Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s only right that you invest in its installation, repair and maintenance. Don’t settle for anything less than the best service to make sure that your roof will perform well and last for many years.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s only right that you invest in its installation, repair and maintenance. Don’t settle for anything less than the best service to make sure that your roof will perform well and last for many years.
Be careful when choosing a roofing contractor for the project, because roofing companies in Chicago vary in their specializations, level of experience and workmanship. You don’t want a contractor that doesn’t specialize in the kind of roof you want for you home, employs unlicensed roofers, or uses substandard materials. To make it easier for you to assess a roofing company’s qualifications, ask for a quote. Here’s what to look for roofing estimate.
Time Frame
The bid or estimate must include the start and completion dates. If the contractor asks to be paid per Diem (although this is very rare as most contractors prefer fixed, one-time payment), the number of days multiplied by their set fee must not exceed your budget. Also, the dates shouldn’t fall on inconvenient time for you and your family. The contractor must be able to adjust upon request.
Cost
Have you ever wondered why roofing services usually cost high? Well, if you look at where the customer’s money goes, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Remember that it’s not just the roofing materials you will be paying for but the labor and professional services, too. Plus, a contractor knows where to get the best materials, so that exclusivity also adds to the cost. Then again, the contractor must present a detailed breakdown of their proposed cost so that you can compare it with standard costs.
Materials
Pay attention to the materials they’ve listed in the quote. Make sure that those are of high quality. This is why it is also important to do your own research before setting out to find a contractor. Learn about the different options and compare their features so that you know what to look for. You contractor must be able to explain to you the differences among the available options.
Guarantees
High-quality services usually come with a warranty. This is a guarantee to the customer that their services are reliable. Check the details of the warranty, particularly the scope, as some warranties are plain superficial with nothing in them but simple check and fix.
License and Insurance
Apart from the details of the service, the contractor must also indicate whether or not they are a licensed business and/or their workers are licensed and insured. It is important to know that you are not putting yourself at risk of possible liabilities when anything bad happens to the roofers while working in your property. Also, license is a solid proof that the contractor abides by the law and all building codes that are meant to make homes safe for dwellers.
Cleanup
This is what most homeowners miss out on when checking a roofer’s quote. Keep in mind that roofing is messy work. Especially if it’s a replacement project where an old roof has to be dismantled, expect debris to come flying down around the house. What the contractor promise to do about this mess should be clearly discussed in the quote.
Local Permits
Although the project will take place in a private property, you still have to secure local permits. Check if the contractor mentions anything about obtaining the necessary permits. Most contractors promise to cover this part of the job so their customers don’t have to do it themselves.
These are only the most essential aspects that you should expect to see in a roofing service quote. You have to be inquisitive during your discussion with each prospect to find out more about their work. Perhaps you can ask if they also do siding or window installation and repair. Roofing companies in Chicago that offer roofing estimates like Muller Exteriors that specialize in other services are usually your most reliable choice.
