How to

Don’t Get Overcharged for Your Roofing Emergency – Use These Tips!

Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against the elements and must be in tip-top shape. Unchecked leaks can cause damage to your ceilings and walls and mold forming in your attic or basement, which could mean thousands of dollars worth of restoration work.

There is so much involved with roofing that you need the help of an expert – even if you’re only having minor issues. If you need help with repairs, use these tips from a reputable commercial roofing contractor that has been providing top-quality work for years for residential and commercial customers across the country. Read to learn how not to get overcharged during a roofing emergency.

Get at Least 2, or 3 Estimates

When you have a roofing emergency, it can be tempting to hire the first company that comes along and offers to solve your problem. But that’s not always a good idea. What if they give you a quote that’s too high? And what if they don’t show up when they say they will? You could end up losing money, wasting time, and even putting your family at risk for injury.

Instead of just accepting the first estimate you get from someone who knocks on your door, do some research. Then set up appointments with each of them so that you can compare their estimates side-by-side before deciding who to pick for the project.

Understand the Problem and Communicate It to the Roofer

If you’re in the middle of a roofing emergency and need help, it can be tempting to call the first number on your phone. But before you do, ensure you fully understand the problem—and communicate to the trusted roofer so they can give you an accurate estimate. Here are some tips for getting started:

Go online and do some research. Please read up on common roofing problems and how they’re treated and repaired by professionals. You’ll explain your issue better if you know what it is!
Take pictures of the problem area(s) on your phone or camera before calling for help so that when you describe the issue, all parties involved can visualize what needs fixing.

Be Wary of Roofers Willing to Consider ‘Spot Repairs’

If you have a roofing emergency, looking for a company that will consider a “spot repair,” instead of an entirely new roof is tempting. The contractor will tell you a “spot repair” will cost less than a new roof.

Any spot repair on your roof will make your entire roof fail. That’s because the original problem has not been corrected and will only worsen. Spot repairs don’t exist. When your roof is compromised and needs replacement, there’s no way around it—the whole thing needs to go.

Ask for a Written Quote

A written quote can be invaluable in ensuring that you don’t get overcharged for repairs. Ask the roofer how much they would charge for the work to get a written quote. The contractor should then provide you with an estimate that includes the following:

A description of the work
Materials needed to complete the job (these costs will vary based on what type of material is required)
Labor costs and payment schedule
The roofer’s contact information
Information on insurance type
How long will the work take

Never Agree to Pay an Invoice Upfront

You should never pay an invoice before the work has been completed. If you pay an invoice without seeing the work, you risk being overcharged or paying for unnecessary services.

Before you accept any repair work, always ask the contractor to provide a written estimate. It ensures that you know exactly what work is being done and how much it will cost before you make a decision.

If the contractor claims they will provide a written estimate once they arrive at your home but never do, this could be a sign they will overcharge you by doing unnecessary repairs. If this happens, ensure you get a copy of the final invoice before paying.

Ask about Warranties

When choosing a contractor for a home improvement project, including emergency repairs, find one who offers warranties on their work. If something goes wrong with their work or materials within a certain period, they will fix it free as part of the warranty agreement between them and their customers.

You’ll need to get informed if you want to avoid getting overcharged for your next roofing emergency. Moreover, a little research can go a long way toward getting you a new roof at the right price.