Don’t let a roof repair project become a costly and complex situation. Before you begin negotiating with a roofing contractor, it’s essential that you understand the basics of what to expect in order to have the best outcome for your home repair — both financially and emotionally! Here are some reminders to consider:
Be familiar with the information you should see on the estimate
The average roof lasts between 20 and 30 years, depending on shingle material. If your roof falls into this age group, or you experience a symptom of a leaky roof, it’s more likely to need a repair or replacement. When getting multiple roof repair or replacement estimates, make sure they all include:
– Complete names and contact information for all parties
– Quote broken down by materials, labor, and any other fees
– Full statement of work to be completed
– Material list with prices
– Payment methods and due dates
– Complete work schedule and estimated completion date
– Warranty or guarantee terms
– Expiration clause mentioning the length of contract and specific termination terms for all parties Source: Angi
Have a basic plan
The type of roof you plan to have installed on your home makes a big difference in how it performs, what it looks like, and how long it will last. That’s why you should have a basic understanding of the different roof types and what you can expect from each of them. Your contractor should address all of these variables with you ahead of your final quote. You may have your own notions of what should occur, but check them against what the contractor recommends.
You want to be as best prepared as possible to ask about different materials during your negotiation. If you want, you can ask about material costs and even consider buying them yourself if there are cost savings involved. Options to explore include:
– Asphalt shingles
– Clay Tile
– Architectural
– Wood shingles
– Concrete Tile
– Slate
– Copper
– Metal
– Tin
– Corrugated
– Standing seam
– Steel roofing
– Foam
– Tar and gravel
– Rubber Roofing Source: Modernize
Read the fine print
In your shingle shopping, you might be impressed by how many manufacturers offer a “lifetime protection” warranty. But in roofing parlance, a lifetime really isn’t a lifetime. It’s more like 10 years. That’s the period during which most manufacturers will pay the roof’s original owner in full to replace defective shingles under the baseline warranty. After that—and for the rest of the period you own your home—it’ll reimburse only for your shingles’ depreciated value.
Warranties involve a lot of fine print like that. For instance, to extend the full-replacement period, you have to either upgrade to a different shingle or buy more of the manufacturer’s components. A roofing warranty won’t pay if the shingle maker finds problems in your home’s ventilation. And manufacturers usually won’t cover damage from so-called acts of God, such as very high winds and hail. For that, you’ll have to put in a homeowners insurance claim or pay out of pocket.
Given all those gotchas, a warranty probably shouldn’t be your main focus in choosing a new roof. Rather, our testers recommend that you place your faith in a strong shingle and a reliable contractor. That said, see whether the warranty is transferable to the next owner. If you sell your home, a transferable roof warranty can be a perk to a potential buyer. Source: ConsumerReports
If you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed by a potential negotiation, don’t hesitate to call us. Our team is ready to help you get the most out of your roofing project!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
