Whether you are the owner of one small ranch style home, or the proprietor of numerous large properties, one thing about owning properties is inevitable. Eventually the roof will need to be replaced on your building(s). While this is something that the hard-core do-it-yourselfer could possibly do on his own, chances are that you will be hiring a roofing contractor to do the job for you.
Everyone would like to get the best deal possible when it comes to home or building repairs, but the best deal does not necessarily mean the cheapest price. You will also need to consider the quality of the work being done, the time frame in which it can be completed, and the reputation that the business has with its previous clients.
When looking for roofing contractors, word-of-mouth is usually a reliable way to go. Your neighbors and family members have all probably had to have a roof replaced at one time or another during their years of homeownership. Ask them what they thought of the contractor they used.
Good questions to ask include: "Did you feel that the business sent a professional crew out to do the work?" "How long did it take the crew to complete the job?", and "How has the roof weathered through the years?" You will also want to find out if the person thought that they received a good value for their money.
So, now that you have some roofing contractors in mind, you will want to compare the materials they use, the length of time it will take to finish the project, and the total cost involved. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
If one quote includes the tear off of your existing shingles, repair of any damaged USB board, new tar paper, new drip edge, and 30 year guaranteed architectural shingles, then you will want to make sure that the other contractor's quotes include those same items.
As you can see, choosing a roofing contractor involves a lot more than price. Choosing the lowest quote only gets you the cheapest price, not necessarily the very best deal. The lowest priced contractor may very well have the best deal for you, but to ensure that, you must compare the other aspects of his quote. You must also make sure that all businesses giving you a quote are licensed, insured, and have adequate experience to complete the project at hand.
