Roof Contractor - What To Ask During An Estimate

A roof contractor most definitely can come to your home and get the job done quickly. However, before you agree to this type of work, it is best to get an estimate. Most of the time, an estimate does not require paying a fee to the professional. Rather, the professional will come to your home, inspect the roof, determine what you would like to have done and then offer a quote for the cost of the job. In most situations, this cost will range widely from one home to another, based on material and labor costs. If you are ready to schedule your appointment for an estimate, know what to expect and what to ask for before the company arrives.
Key Factors to Consider
Before you sign any roof contractor agreement, find out what the professional service provider is going to offer to you. You also need to ensure that you are present for the inspection and estimate rather than having one sent to you. This way, you know just how thorough the company has been with the inspection.
What should an estimate provide to you? In general, you should see a few things.
• The professional should climb onto the roof and inspect it. In some cases, the roof may be significantly damaged not allowing for this. When this happens, it is critical that the professional still inspect the roofing up close.
• Did the professional look at just the shingles or did he ensure to check the underlayment and framing? You do not want surprises down the road so a full inspection should provide details about the condition of the entire structure when possible.
• You should ask about the condition of that structure, too. Do not assume he or she is going to tell you what they found. 
• Find out the square footage of the roofing. This often plays a role in the overall cost. 
• Did the roofer give you options to choose from in materials? In some cases, you can find roofing materials for less on your own. However, in most instances, this is not the case since a professional roof contractor often is able to get things at cost.
• Did the professional talk about all of your options for your roof? This includes various types of roofing, environmentally friendly options and budget friendly choices. You should know both the good and the bad about any material before you decide to use one or the other.
It is always a good idea to compare the roof contractor against others in terms of what was "found" and what the estimate is for. When you are present for the inspection, you can get a better understanding of what your options are as well as why you need to replace or repair now, as opposed to waiting a few years to do so. Ask questions to find out how well this professional can work for you.