There’s a lot of information out there about new roof estimates, but what if you just need a repair? Whether you had a bit of wind damage, a tree fell on your roof, or your roof is just seeing a little wear, a roof repair estimate is a little different than an estimate for an entirely new roof. Here’s what to look for and how to coordinate with your insurance company if necessary, so you get the best estimate possible.
Step 1: Get a Few Estimates
Before you worry about what’s in your roof repair estimate, start by getting a few estimates. Three is a great rule of thumb because it should give you a good range of options from roofer to roofer. It’s good to know that some roofers don’t do just roof repair — they only install or replace complete roofs. That’s why it’s important to talk to a few candidates before making a decision.
Step 2: Talk to Your Insurance Company
Once you have a few estimates in hand, it’s time to talk to your insurance company if the damage to your roof was caused by a covered incident. Situations like damage from extreme weather or a fallen tree are typically covered by insurance, but most insurance companies require an estimate from a roofer, and from one of their insurance adjusters before they’ll pay out your claim.
Step 3: What to Look for In A Roof Repair Estimate
Now that you’ve got a few estimates and your insurance company on board, if necessary, it’s time to take a good hard look at those estimates to decide which is best for you. Here are the key components to look for in your roof repair estimate:
Materials Used and Warranty Information
The roof repair estimate should state exactly what materials the roofer plans to use, and the warranty that comes along with those products. In roof repair situations, the warranty can be a little tricky, since you might only be using a few shingles and a small section of underlayment, rather than enough material for an entire roof. Ask the roofer for more information about this if it’s not clear on the estimate.
Estimated Labor
Since this is still an estimate, the roofer won’t always be able to give you a precise cost on the labor. It might change once the crew is able to unearth the full extent of your roof damage, but there should be information about this on your estimate. Typically, roofers charge a certain amount per hour of labor.
Your estimate should also indicate a warranty on the labor. If it doesn’t, ask the roofer about it. A warranty on labor protects you in case something goes wrong later on with your roof due to shingles or materials being installed improperly.
Necessary Permits
Your roofer is in charge of pulling the necessary permits for your roof repair. The estimate should indicate what those permits are, and how much they cost. If the permit costs seem high, you can always double-check them with your area building code office’s website.
Cleanup and Removal of Construction Debris
Roofing projects are messy. There are nails and shingles everywhere after a job is complete, even for a roof repair job. Your roof repair estimate should indicate how your roofer plans to clean up your yard and remove any remaining construction debris after the work is done. Make sure this is included in your estimate. You don’t want to be stuck with the cleanup job.
Proof of Roofer or Contractor’s License
Only use roofers or contractors who are licensed. Your roof repair estimate should include information about the roofer or contractor’s license and will indicate what they are licensed to do, and where. If they aren’t licensed in your area, you could run into insurance complications down the road. If they aren’t licensed at all, you are likely to run into problems with the quality of your repair.
Payment Plan
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your roof repair estimate should include payment plan details. The way you pay will depend on the size of your roof repair job. Bigger jobs usually will require a downpayment upfront, and then another payment after the job is complete. Every roofer sets up their payment plans a bit differently, but as a general rule, you shouldn’t pay in full until after the job is completed.
Step 4: Choose the Best Estimate for You, and Get Started
After you’ve evaluated all of your estimates, it’s time to make the best choice for you. It’s good to remember that it’s not always best to go with the lowest estimate. Choose one that includes all of the key components we mentioned above, even if you have to pay a little bit extra. This helps ensure that you’re paying for good work that will last. It’s also worth it to make sure you choose a roofer whose estimate is compatible with your insurance company, if applicable.
Looking for a roof repair estimate in West Michigan? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Werner Roofing. We offer free, no-obligation estimates so you can determine how much your roof repair will cost, and we’re always happy to work with your insurance company. For more information about our roof repair estimates, give us a call at 616-844-5382 or leave us a message online for your free no-obligation quote.
