What You Should Expect in Your Roofing Estimate

Any work done on your roof can be a significant investment. Before your contractor begins repairing or replacing your roof, be sure to ask for an estimate. A roofing estimate should state how much your contractor believes the job will cost. The final cost of your roofing project might be 10 to 15 percent more or less the estimate. Precision #1 Contractors Inc., a leading provider of James Hardie® siding and roofing services, explains further. 

Basic Company Information

The roofing estimate must include basic information about your roofing contractor. It should state their contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses. Hiring an unqualified roofing contractor can be risky, so make sure the estimate also contains your contractor’s license and insurance requirements. 

Additionally, the roofing estimate must cover the timeline of the project, especially the estimated start and completion date. You may also check if your roofing estimate includes proof of bonding, which protects you in the event your contractor fails to finish the project.

The Cost of the Project

No matter what type of estimate you have, a reputable roofing or siding contractor should take the costs associated with the project into account. This helps you compare bids when choosing a company to work with. For this reason, your roofing estimate should include the cost of labor, permits, materials, and clean-up and removal of construction debris. 

Keep in mind that the list of itemized costs should be complete and detailed. It should include the cost of new shingles and flashing, the underlayment installation, and even the number of nails your contractor will use. 

Roofing System Components

Depending on your roofing work, you may need to replace some or all of your roofing system’s components. Thus, your estimate should include information about them. Here are four major roofing system components you need to see in your estimate:

• Underlayment – This is the protective layer installed on your roof’s decking. Your contractor should mention in your roofing estimate the thickness, type, and manufacturer of the underlayment they will use.
• Ventilation – There are two types of ventilation: active and passive. Active ventilation pulls outside air into your home and pushes inside air out, while passive ventilation circulates using natural forces like wind.
• Shingles – Like the underlayment, your contractor should outline the type, manufacturer, and amount of shingles they will use in the estimate. In general, shingles are priced per square foot.
• Flashing – This is a thin metal material that deflects water away from your chimney, walls and valleys. Your estimate should contain the type of metal used, where the flashing will be placed, and whether your current flashing can be reused or not.

For more inquiries regarding roofing work, get in touch with Precision #1 Contractors Inc. We are determined to assist you with your home improvement project, from roof replacement to stucco repair. Call us today at (215) 364-5115 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.