Many roofing companies in the Bronx offer roof installation, roof repairs, residential roof replacement and roof inspection. When you are looking for a roofing company, it is important to know what roofing services they provide so that you can find one that will meet your needs. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the considerations you should have when searching for a roofing company near you.
What Should I Look For When Hiring a Roofing Company?
A new roof is a costly investment and finding one can be difficult. However, for weather protection, the roof is the single most important component of your home. Follow these three golden principles when leaving the security of your roof to a local roofing company to ensure you’re making the best option possible.
- Keep an eye out for professionalism and experience.
On a contractor’s website, I search for evidence of professionalism such as Better Business Bureau certification, trade magazine rankings, or industry distinctions. Elite or master accreditation from a reputable brand also demonstrates a dedication to training. Pay careful attention to organizations whose work has been formally acknowledged by the relevant building institutions if you want to avoid any surprises.
- Obtain references (and check them)
Choose a reputable firm that can provide references to back up its promises of greatness. Online testimonials are useful, but they aren’t as trustworthy as speaking with someone face to face. Positive evaluations on sites like Angie’s List are important, but keep in mind that not every roofing contractor worth considering has been rated online. As often as feasible, go-to roofing jobs finished by the providers on your short list.
- Quotes aren’t all made equal.
A contractor must inspect the roof in question before giving a quote. Therefore, expect each candidate in the running for your company to provide information on the work, including your best options and the anticipated time it will take. If a contractor refuses to provide you with a detailed explanation of his estimate, move on to the next contender.
What Should a Roofing Contract Include?
A roofing contract is a legal document that holds a roofing contractor accountable for their promises about the job. While professional contractors’ contracts are generally longer and more elaborate, most roofing contracts are straightforward. Every contract should have the following elements:
Information about the company
Every contract should include basic information about the roofing company’s operation, such as the licensing number, insurance details, and physical address. In addition, copies of evidence of insurance, which should include the following, should be included in every roofing contract:
- Creating a bond (if applicable).
- Workers’ compensation insurance.
- Liability.
Scope of Work
The scope of work details the work that the licensed roofing contractor will do and the labor and roofing materials that will be necessary to complete the project. If the homeowner purchases a complete roofing system, the contract should specify the accessories used during installation. For example, ridge cap shingles, leak barriers, vents, roof deck protection, and starting strip shingles may be installed on top of the shingles.
Project Timeframe
Most homeowners believe that construction should begin two to six weeks after the contract is signed. This, however, varies by season and whether or not the contractor has a backlog of work. So that the homeowner has a reasonable expectation, the contractor should be clear about their availability, regardless of when they can begin. Once the contractor begins working on the roof, anything other than the weather should not halt the process. Some jurisdictions may impose a “no later than” condition. If the contractor fails to start the task on schedule, this clause will null and void the contract.
Services and Materials
A roofing contract should cover all items and services included within the scope of the operation, in addition to the fundamental roofing and labor needs. For example, if the cost of obtaining a permit and cleanup and disposal services are not included in the contract, they should be negotiated with the contractor. The contract should include product names as well as warranty information from the manufacturer.
Warranties
If the contractor gives a warranty on their installer’s work, it should be included in the contract, along with the length of the warranty and any limitations. In a contract failure, it’s also critical to set out any limitations on warranties that cover materials.
Methods of Installation
Instructions on how to install the various components should be included in the roofing contract. For example, while certain shingles can be installed with only four nails, a six-nail installation may be required if the homeowner opts for a limited wind-resistance guarantee. This information should be included in the contract.
Payment Schedule
The payment schedule and deposit requirements for each contractor may differ. In most cases, a homeowner should anticipate paying a deposit. The expectation should never be that the upfront payment would cover the total cost of the job. Furthermore, the total deposit and payments made during the roofing project should never exceed 75% of the entire job cost. However, it is normal to pay an initial deposit when the project is booked, a second payment when the materials are delivered to the residence, and a third payment after the work is completed.
Provisions for Unforeseen Circumstances
The cost of the roofing project could soar if the contractor runs into any unexpected issues while doing the job. For example, if the roofing is rotting, the contractor may need to purchase additional supplies or hire additional staff to complete the job on schedule and correctly. If these unforeseeable events occur, the contract should include a cost estimate.
Contract Cancellation Option
The terms of canceling the roofing contract, including the notice that must be given, any payments that must be paid, and information about whether deposits are refundable, should all be specified in the contract. Many roofers require clients to pay a specified proportion of the whole contract value or the cost of the supplies if they want to cancel after a specific date and the roofer has already incurred expenses.
What Should I Look For in a Roofing Estimate?
Your roof estimate should include the number of penetrations and the type of boot that will go around them. In addition, any flashing that your roof requires should be factored into the price. Metal flashing is employed wherever the shingles come into touch with something, such as a wall, chimney, or open valleys.
What is The Going Rate For Roofing Per Square?
To install or replace an asphalt shingle roof, most roofing and siding contractor charge between $3.50 and $5.50 per square foot, or $350 to $550 per square (100 square feet). Therefore, the average cost of replacing an asphalt shingle roof on a normal single-family home is roughly $4.50 per square foot or $450 per square.
How Do You Negotiate With a Roofing Company?
Do you want some tips on how to obtain the best deal on a roof? Negotiating the price of your roof is simple, even if you have no prior expertise with roofing. We’ve put together some suggestions and strategies for getting better roof pricing, regardless of the sort of roof repair or replacement necessary. So let’s move on to the suggestions.
- Ask for a better price.
Requesting a better deal is the first step in getting one. A roofer will work with you to guarantee that your roof is done within reason so that you pick them over another roofing company in town. If you have vents, solar panels, gutters, or skylights installed, you may be eligible for a discount. So, go ahead and ask questions!
- Obtain several bids
Obtaining many offers is the second greatest approach for getting a better price. You can use the price that several roofers want to charge you for a roof repair or replacement as leverage to get a better deal.
- Check with your insurance provider.
Make contact with your insurance company. Inquire about the coverage they will provide and the coverage they will not provide. They might be able to refer you to a company that offers a better price than you could locate on your own, saving you money.
- Look for material discounts.
Roofing material suppliers and some enterprises work together. If you employ such companies, you may usually get a discount on roof replacements. Roofers will not advertise this, so ask if they can do anything to offer you a materials discount for working with them.
If your roof is old, outdated, or in need of repair, you’ll want to hire a professional to take care of it. You can find the ideal contractor for your needs by researching different contractors and getting a few quotations. To get started, look for the best roofing company near you like ours, TCI Bronx. Contact us today!
