4 Reasons to Get Multiple Roof Estimates
Your roof is old, leaking and in bad shape… now comes the hard part.
Getting a roof replacement is never easy, and there’s always one thing at the forefront of everyone’s mind: money.
Paying for a roof replacement can be challenging, and it may seem tempting to go with the lowest quote you can get. But going with the cheapest contractor doesn’t always work out in the long run.
At Rescue My Roof, we’ve been roofing experts for over a decade. We understand your need to get the highest quality roof for the lowest cost, and we have worked with hundreds of people who desire the same thing you do.
But going with the lowest price without proper research can pose a significant risk to the quality of your roof. If you’re on the fence about going with the lowest quote right off of the bat, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we will cover the greatest risks you take when going with the cheapest quote. In the end, you’ll know the top # reasons why getting multiple roof estimates is in your best interest.
Why is Going With the Lowest Roofing Quote Dangerous?
In every area of our life – cleaning supplies, Black Friday, buying a new car – we always try to find the best deals.
When you hit the jackpot at the store and get two shirts for the price of one, there is a feeling of pride and success. You’ve done it! You’ve saved money!
But there are some things in life we don’t want to skimp on. You might have come across that thought before, thinking, “this price may be too good to be true.”
Being wary of the lowest prices is crucial in the roofing industry because the lowest quote may save you money, but you may not be getting the workmanship you’re looking for.
1. Cheap Roof = Cheap Materials
Roofing contractors run a business. They will charge you for materials and labor, you pay them, and they will make a profit.
Material costs for the roofing industry are virtually the same for every roofing contractor. So if all material prices are the same, and there’s slight variation in roofing costs, why do roof prices vary?
Cheaper companies will charge you full-price for the materials and buy cheaper materials instead. These materials are not as reliable and typically have a lower life expectancy.
When poor materials are used, it increases the likelihood that your roof will fail, and you will need extensive repairs or even another roof replacement.
While this is not a guarantee for all companies with low prices, you still want to ensure the quality products you get so your roof lasts a lifetime.
2. “Sorry, We’re Closed”
Businesses rely on profits to function. If they aren’t giving you cheaper materials than expected or underpaying their employees, there’s a chance that the area they are losing money in is profits.
Without a good profit margin, there is no way for a roofing contractor to stay in business for long.
In the future, if you do need repairs and want to cash in on a workmanship warranty, the company may not be there to deliver.
If this happens to you, you will have to find another company to do the repairs. If it is truly a workmanship error, manufacturer warranties will be voided.
3. Little to No Insurance
The roofing industry is hazardous. Roofers work on tall buildings, and with one misstep, there could be a fatal accident.
Roofing companies pay for their employees to be fully covered if any incidents happen. When workers are hurt on the job, they should be covered by their insurance and receive money from the workman’s comp.
Contracting companies who attempt to save the money they are not making in profits by forfeiting insurance leave a dangerous gap in coverage for their employees and you.
If they don’t have insurance and an employee gets hurt on the job, they can sue the homeowner. You will be responsible for court fees and damages on top of the money you paid for your roof.
Any company you hire must be insured. Ask for proof of insurance before signing the contract to avoid any future issues.
4. Poor Workmanship
When you pay thousands for a new roof, you expect your home to be dazzling – and it should be.
But not every company can deliver on its promises. If they use cheap materials and underpaid workers, your roof won’t be the quality you expect it to be.
You may experience more issues with leaks, visible flashings, missing shingles, and more as time goes by.
The money to repair these issues adds up. In the long run, you may end up spending hundreds or thousands repairing a roof that should’ve been done right the first time.
Thoroughly vet a roofing contractor beforehand by asking them for references and reviews from previous customers. If you like what you see, you may have found the contractor for you.
How to Ensure You Are Getting a High-Quality Roof For a Good Price
When you’re ballin’ on a budget and need to replace your roof, it can be highly frustrating.
While it isn’t cost-effective to shell out thousands of dollars extra to the company that charges the most, there are other ways of ensuring you get a quality roof without overpaying.
First, get multiple quotes. If there is one contractor that is significantly lower than the others in your area – that’s a red flag.
You can also ask for reviews, references, and proof of insurance. However, there are a few more easy questions to ask that can make the difference between a poor contractor and a great one.
Want to learn more about getting the most out of your roof estimates? Read “3 Things to Compare When Looking At Multiple Roof Estimates” and “Negotiating Roof Prices: 6 Things a Homeowner Should Know.“
Are you searching for a reputable roofing contractor in southeastern Wisconsin? Rescue My Roof is here to help. Contact us to get a free estimate.