Roofing: Making Good Estimates

Choosing a roofing contractor is a challenging endeavor, yet one that potentially decides how secure and protected your home is. Doing your research and estimating costs before undertaking a project can help minimize stress and surprises down the road.

Replacing your roof can be expensive, so be sure to choose a reliable contractor who demonstrates competency and the skills necessary to ensure a lasting finish. Recommendations from friends and neighbors can help shortlist local services who are insured and licensed in the trade. Verifiable credentials such as a listing with the Better Business Bureau or other professional affiliations can help establish that the professional will deliver the desired quality standards.

Once you have picked a professional you would like to hire, be sure to ask any and all questions before proceeding with your project. If you intend to replace your roof, enquire if the contractor recommends removing existing shingles and cleaning up the surface before installing the new roof. In most cases, professionals may wish to inspect the inner sheathing to help ensure that the primary roof base is water and weather proof. However, the final cost estimates in this case are likely to exceed merely roofing over existing tiles.

Also ascertain that your contractor will handle other related repairs such as roof vents and leaks. This may be significant since employing a professional to fix one-time leaks can actually cost more and potentially affect your new roof too. Finally, ensure that the roofing service brings some kind of warranty to cover both material defects as well as service quality so that your roof is durable and resilient enough to withstand climatic changes.

Whether you are restoring specific areas of your roof or entirely replacing it, figuring the final costs can seem daunting. Be sure to decide on the type of roofing you wish to install before actually estimating costs. For instance, asphalt shingles are sturdy and durable, while wood and slate are more refined and classy. The actual material used will depend on the overall design of your home as well as your finances.

A good starting point is to set out separate estimates for materials, labor as well as miscellaneous expenses so that the actual pricing is easier to anticipate and settle on. Begin by inspecting and actually measuring out the entire length and width of your roof to determine the square footage that needs to be replaced or restored. Typically shingles and tiles are sold in bundles, so calculating the entire surface area and figuring in the size of each tile can help estimate material costs. Metal sheets are generally bought in 100 square feet lengths with sometimes variable widths. If you need additional sheeting for the trim, be sure to take that into account as well. Typically, estimating material costs for roof sheets can get a little more complex than figuring pricing for shingles, which is straightforward.

In the end, cost estimates are mere guidelines, so ensure that you allow room for added materials since covering trims and corners can get tricky with metal roofs. Be sure to discuss specifics such as schedules with your roofing contractor so that the project moves at a pace that fits your needs.