5 Simple Steps to Working with Roofing Contractors

Many homeowners feel vulnerable when hiring roofing contractors and often they are confused about how to compare different roofing estimates from potential workers. This isn't surprising because most people don't want to climb onto their home's roof to inspect needed repairs closely, nor do they want to spend a lot of the time choosing a roofing contractor once they've noticed rain water leaking into their home. Well, you can eliminate that feeling of helplessness and feel confident when talking with roofers if you know the right questions to ask when interviewing potential workers for your next roofing repair project.

What to Discuss with your Roofing Contractor

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• Material costs can often be the bulk of a roofing repair estimate, so it is important that you understand exactly what materials are included in each contractor's bid. To avoid any costly surprises at the end of the project, make sure that you are given a detailed list and samples of all roofing materials which will be used on your house. Remember that there is more than just shingles on your home's rooftop, so a accurate estimate should include any costs for needed metal flashings, underlayments, or vents.
• While most estimates will include a cost for the labor which is needed to complete your roofing project, it is also important to know the potential cost for any unforeseen work which may need to be done. While roofers often can't see the extent of needed repairs until they remove the old roof, they should be able to tell you up front how much they charge to repair the most common problems, such as damaged roof sheeting or installing new drip edge and chimney flashing.
• Removing old roofing shingles and disposing of them takes time and costs money. An accurate work estimate should detail these costs and identify who is responsible for the removal and clean up of any old roofing materials.
• Include a written statement in your work agreement which details the current site conditions of your property, including an understanding of how the site should look upon completion of the job. Include detailed requirements which obligate the contractor to protect your landscaping and any other personal property which sits under your roof's eaves and in the work zone.
• Most importantly, only hire roofers who can commit to a detailed timeline of your project and who agree to complete the needed work without interuptions or delays. Once your old shingles are removed, you don't want your contractor to disappear to another job site, while your tarp-covered house sits exposed to the weather.

If you discuss these issues with all the roofing contractors who you interview then you should be able to get an accurate, and surprise-free estimate for your needed roof repairs.