BUT, they missed their first two appointments and I had to take off from work.
So in the end, try to hire someone that is recommended to you but, if that isn’t possible, question everything. And, don’t hire anyone until you feel comfortable with them.
Good luck.
The only way to know without inside industry knowledge is to get 3 or more quotes. That’s the only way to know otherwise.
Ella,
First you must dial in on a scope of work so all of your quotes will be similar. Next, reach out to at least three local roofing companies, ask them thorough questions. Are you licensed? How far out is your production schedule? How many crews do you have available at any given time? Are you a certified installer of Owens Corning or GAF? All of these questions will help get you more comfortable with your roofer. They should be very close to the scope of work given to you on your insurance paperwork. Generally, a large discount means they are cutting corners. A high price means they are unaware of the typical industry process.
I think getting 3 quotes is a good start. Make sure quotes are in writing and detailed. If something is not on the proposal, you probably won’t get it.
Everyone is told to get three quotes yet roofing is top on the list of consumer complaints. I recommend getting estimates from contractors who are roofers not general contractors that happen to do roofing. Ask for references that are recent and follow up on them. Call on the references and ask them about their experience: Were they on time? Were they on budget? Were they easy to get a hold of?
Of course you should also make sure they are properly licensed and insured.
Without having prior roofing experience or knowledge or without knowing someone in the roofing field…you won’t. Use common sense and if it seems like too good of a deal to be true…chances are it is.
Referrals.
Licensing.
Insurance.
Proof of past work.
Experience of the crew that will be assigned to your project.
Hi Ella, Believe it or not that is a very common question. We encourage you to seek an estimate from multiple contractors. Once you have meet with them (again we encourage actually meeting with them so you can ask questions and make sure you’re getting what you want from the estimate) then you can turn around and compare your estimates. Look at their insurances, the material provided, their payment terms and their warranties. Additionally ask for references. Once you have crossed off all these items you will be able to make your best judgement on who to choose.
I would first make sure the quotes are similar with material used, the measurements need to be close, the warranty offered and make sure you are comparing apples to apples and do your research on the products they are recommending. Also, get samples and make sure they show you what they propose - a lot of roofers are also trained to upsell, so make sure what they say or show you is in writing. Also compare companies reviews, references, etc andask questions if you don’t know. If they can’t take the time to explain everything, then they are not worthy of using. Use someone who will have great communication and a proven record with other clients. Also make sure they have been in business for at least 5 years; longevity proves they know what they are doing.