How to Choose the Best Roof Estimate (Checklist Included)

Are you overwhelmed by multiple roofing estimates and unsure which offers the best value?

Moreover, how can you identify the key factors that represent 'value' in a roof estimate?

You may have heard that comparing roof estimates is all "apples to apples". But it's not apples to apples.

In fact, choosing the right estimate is so much more than picking the best price. It’s evaluating what the company offers and how their offer may give you insight on the quality of their work and customer service. Here, we’ll talk about the 4 key points you should consider when comparing roof estimates. 

These include:

1. The Warranties on Your Estimate
2. The Scope of Work
3. Your Obligations
4. What's Excluded from Your Original Estimate

   In 39+ years, we’ve found that homeowners are rarely happy with the lowest estimate, as it can sometimes indicate cut corners. And because we believe you don’t need to be a roofing expert to choose the right roof estimate, we will talk about what you should see on your estimate to know a roofer is offering transparency! This is usually a good indicator that you won’t be surprised later by poor workmanship or rising costs as the project progresses. To help you properly compare roofing contractors, download our free roof estimate checklist below.

   what you should s on your estimate to know a roofer is offering transparency! This is usually a good indicator that you won’t be surprised later by poor workmanship or rising costs as the project progresses. And to keep track of your comparisons, we've created a guide you can use to keep your roof estimate comparisons organized.

Now let’s talk about it!

What Warranties Should You Look for on A Roof Estimate? 

A roofing project comes with both a manufacturer’s warranty and a workmanship warranty. Your roofer should explain the details of your warranties during the estimate. Not only that, but because Myrtle Beach is prone to wind damage, it's important that your roofer discusses the wind warranty with you. 

When it comes to warranties, the best warranties can be provided by contractors that have top standing with shingle manufacturers. So it's important to find out who the best contractors are in the greater Myrtle Beach area.

For example, Master Elite contractors are certified by GAF to offer advanced warranties that other contractors are not able to offer. Only 3% of roofing contractors are Master Elite. But because Myrtle Beach is a pretty competitive area for roofing companies, you're likely to find a GAF Master Elite contractor in the area fairly easily. 

This means that the manufacturer backs the roofing contractor’s work and will offer a warranty on both the materials (up to 50 years) and the workmanship (up to 25 years). Master Elite contractors can offer elite warranties including Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge warranties. 

What Should the Scope of Work Cover in a Roof Estimate?

The scope of work describes the work that your estimate will include. Your roofer should explain all the details of their plan for your roof.

Your Contractor Should Let You Know if:

• They are replacing your pipe boots
• They will need to perform additional work (including things like dormer work or installing new roof flashing)
• They use a boom truck to place shingles onto your roof
• There will be a supervisor
• If there will be an inspection after the work is completed

Additionally, your estimate will reflect a price according to whatever materials you have chosen for your roof. There are different types of roofing materials for you to consider, but it is important to know the manufacturer your roofer uses.

You Want to Make Sure You are Clear On:

• The manufacturer of the materials that will be used
• The type of shingles being used (3-tab, architectural, or designer)
• The color of the shingles that will be used
• The type of underlayment (felt, self-adhered, or synthetic)
• The accessories that will be installed (such as cap shingle, ridge vent, pipe boots, etc.)

While materials are important, how these materials are installed will truly determine the lifespan of your roof. If you choose high-quality shingles but they are not applied well, they may not last as long as you hoped.

Your roofer should be as specific and clear as possible when they discuss the scope of work with you. Additionally, your roofer should let you know what you are responsible for before your roofing project begins.

What Are Your Obligations as the Homeowner?

Your roofing contractor should tell you what you are responsible for ahead of time. In our contract, we call them ‘owner’s obligations.’

Your Obligations May Include:

• Removing vehicles from the driveway and moving items away from the home so nothing is damaged while the original roof is torn off. 
• Inspecting your attic space to make sure A/C lines are not within six inches of the roof deck so nothing is damaged while the original roof is torn off.
• Removing or protecting all items of value from the attic space
• Removing or protecting items below skylights
• Removing any loosely hung items in the home
• Mowing your lawn
• Taking responsibility and expense for loss of signal if the roofer has to remove satellite dishes

Every roofing contractor you speak with should offer this information. Your roofer is responsible for informing you of your obligations. You should not feel confused about your responsibilities before the start of your roofing project. 

Not only that, but your roofer should let you know of anything that is excluded from your estimate. This helps you know exactly what you can expect during your roofing project.

What's Excluded from an Initial Roof Estimate?

The exclusions section of your estimate should include more detailed information about what is not reflected in your estimate. 

Your roofing contractor should let you know that the cost can change if they discover underlying issues with your roof. For example, the cost will increase if your contractor discovers that your roof has multiple layers of shingles or rot in the roof decking. 

Exclusions may include:

• The cost of trimming out new skylights
• The cost of removing and re-installing gutter covers
• The cost of replacing all existing flashing
• The cost of electrical connections for attic fans
• The cost of loading the roof by any method other than a boom truck
• The cost of removing additional layers of shingling

No one likes surprises on a construction project of this magnitude. When you are investing money into a roof, you want to make sure your roofer is transparent with you. When a roofer is open about all the moving factors that go into the price of your roof, you can trust them to keep you well informed from beginning to end. 

This helps you know what they’re doing and what they’re not doing at your home. 

Not All Roof Estimates are Created Equal

Choosing the right estimate for your roofing project can be tough, confusing, and stressful. It’s a significant financial decision, and you want to be sure you’re making the best choice.

Above all else, it is important to know that your roofer is trustworthy and reliable. A reputable roofing company will be open about the topics discussed in this article, making them a trustworthy company to hire for your roofing project. You should compare your roofing contractors in addition to the estimates they provide.

Now that you know what your roofer should inform you of, you're ready to compare your roof estimates!

By using this checklist, you'll be able to narrow down which roofer is being honest with you and which may not, ultimately helping you choose the right roof estimate for you. 

As a homeowner, your main concern is protecting your home with a top-notch roof. Even the lowest estimate can be a hefty chunk of change. But when you choose quality workmanship, you help guarantee less repair costs in the future.

At Linta Roofing we believe that to be clear is to be kind. We encourage you to use this guide and roof estimate checklist to ensure absolute satisfaction with your new roof.