A roof replacement estimate should be examined before signature to see what it covers, the repair of damaged decking for instance and the taking out of old shingles. Homeowners in Fairfax County can use this guide to put materials, labor, warranties, cleanup and payment terms up against one another, identify any omissions and pose the right questions prior to making a hire.
What belongs in a roof replacement estimate?
In writing, an estimate must set forth tear-off, disposal, the materials and labor involved as well as cleanup. The roofer needs to make clear how he will put a price on any damaged decking that comes to light during the course of the job. Have him provide a breakdown of what is in the base price and what might be tacked on to the final bill.
A search for roof installation Fairfax County may have turned up quotes that put a similar spin on the work. One roofer might have the removal and hauling of old shingles on one line, another will list disposal as its own item. Find out how many layers the crew intends to take off and if an extra one would put a dent in the price. Record an approximate start date and find out the duration of their stay on site. You should also get a clear idea as to who will be responsible for the patio furniture and if any measures are in place to see that the siding and landscaping are not compromised while they are at work.
Which roofing materials and components are part of the deal?
The paperwork should have the shingle manufacturer and product line. If a color has been selected, it had better be there. Architectural shingles are too vague a description so get the roofer to put a name to the product in the price.
Verify the underlayment is identified, that is the layer between the deck and the shingles. Inquire as to where a separate protective membrane will be put in. For the chimneys, walls and vents, which flashing is to be replaced and what is being reused? Flashing is there to keep water from the joints and openings. Should the estimate call for ventilation work, find out which intake or exhaust vents are to be added, kept or put in.
Is there anything that could alter the price once the work is under way?
When the old shingles are gone the crew may come across soft or rotted decking. Since it is covered over it is not easy to tell the condition of the surface that is holding up the roofing materials. Ask if the base price has room for any replacement sheets and what the cost will be for each one, labor included.
Say the estimate has one sheet and the crew turns up three that are bad; by the terms you would be on the hook for two at the agreed rate. Have the roofer put photos and the quantity and cost in a written change order and state who has the authority to sign off on the extra work. It is best to have those procedures in place before installation day in case you are not around.
How to check that a Fairfax roofer is licensed?
Do a search for licensed roofers Fairfax and make a shortlist. Get the legal business name and Virginia contractor license number from every contractor. You can verify the status and that the name on the estimate is correct with the License Lookup at Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Insurance is something to request on its own. Get current papers for general liability and workers’ compensation where it applies. See that the company putting pen to paper on the contract is the one in the documentation. Any discrepancy in names should be sorted out before a deposit is paid.
Making a Fair Comparison of Two Quotes
Lay them side by side and have each contractor put in writing any details that are lacking. When dealing with Loudoun County roofers, check to see if they will work at a Fairfax location. Put the identical project details in front of each company so as to have an apples-to-apples comparison.
Materials: The shingle line, underlayment, flashing and ventilation work should be in line.
Exclusions: See if the price omits disposal, gutter work or other things you would expect.
Decking: How many sheets are in the price and what does an additional one run to install?
Payment Schedule: Under the payment schedule one will find the deposit and the timing of the balance, as well as the milestones that trigger payment.
Warranties: Have a look at the warranties proffered by the contractor or manufacturer. One should know what is covered with respect to materials and workmanship and how a claim is to be made.
FAQs
Q: Is a permit called for to put in a new roof in Fairfax County?
A: That is a matter of the work’s scope. Tell Fairfax County Land Development Services about the project or review their permit guidance. Let the county know if you are changing the structure of the roof as well as the covering. Where a permit is called for, confirm who is to apply and if the fees are in the estimate.
Q: Rain delays the installation?
A: Find out how the roofer rebooks the work if the forecast turns and how the crew will cover any exposed areas. Who is to let you know and will it have an impact on the schedule or the costs in the estimate?
Q: Will the cleanup involve a magnetic nail sweep?
A: Read the scope. Ask if the crew is going to put a magnet to the driveway, walkways and yard after the debris is gone. Point out any play area or where the pets are before they start so they are aware of it.
