Estimating Roof Price
As with any major job that needs doing to the house one of the most important factors that is likely to play on your mind is the cost. Roof price is made up of several factors, and you need to be careful that you aren't compromising quality or service in order to lower the roof price by a few dollars. Many roofing contractors will provide similar price quotes but you should always ensure that you're comparing them on a like for like basis. Don't forget that the cheapest offer isn't necessarily the best value and the most expensive offer isn't necessarily the worst value for money.
Materials
Materials will be one of the biggest factors involved in calculating your roof price and while it is possible to reduce the cost by using different materials this can often lead to a false economy. If using a different material means a saving of 10% on your roof price, but the material will last 30% less time, then your best option is to choose the more durable material. It is important to select materials that are hard wearing and good looking where required but are also cost effective. You should have selected a roofing contractor that you have some faith in and discussing the particular materials with him or her will usually give you the answers you are looking for.
Labor
Labor cost may vary slightly from one contractor to another but not by much and it is unlikely to be an area that can be negotiated. Within your roof price will be charges for all laborers including the people who strip your roof and load the skip. Any preliminary work you can do yourself is always advisable and if you are able to do any of the menial work yourself then you should consider this also. You need to check the terms of liability insurance with the roofing contractor first though and agree the tasks you will complete yourself before negotiating a contract. This can make a difference to your roof price.
Profit
This is the area that may have a little room for negotiation but every company needs to make a profit. Get quotes from small companies and from large companies and compare the roof price associated with these quotes. While small companies may not require the same level of profit as the larger companies, they will usually have to pay more for materials and other factors making the bottom line roof price very similar.
Contingencies and other costs
Things can go wrong, even for professionals. Roof work is no different and roofing contractors may include a contingency fund in their quote. This means that if they do come across a problem then they won't need to persuade you to part with more money before they can continue. You should, of course, find out what happens to this contingency fund if it isn't required. You may think you are better off having the contingency fund taken out of the roof price but prepare yourself for having to stump up extra money if you try this.
October, 2005
Copyright 2005 Roofer 911.com. All Rights Reserved
by Steven Briesemeister. Reprinted courtesy of Roofer 911.com, roofing contractor serving Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, NY and northern Virginia.