As you may already know, a roof is a significant investment, as it is the first line of defense against the elements. Since a new roof installation or repair is not something homeowners often get, choosing the right candidate for the job can be overwhelming. As for the price in the estimate, well, that can raise your stress levels even more.
But if you want your roofing project to be cost-effective, then choosing a high-quality roof, done by an experienced roofer, is your safest bet. Sometimes, picking the cheapest route is risky-business. However, this does not mean you have to settle for the highest price to get the best value. But just how much can one negotiate over a roofing estimate? Let us explore!
So are roofing estimates negotiable? While negotiation might depend on certain factors, including insurance claims, and seasonal demands, negotiation is almost always possible. However, make sure to do so before the contract gets signed.
Many times homeowners find themselves in the dilemma of choosing between two potential roofing contractors.
Roofer A might have sold himself with his years of experience in the field and his detailed presentation. But at the same time, the homeowner is more drawn to the attractive figures estimated by Roofer B.
If this is the case, keep in mind that going the less expensive route is not always the best choice when dealing with such a substantial investment.
Thus, negotiating the price with the contractor you feel more comfortable with is definitely worth the shot!
If you are getting a new roof or are having repairs done which are not covered by the insurance company, then the only way to cut some of the project cost is by discussing the details of the estimate with the roofer.
First of all, it is essential to understand that roofing falls under a different category than most trades, including general contracting.
For one, roofers usually do not charge for a visit, whereas other professions do. Furthermore, roofers add labor rates instead of paying themselves a percentage of the overall cost.
Consequently, negotiating over the price of a new roof or upgrade can be more demanding, and you will need to pull out your convincing skills.
Like in any other industry, some roofers might try and take a chance when it comes to estimating the overall costs of the project. Therefore, it is always best to gather a minimum of three roofing estimates from various roofing companies.
Make sure all these companies bid the same roof and have the same insurance. If you find that all the estimates are in the same price range, you are probably dealing with a reasonable figure.
Whether or not your specific roofing estimate is negotiable will most likely depend on the roofer and how much in demand he is.
After a season of heavy hail storms and winds, there might be an abundance of work, making the contractor less willing to negotiate.
Other things to consider are how long the roofer has been in business. If the roofer is well-known in your area, then the chances are good that he might be well endowed with repeat business and a full schedule. This, once again, will leave little room for negotiation.
Nevertheless, younger roofing companies might be more willing to reduce their price and extend their warranties for a project like yours.
Remember to do your homework on the prospective contractor, especially if they are new to ensure their workmanship is up to standard.
Let us assume you are considering a reputable roofing contractor who is high in demand. Even though it seems like he has given you his best price, it does not mean there is no wiggle room for lowering the cost of the materials.
While you may have your notions of which materials are best, it is better to check them against what the contractor recommends.
You can click here to see my guide on all the different types of roof materials available for you to choose from.
So, if all else fails, there is still hope that he can suggest other materials with the same quality but at a lower price.
Another thing to keep in mind is the season when you are looking for a roofing contractor. If you are hiring a roofer in the winter, then the estimated costs will not be his bottom dollar. During this time, you might have a better chance to get him to knock off more.
Things You Should Know When Negotiating Over A Roofing Estimate:
How to negotiate with a roofer?
First of all, it is essential to let the prospective roofer know your budget and whether you are up for choosing other materials if he can get them at a better price. This will give them time to consider other possible options that might be able to cut down costs.
Make it clear to the contractor that you already received other estimates but wish to give them the first shot. They already spent time and effort on evaluating your roof and setting up an estimate. Despite the other jobs, they might have lined up, they will still be eager to sign a contract with you.
During the negotiation, make sure not to start with a figure too close to the original price. This way, you can test how low the roofer is willing to go by leaving enough room for negotiation.
How to make sure you aren’t getting ripped off?
Two of the main way’s roofers can rip homeowners off is by overcharging for materials and doing poor work. While your best approach would be to choose a roofing contractor with a good reputation in your area, sometimes this is not possible.
As said before, it is crucial to obtain at least three estimates from various roofing companies. This way, you can compare the estimates and see whether one of them is overcharging. It is also a smart move to know your roofing materials and what they cost!
Be wary of those contractors pushing you to sign a contract. And last but not least, do not start a roofing project without a signed contract that contains a scope of the work to be completed and the warranty.
How to check that you are working with a good roofing company?
If it was not through word of mouth that led you to that specific roofing contractor, do some research on the roofer.
The internet is a great tool to use! There are various platforms where you can find reviews on the prospective roofer, including social media and Home Advisor (Affiliate link thanks for your support!).
Good reviews are a good sign, but be sure to look at the bad reviews as well as this will give you a good understanding of how the roofing companies take care of mistakes.
A professional roofer will have license and insurance, so if you cannot find their credentials online, make a point of asking them for proof of their certificates.
By looking at their previously completed project, you will have a better understanding of their work quality.
You may also check out my other article (link below) called 32 things that you can check to ensure a quality roof replacement. That article describes things that you may not think about before getting your roof replaced such as parking for contractor vehicles and what to do about your flower beds.
Click here to check out the article!
What should be in a roofing estimation?
A detailed roofing estimation is always a good sign. The estimate should include:
- Material cost
- Labor
- Transportation Fee (if applicable)
- Any other additional costs
The estimate should describe the project thoroughly and include whether or not they are making use of subcontractors. A description of the warranties should also on black and white as well as the project’s start and end date.
How to negotiate when making an insurance claim?
If you have roof damage covered by an insurance claim, it will be you and the roofing contractor negotiating against the insurance company. The first step will be to understand your insurance policy fully.
The roofing contractor should be very knowledgeable about where to look for roof damage to supplement your claim to its full potential. Make sure you choose a roofer with years of experience in roofing repairs and insurance claims.
Be careful of roofers who offer to pay your deductible during their sales pitch, as this is illegal. Neither should you consider negotiating with the roofer to cover the deductible amount as you can get in trouble with the law.
Additional Questions:
How to get a roofing estimation?
Once you have decided which roofing contractors you might hire, contact them to discuss the details of your roofing project.
The company will send out a roofer to inspect the roof. He will take down measurements and examine the problem areas. Afterward, you and the roofer will discuss all further requirements. The roofer will set up an estimate and send it to you once he has calculated the project’s scope.
When should you pay a roofer?
You should never pay the roofing company for the entire project upfront! However, in most cases, a deposit will be required, which is just a pledge to the roofer that you are buying.
The deposit should not exceed 1/3 of the total cost of the roofing project. Clearly stated on the estimate would be the terms and date of the final payment. The final payment is usually only required after the completion of the project and when the homeowner is satisfied.
Do roofers give free estimates?
Most roofing companies offer free estimates, as this gives them a better chance of landing a new contract. This free service also helps the roofing contractor figure out the project’s potential cost.
Keep in mind that a roofing estimate and roofing inspection is not the same thing! Even though some form of examination occurs during an estimation report, the roofer is not inspecting the problem itself.
Conclusion:
Anything is up for negotiation, and so are roofs! Even though there might be a lot of grey areas you do not understand, communication can help clear things up. It is your investment, so take your time during the interview with the roofer to make sure you know how he came to those figures. By being well-informed, you will be in a better position when executing the negotiation.
However, once you see that the roofer is at his final offer, do not push the limits. If quality is important to you, make sure you know where to draw the line as quality workmanship is a better investment in the long run.