Getting a roof repaired or replaced is something most of us homeowners dread, and when the roof does need repair, it is important to get not only the finest quality materials available but the best price on installing those materials as well. Most of us will start the process by getting an estimate of roof repair from a few local contractors, and it is important for all homeowners to learn how to read this important document properly.
Of course every estimate of roof repair will look somewhat different, according to the company who prepared it and the nature of the job. The estimate for patching a hole, or replacing a bank of shingles, for instance, can be a fairly simple and straightforward document, while the estimate for installing or replacing an entire roof can be quite complex in nature. No matter what the cost or complexity of the job, however, there are a number of things to keep in mind when reviewing all those competing roof repair offers.
Perhaps the most important thing is to make sure that each estimate of roof repair is bidding on the same job. Before you go out to get those estimate, it is important to write up the requirements of the job, including when work must begin, when the repair needs to be complete, and any preferences you may have as to roofing materials. Spelling out all these requirements ahead of time will help you to make sure you are comparing like to like as you sort out the prices of the various estimates.
It is also important to consider the reputation and reliability of the roofing contractor. Not all roofing contractors are equally reliable, nor are all equally skillful and knowledgeable. If you have a specialty roof, such as a tile roof, a rubber roof or a metal roof, it is important to choose a contractor who has expertise in that specialty material. A general roofing contractor may not have all the skills, tools and expertise needed to complete a complex repair on the more unconventional roofing materials on the market.
After you have reviewed all of the roof repair estimates and narrowed the choices down to just a few, it is a good idea to take a couple of minutes to chat with each of those candidates. It is often possible to get a real feel for the quality of the work someone will do just by meeting with them, and roof repair is no exception. While the estimate of roof repair can give you an idea of the price, only a face to face meeting can give you the gut feeling that can be so important in the world of business and in the world of roof repair.
Author:
Ronald Fess
Permission by goarticles.com
