The nature of roof repair estimates – or estimates in any industry, for that matter – are inherently not guaranteed. An estimate, after all, is simply an educated guess on how much a job is going to cost. Since a roofer can’t very well know the future, this number is unfortunately subject to change. Once the contractor gets in there and discovers how much work actually needs doing, that number might go up or down.
So the question becomes: How accurate is that number in the first place? What affects it? What can you do to ensure you get the best possible guess so you’re not paying unexpected dollars later on? Let’s talk about the steps needed to ensure the most accurate estimate. What factors might cause costs to rise and how to find the right contractor for the job.
Factors Included in Costs
First and foremost, there’s a good chance your estimate and final cost will not be the same. Again, roofers don’t have crystal balls. It’s possible they may get into the job and discover there’s more damage than they thought, or that certain systems or support structures are no longer viable. When this isn’t visible from the outside, your estimate will be lower, but the final cost higher.
However, chances are good that won’t happen, in which case only the traditional costs will apply. These include:
- Materials
- Labor
- Renting a dumpster
- Removing debris
- Materials transportation
If that’s all you need, your estimate will probably be a lot closer to the final bill.
Common Steps to Take Before the Roof Repair Estimate
The roofer needs to know what they’re working with before they can provide a quality estimate. If the roofer doesn’t do their due diligence and therefore doesn’t have all the facts possible from a reasonable inspection, that can cause costs to rise later on. For example, if there is roof water damage, the roofer must know the extent of the damage before he can give an accurate roof water damage repair cost. They must conduct a full inspection to the best of their abilities.
Additionally, they should explain the complete project scope to you, and recommend materials and help you create the right budget for your project. If your contractor undertakes all these steps before the estimate, you’ll be in much better shape. If they skip these steps, don’t sign!
Accuracy and Honesty from Your Georgia Roof Repair Estimates
Here at Hopewell Roofing & Restoration, we bring honesty and forthrightness to all our roof repair estimates and projects. If you want as accurate an estimate as possible, we invite you to give us a call today for a complete inspection and explanation of your options. To reach one of our roofing professionals, call us now at 678.771.5372, or connect with us online anytime. Let our team help you to plan accurately for the expense of your next roofing repair.