Have you reached out to multiple contractors for an estimate to replace your roof? If so, you may immediately notice that there are different prices and you are not sure why estimates can be so different between contractors. An estimate is called an estimate for a good reason since there are a variety of factors that can impact the cost of your roof replacement.
The Material
One of the biggest factors that make a difference in the price of a new roof is the material itself. There are high and low-end materials to pick from, even when you have decided on a single type of roofing material. One contractor may be sourcing asphalt shingles from one vendor, while another contractor uses a different type of asphalt shingles from a different vendor.
It's important to look at what material is being used, the cost per square foot, and why those two materials are different. Does one material come with a different warranty? Is one manufacturer known for having a higher-quality material? You're not always comparing apples to apples just because you are getting asphalt shingles, and you may actually prefer one material over another due to factors like these.
The Roofing Components
There are many components needed to replace a roof, which include underlayment material, ice and water shield, flashing, and even ventilation. Some contractors may be giving you a price that reuses some of these materials for roof replacement, while others use brand-new materials. It's also possible that these materials may not be identical, similar to the differences in shingles. Figure out what additional components are being replaced, and how they compare between contractors.
The Labor
Labor is a cost that is estimated based on how long the contractor thinks it will take to get the job done. This can sometimes be done by looking at the roof's complexity and comparing it to previous jobs, which is why labor estimates are not always equal between contractors. A more experienced roofing contractor may be able to get the job done faster, or a roofing contractor uses a larger crew to get the job done on time. Both of these factors can impact labor costs.
The Unforeseen Repairs
Your roofing contractor may also factor in the cost of repairs that another contractor does not foresee needing to do. For example, the contractor may have taken a look at your roof deck from the attic and recognized that it needs replacement, while another roofing contractor has not. It doesn't mean that the cheapest estimate will be the cheapest in the end because damaged roof components will always need to be fixed.
For more information, contact local commercial roofers.
Very few roofers would say their job is easy. In fact, many describe the work as downright tough! But that does not mean that roofers do not enjoy or value the work that they do. Many workers get satisfaction from working with their hands, and they really enjoy creating a roof from simple materials. They also like the logistical challenges, such as figuring out how to get shingles up on a tall roof, or how to most safely repair a damage gutter. If you'd like to learn more about roofing as a profession, then you've arrived at the right blog.