It's no secret that roofing replacement can be expensive. In fact, a recent study by Remodeling Magazine found that the average cost of an asphalt shingle roof replacement in 2021 was over $28,000. For metal roofing that cost jumps to over $46,000.
So if you've received a lowball bid for your new roof, it's natural to be suspicious.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of scam artists out there who will take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners.
So before you sign any contracts, it's important to know how to protect yourself from low-ball bids.
Don't automatically go with the lowest bid - there could be a reason why it's so low
Many homeowners default to the lowest bid, but there is usually a reason why that bid is so low. It could be that the contractor is cutting corners on materials or labor. Or, they may be inexperienced and unsure of what the job entails. As a result, they underestimate the cost of the project and end up losing money. Going with the lowest bid can also lead to subpar workmanship.
So, before you automatically choose the cheapest option, take some time to learn more about the contractor and their qualifications. Otherwise, you may end up regretting your decision.
Check to see if the roofing company is licensed and insured
Before hiring a roofing company, it is important to check that they are licensed and insured.
A license ensures that the company is qualified to perform roofing work, and insurance protects you in case of any damage or accidents during the course of the project.
To verify a company's licensing status, you can contact your state's licensing board.
To check if a company is insured, you should ask to see a copy of their insurance policy.
Once you have verified that the roofing company is licensed and insured, you can proceed with confidence knowing that you are working with a professional and reputable company.
Get references and read reviews from past clients
When looking for a roofing contractor, it's always a good idea to get references and read reviews from past clients. This helps you get a sense of what the company is like to work with, and whether they're likely to be a good fit for your needs. It also allows you to see what other people have loved or hated about working with the roofing company.
When reading online reviews, try to take them with a grain of salt. Everyone's experience is different, and one person's bad experience doesn't necessarily mean that the company is terrible to work with. Instead, look for patterns in the reviews. If multiple people are saying the same thing, then there's a good chance that there's some truth to it.
Use references and reviews as just one part of your research when choosing a new roofing company. But don't underestimate their importance - they can be a valuable tool in helping you find the right fit.
Get an estimate in writing, including what is and isn't included in the job
When you're planning a home improvement project, it's important to get an estimate in writing. This will help you understand the scope of the work to be done, as well as what is and isn't included in the job.
For example, if you're hiring a roofer to put new shingles on your home, make sure that the estimate includes the cost of shingles, underlayment, and other supplies. It should also list the number of hours the roofer expects to work, so you can determine whether the price is reasonable.
With a written estimate in hand, you can be confident that you're getting the best value for your money.
Ask about warranties and how long the job will take to complete
When you're hiring a contractor to do work on your home, it's important to ask about warranties and how long the job will take to complete.
A warranty gives you protection in case something goes wrong with the workmanship or materials used.
It's important to ask about the coverage and what it covers so you know what's included.
For example, some warranties only cover defects in workmanship, while others may also cover damage from things like weather conditions.
It's also important to find out how long the job is expected to take.
This will help you plan your schedule and make sure that the work can be completed in a timely manner.
By asking these questions upfront, you can help avoid any surprises down the road.
Protecting North Carolina Families for Generations
For over 90 years, Pickard Roofing has been providing quality roofing services to families in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of protecting your home and ensuring that it will be safe for generations to come. We are trusted and respected in the community, and we will work hard to ensure that you are satisfied with our work.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you protect your family for generations to come.
At Pickard Roofing, we think Design. Craft. Renew. We are experienced in all types of roofing systems- and provide the right roofing design and selective craftsmanship for renewing our customer’s assets. We invite sustainable building customers to give us a call for your free evaluation. For over 90 years Pickard Roofing Company has installed countless metal, tile, slate, TPO, EPDM, and all types of shingle roofing in the Triangle. Our services include residential, commercial, custom architectural metal fabrication, and historical renovation.
