Five Steps to the Perfect Roofing Estimate in Maryland or DC

Now is the perfect time to get a roofing estimate in DC/Maryland if you've noticed your roof leaking, looking a little shabby, or having dents and damaged shingles. But where do you start and how can you ensure you get the best deal for the best price?

Read this article to find out what you can expect from a roof estimate and how to get you roofing services at a price you can afford with a quality you can be proud of.

Step One: Picking a Contractor

Don't just call the first contractor you find in the phone book! And don't just stop at one. Make sure to contact at a minimum of 5-6 contractors. This way you have a pool of estimates to compare.

Look for a variety in your contractors you contact. You may want to try small local businesses along with the larger companies. Sometimes a smaller company will be more willing to negotiate than a larger company.

But where do you find the reputable contractors?

Try first asking friends and family for the companies they use and if they are happy with them. Check and see is there is a local roofing association in your area.

There are several things to look for even after choosing several contractors.

Note whether or not the company representative shows up on time to do the estimate. This is an indicator as to the work the company does.

And always ask for (and check) references from companies and contractors. If the company cannot provide references or refuses to, run for the hills.

Step Two: The Inspection

After selecting the contractors, they will each come out to inspect your roof first. The following is a list of things they will look at to help with their assessment:

• Is there water damage or other damage?
• How many layers of shingles need to be removed?
• How large is the roof being replaced?
• Is there any damage to the decking underneath?

Typically these initial inspections are free from charge.

Step Three: The Cost

The inspection will help determine what the cost, or the bid, will be. Other items that will be factored into the cost will include:

• Labor
• Felting and Shingling
• Decking or Facia
• Chimney or other structural repair
• Hauling away old shingles
• Clean up
• Dump fee of old materials

Price of shingles will cost depending on the type of shingles you are replacing.

A bundle of 3-tab asphalt shingles cost anywhere from $19 to $22 a bundle. Heavier shingles, such as metal, will cost from $25 to $32 a bundle.

Things that affect the cost of shingles vary. For example, the longer the life of the shingle, the more expensive it will be.

If you take the extra time to research what your costs will be, it will help you understand the estimates the roofers will give you. By knowing more about the estimate you can figure out ways to save you money.

For instance, knowing that roofing contractors build the cost of hauling and dumping your old roof into the overall price, you may see if you can arrange to get rid of your own roof and save that cash. If you do this, though, be sure to contact your local landfill to determine their policy on roofing material.

To get an idea of what a new roof will cost, try this free online roofing calculator.

Step Four: The Negotiations

Once you receive the bids, choosing the cheapest one is not always the best decision. Even if you like the highest bidder based on their experience and referrals, there are things you can to do to help lower the over all cost. Try taking the bid from the lower-priced company and asking your company of choice to price match.

It is important to remember that the roofing estimates are not always set in stone, which is why they're called "estimates" in the first place. You may very well end up paying more or less than what the contractor estimates.

Having several different estimates from different companies can give you leverage for your negotiations and is highly recommended.

Step Five: Close the Deal

Whatever your final decision, it is important to get everything in writing. This will help to protect you from rising expenses from the contractor. This way once the job is underway you will have a document to refer back to in the event that the contractor starts raising prices.

Also, never give the contractor any money until the job is finished and to your satisfaction. Do not give in to companies who say they cannot do the job until they are paid. Being paid after the job in complete is a standard practice with reputable roofing companies.

Any company asking for money up front may be sketchy.

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Now armed with all this information, you should be ready to start interviewing Maryland roofing contractors to get the best roofing estimate possible.

If you are in the Baltimore, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Columbia, other surrounding Maryland areas or DC, A-1's Kanga Roofing is the perfect roofing company for you.

A-1 Roofing's Kanga Roof is a full service roofing company active in the repair and replacement of roofs of all sizes and varieties.

When you call A-1 Roofing's Kanga Roof, you'll learn that we "Hop To It!” This means that we spring right into action to serve you.

Your call is always answered (24/7) by a live team member and we'll get you started immediately. Thousands of homeowners throughout Maryland and DC already use us!

So what are you waiting for? Get started on your next roofing project today by calling 410-799-1600 or simply schedule an estimate using this form.

You may also be interested in Questions to ask your roofing contractor before hiring.

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