How to Choose from your Roofing Bids
Savvy homeowners know that it’s wise to do your research ahead of selecting a contractor to do work on your home. Replacing your roof is structurally important, and is also a high-dollar value investment in your home. After asking for referrals from friends and family, researching local roofing contractors on the internet, and reading about those roofing companies on their own websites, the next step is to contact each one you are considering for a free quote.
A representative from each roofing company will come out to take a look at your roof and ask your some questions. They’ll provide you with a quote for the repair or replacement of your roof, and then you are left to decide which roofing contractor to choose.
Why choosing the lowest roofing bid can be very expensive
There is nothing wrong with choosing the lowest bidder. Sometimes budget is the only deciding factor. However, the cost structures for all roofing companies in this area are very similar, so an unusually low bid should be a red flag.
Some roofing companies will complete the work, but cut corners to make a profit. Examples include using inexperienced workers, leaving the old felt paper on your roof, or selling you a high quality shingle but installing a cheaper grade. A common problem we have seen is the improper use of flashings, for example: reusing old flashings or not using them at all.
To protect yourself, conduct a little due diligence using methods we have outlined below.
Driftwood Builders Roofing will not always be the lowest bidder. We have high standards of quality and professionalism, and we will not consider a project that we would not want to attach (the Driftwood Builders name) our name to.
Below is a list of 14 important questions to ask every roofing company you are considering hiring.
Questions to Ask All Roofing Contractors
- Are you fully licensed and insured?
- Do you have a copy of the documents verifying that you are licensed and insured?
- Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?
- Do you have a list of references?
- Will you remove my old shingles before installing the new roofing system?
- How many nails are used per shingle?
- Have you replaced any roofs in my area in town?
- Are you a Master Elite contractor?
- How long have you been in business?
- What brand of shingles do you use?
- Will you install drip edge?
- Will you remove the old felt?
- Will you replace any bad decking?
- How many days to complete my roof?
Our Answers to these Roofing Company Questions
At Driftwood Builders we believe in open and honest communication. Therefore, our answers to these questions are as follows:
- Yes, we are insured. Presently, the state of Texas does not require licensing for roofing contractors (although we would like to see that happen).
- Please ask your estimator for a copy of our General Liability Insurance OR feel free to contact us and we will send it to you via email.
- Yes. Driftwood Builders Roofing is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.
- References are made available upon request. Please refer to our reviews on Guild Quality, Yelp , Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau.
- Yes. We always remove old shingles.
- We use six nails per shingle. Note: most roofing companies use three or four.
- In the Austin area chances are very good we have replaced a roof in your area. We will be happy to provide addresses.
- Yes, we are GAF Master Elite. Only 3% of all contractors have earned this designation.
- We have been in business since 2005.
- GAF is our preferred brand due to quality.
- If the insurance company pays for drip edge as part of the claim. Otherwise, it will be offered as an upgrade.
- Yes. Our crews remove the old felt so that we can see if there are any issues with the decking that need to be addressed. This may seem like a small issue, but unless you remove the old felt paper you cannot see what condition the decking is in and without a good deck in place it is impossible to have a good roof. Our competitors typically do not remove the old felt paper.
- We replace bad decking as needed. Note: there may be a fee associated.
- Most roofs are completed in 1 to 2 days.
Have more questions for us or would you like to schedule a free roof inspection and quote? Please contact us.
