If this is your first time getting a new roof, then the process of getting a roofing estimate (or quote) can be unfamiliar territory. A new roof is a significant investment in your property, so it makes sense that getting a clear idea of the costs involved is going to be an important part of the process.
Read on to find out what information you should expect to see in a new roof quote and how to compare your choices.
Getting Your Quote
It’s always best to get at least three quotes when pricing for any job. This is because the more quotes you have, the better idea you will have about the true cost of the job. Most people will begin their search for contractors either with recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues or with a quick online search over the internet.
Choosing the right contractors to obtain quotes from will come down to several factors;
- Personal Preference. This may relate to well-known brands or companies who advertise regularly in your area or can be as simple as you like the look of the professionalism of their website.
- Location. Generally speaking, the closer the contractor is to you the lower the travel expenses. It is also likely the contractor will be able to come to your house fairly quickly if it is on the way to another job or not far from their home base.
- Reputation And Ability. Check they are well established within the industry and have a good history of doing the kind of work you require. Some contractors may specialise in certain types of roofing, or roofing repair instead of roof replacement so it’s best to find this out before investing any more effort.
- Trade Association Membership. You may wish to check that the contractors are members of local trade associations as this can sometimes provide independent dispute resolution, extra warranties or guarantees and other benefits.
- References. Whether from online reviews, independent review sites, customer feedback or previous clients – it is always good to see what other people have to say about the business, its work ethic and standard of completion.
Learn more about what roofing contractors do and choosing the right roofing contractor here.
What Is A Roofing Estimate?
Having narrowed down your list of potential roofing contractors, it is time to get some roofing estimates organised. A roofing estimate is the same as a quote. These estimates will give you a better idea of the cost of the job and provide comparable documentation regarding the scope of the work – e.g. whether or not a roof replacement is required versus a roof repair.
A roofing estimate, or quote, is a written summary of the scope and cost of your roofing project as well as expected timeframes. Roofing estimates can vary widely from one roofing contractor to another, so do expect some differences. Most roofing contractors will email you a short quote initially, with more detailed estimates available on request. Before deciding on a roofing contractor, you want to make sure you have a full breakdown of labour and material costs and expected timeframes.
What Should My Roof Estimate Include?
A basic roofing estimate should include all of the following items; otherwise, you might be in for some hidden costs. If your quote does not explain all of these points in full, be sure to ask for clarification (in writing) before signing any contracts or committing to the job.
- Materials. This will include details on the roofing materials to be used, such as longrun iron, underlay and flashing. This will be linked to the size (in square metres) of your roof. A good little tip here is when your roofing contractor provides the size of your roof in square metres and its slope (pitch in degrees) – keep this information safe for your next roof replacement or repair or to provide for/compare with other quotes.
- Labour. This will give an indication of the amount of the quote that is allocated towards the contractor’s undertaking the work required to complete the job. It will be directly linked to the expected timeframe.
- Cleanup. How the site will be cleaned up afterwards and kept tidy during the project (e.g. dumpsters on-site) and whether all old roofing materials will be removed, and the associated costs of this service (dump fees/waste disposal/recycling services).
- Consents. While most straightforward roof replacements won’t need council approval or consent here in NZ, it can be a good idea to inform the council of your plans if you are unsure. Generally speaking, only if any structural changes are being made to the roof system you will need consent. These costs should be outlined in the quote if required.
- Full Description Of Work. Your estimate will include a specific description of the work that is going to be carried out. This ensures everyone is on the same page and the end result is less likely to be disputed.
- Warranties/Guaranties. Check if there are any references to product or workmanship warranties or guarantees from your roofing contractor included in the quote, as its best to confirm these upfront before the commencement of any work.
- Expected Timeframes. How long before the job can be started? The predicted job schedule? Completion dates? Some businesses are booked up for months in advance; the last thing you want when replacing a roof is extended wait times. Always have start and finish dates in writing before accepting any quote.
- Responsibilities. Who is responsible for what and when is an important aspect of roof repair or replacement. Things like aerials, satellite dishes and other items attached to your roof may require the services of an electrician. Any structural work will need a qualified builder on site – it is important to understand if these things are your responsibility to organise.
- Detailed Costs. You should expect to see a breakdown of all of the above elements of your roof estimate and the associated costs as well as the overall cost of the job, including the GST component.
- Unforeseen Delays. We all know the weather can be unpredictable, and roofing is one of those industries where reliance on good weather goes hand in hand with completing the job on time. Expect to find some kind of information about unexpected delays in the expected completion times. This may relate to the weather or other factors such as delays in sourcing materials or staff shortages.
- Payment Terms. All details of the payment terms should be explained in-depth, including due dates and total amounts. This will vary between contractors but should include information about deposits, progress payments and final payments, as well as accepted methods of payment. Roofing quotes may also include information about disputes resolution if you are not satisfied with the end result.
- Termination Clauses. Every roof estimate should have a well-defined termination clause. This should explain the reasons why you or the contractor can terminate the agreement.
- Provisional Information. Your roof estimate should include some reference to provisions for add-ons or changes that have the potential to incur additional charges. This will usually be outlined in the terms and conditions (the fine print).
5 Tips For Comparing Roofing Quotes
While most people are immediately drawn to comparing quotes based solely on the total cost, this does not always provide a true representation of the costs involved. Some things to keep in mind when comparing roofing estimates are:
- Always Compare Apples With Apples. More expensive quotes might be covering the total cost of a roof replacement versus cheaper ones which may only include roof repair.
- Consider Transportation Costs. Look for the inclusion of transportation costs; for some quotes, this may be higher than others due to the travel distances from their home base to your property. Keep in mind the further the contractor is away from your address, the higher the transport costs are likely to be.
- Factor In The Roof Pitch. Steep roofs will be harder to work with and require additional safety precautions. If you have a steep roof pitch expect extra costs due to the more complex nature of the roofing work. If the contractor has not taken this into account, the quote may be lower than it should be, meaning you might be hit with additional add-on costs at a later date.
- Look For Quality Materials. While it is obvious your chosen roofing material is going to impact the overall cost, it is important to look at the additional factors involved in the roof replacement process. Ensure all of your quotes have included the appropriate components or accessories, such as guttering, underlay, vents, etc., and look for price variants due to differences in material make-up, performance, or aesthetic attributes.
- Ask Yourself Is It Too Good To Be True? Last but not least – look out for roofing quotes that seem too good to be true – because they probably are! If one quote is significantly lower than all of the others, this usually means the contractor is cutting corners somewhere along the way, whether it be on safety, professionalism, trained staff or materials. Learn more about the key factors that determine the cost of your new roof here.
Finding A Roofing Contractor During COVID 19
During COVID-19 restrictions, it can be difficult to arrange viewings and in-person quotes for roofing work. However, it is possible for roofing contractors to carry out inspections and quotation services as well as repairs and roof replacements with minimal contact, if any, while still following social distancing and COVID restriction guidelines. It is best to question your roofing contenders on their specific COVID protection procedures.
Learn more about getting a new roof during COVID-19 restrictions here or if you think your home might need a new roof, contact Action Reroofing for an obligation free quote today.
