- One of the best ways that you,
as a homeowner, can protect yourself,
is to know what your roof estimate should include.
In this video, we're gonna break down
what your roof estimate should include
and also what to watch out for.
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Hi, I'm Bill Ragan with Bill Ragan Roofing Company.
I've been in the construction industry for 45 years
and started Bill Ragan Roofing Company 31 years ago.
At Bill Ragan Roofing Company,
we wanna make sure that our homeowners have the knowledge
to make an informed decision when they're ready
to purchase a new roof.
There's a lot to cover
when we're talking about roof estimates.
In fact, some roofing companies use their roof estimates
to confuse homeowners, like you,
into signing a bad contract.
In this video, we're gonna divide your roof estimate
into four sections on what should be included
in each of your roof estimates.
Each roof estimate should include something
about if we run into some rotten decking.
There should be something on your roof estimate
that states how much it's gonna cost per sheet
or per linear feet.
Some companies even include,
say, three sheets of decking with their roof estimate,
whether they need to replace it or not.
Your roof estimate should also include a line item
about drippage, whether it's only on the eaves,
or whether it's on the rakes and the eaves.
It also should state the color.
There should be a line item on your roof estimate
about attic ventilation,
whether it's ridge vents, box vents, turbine vents,
and even if there's any type of intake ventilation
that's being added.
Your roof estimate should also include a line item
about underlayment and what type is being used,
whether it's felt or synthetic underlayment,
ice and water shield
and where it's gonna be used on your roof.
Starter shingles and if it's gonna be used
on the rakes and the eaves.
What type of shingle,
what style shingle that you're gonna use,
and also what style ridge capping is gonna be used
on your roof also.
And lastly,
there should be a line item on your roof estimate
about how penetrations are gonna be flashed,
whether they're gonna have lead boots on them,
or if they're gonna have pipe boots with collars.
Whatever type of flashing is gonna be done
on the penetrations, needs to be on your roof estimate.
Also, flashing and where it's gonna be replaced
or installed also needs to be on there as well.
Labor is usually included in each line item of the estimate.
Dump fees is also included in your roof estimate
as well as clean up and a magnet sweep as well.
Another line item on your roof estimate should specify
what type of installation method is gonna be used,
whether it's hand nailing or air guns
being used should be specified.
And also the number of nails per shingle
should be on there as well.
Your roof estimate should also include a phrase in there
that says that they are gonna cover and protect your
shrubbery and your foliage. Also, if you have a pool,
it needs to be protected as well.
And that should be a line item in your roof estimate.
One of the areas on your roof estimate that you need
to pay close attention to,
is how many layers are on your roof.
If you have two layers on your roof and the roof estimate
only says that they're gonna remove one layer,
then you're gonna get hit with an additional charge
for that extra layer.
So make sure that the roof estimate accurately says how many
layers are on your roof and that it's gonna be taken down
to a clean deck.
When it comes to the fine print on a roof estimate,
that's where you have to pay real close attention.
A lot of roofing companies will put many items
in the fine print that in my opinion should not be in there.
Like for instance,
if it starts raining while they're in the process
of tearing off your roof,
they're not responsible for damages,
or if they crack drywall, they're not responsible for it.
A lot of things in the fine print
that you need to be aware of.
Also keep in mind that anytime you sign a contract,
you have three day right of rescission.
So anytime within 72 hours,
you can call that roofing company and cancel that contract
without any repercussions.
It is a state law that you have
three day, right of rescission.
With today's fluctuations in material prices,
there should also be a line item in your roof estimate
about how long that roof estimate price is good for.
Sometimes it's 30 days, if the prices are real volatile.
If they've steadied themselves out a little bit,
it could be up to 90 days
that your roofing price is good for.
And one of the last items on your roof estimate
to be looking for, is what is the warranty?
What type of workmanship warranty
and what type of material warranty you're gonna get
with your new roof.
And last but not least, make sure that your contractor
goes over in great detail,
your roof estimate with you.
And make sure that you have a clear understanding
of every line item that is on there.
And if you know of anything or think of anything
that's not on there, now is the time to speak up
and ask that question.
To ensure that you get a contractor
that doesn't take advantage of you,
click on our link below and watch our video
on how to select the right roofing contractor.
Thanks for watching our video today.
I'm Bill Ragan.
And remember if a customer of mine has a problem,
then I have a problem.
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