When you decide to replace your roof, it is important to get at least one estimate so you understand what you will need to pay. However, roofing estimates can be confusing if you are not familiar with the industry. Here are some things to look for when you read your roofing estimate.

Current Roof Condition

Every roofing estimate takes into account the condition of the current roof. If your roof has structural damage, it is likely the replacement will cost much more. Roofers may have to replace supports before they can install a new roof, which pushes up the overall cost of replacement.

Size of Roof

The roofing estimate should be based on the total area of your roof in square feet. Larger roofs cost more to replace but they require more materials. It also takes longer for roofers to replace a roof the more square footage it has, which means labor costs for will go up. If you cannot work out why your roof replacement estimate is higher than your neighbor’s, it could simply be because your roof is much larger than theirs.

Roofing Materials

The type of roofing materials you choose will have a huge effect on the cost of your roof replacement. The costs of the following materials are on a sliding scale.

  • Shingles – Typically inexpensive, shingles are an economical roofing option for homes in Lexington, KY.
  • Metal – Durable and affordable, a metal roof is a good option if you want to keep your roof replacement and future maintenance costs low.
  • Tile – Available in a wide range of colors, tiles are a popular roofing choice, even though they are not the least expensive option.
  • Slate – Naturally beautiful, slate is not a cheap roofing option, but it can improve the curb appeal of your home.
  • Wood shakes – Wood shake roofs naturally insulate your home, so they could help you save money on your heating bills. They are also ecologically friendly, which means many people opt for this type of roof despite its higher cost.

Other choices you make about your roofing material can also affect your roofing estimate. For example, some color choices for tiles or shingles are more expensive than others because the materials are more costly.

You need to consider not only the cost of the outer layer of roofing material, but also the cost of the underlayment, flashing, and ventilation structures which work together to form a highly functional and durable roof. These materials can push up the cost of roof replacement, but it is not a good idea to cut corners on these aspects as they protect your home from the elements.

Warranty Options

If your roofing estimate seems expensive, check the warranty options that you would be getting if you decided to go ahead. A warranty can save you a lot of money over the long run, as if your roof starts to leak or develops a fault, you can get it fixed without blowing your budget.

Timeline

Whenever you want a job doing quickly, you can expect to pay a premium. If you are working to a strict timeline, your roofer might charge you extra in exchange for them prioritizing your roof over others. If you can be flexible regarding your timeline, you might be able to reduce the roofing estimate.

When reading your roofing estimate, be sure to take note of the approximate timeline for your roof replacement. This will let you know what to expect. Roof replacement can be a noisy business, so you might like to plan to be out of the house while the work is going on.

Payment Due Dates

One of the most important parts of a roofing estimate to pay attention to is the payment due date. This is the date by which you are expected to pay for the roof replacement.

If you know you will struggle to pay in full by the payment due date, talk to your roofer before they start work on your roof. They might be willing to agree to a payment plan which allows you to spread the cost over several months.

If you miss the payment due date and do not contact the roofer to discuss an alternative payment schedule, you could end up facing a late payment fee. Avoid this outcome by always paying on time where possible and communicating with your roofer if you cannot pay.

Understanding Your Roofing Estimate

If there is anything you don’t understand about your roofing estimate, get in touch with your roofer right away. A good roofer will always be happy to answer any questions you have about your estimate.

Good roofers do not want to hide information from their customers. At AIC Roofing, we are willing to do everything we can to help people understand the cost of a roof replacement. Get in touch today for a clear and honest estimate.

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