When you need a new roof or a roof repair, be sure to interview at least two roofers. They should give you detailed written estimates. Do not just go with the lowest estimate. It will cost you more money in the long run, because you’ll have to hire another roofer to fix the first roofer’s mistakes. Homesstead Roofing lists what you need to look at when comparing estimates.
Look at the length of the roofing estimates from roofing businesses. It may go on for a few pages. If you have an estimate that’s only half a page long for a new roof, that’s a red flag. New roofs, in particular, are big jobs, requiring many steps and materials.
Look at what the estimates cover. Do they include warranties? Do they specify what brand of shingles or other roofing material is used? Do they mention how much the flashing will cost? Does the estimate include a definite start date and an estimated end date? You don’t want to put your deposit down and not have the roofer show up for weeks.
Also check to see if the roof measurements in the estimates match. If they all have different measurements, then someone did not measure the roof correctly. Ask to see a copy of their measurements. Despite technology, the most accurate way to measure roofs is by hand.