Evaluating Estimates from Roofing Companies in Denver

Thursday, 22 September 2022 15:32
The first place to start with any roofing service is an estimate. As you start looking through the various roofing companies in Denver, each will be eager to provide you with an estimate. Those documents help you get to know the roofer and give you a general idea of what the project will entail, from the work that needs to be done to the expected cost. You can then compare estimates to find out which company offers the best deal for your budget.

Understanding all the details of an estimate can be headache-inducing, especially when going back and forth between a handful of roofers. Here are some main points to compare when reviewing your estimates.

Why Estimates Vary Between Roofing Companies in Denver

When it comes to getting estimates for your roofing project, many factors can affect each estimate. The type of materials used, the size of the job, the location of the job, and even the experience level of the roofers all play into the estimated price tag. It’s important to understand these differences so that you can make sure you’re choosing the right contractor for the job.

It’s generally recommended that homeowners get at least 3 estimates from roofing contractors before making a hiring decision. So, make sure you keep these points in mind as you evaluate each estimate you gather.

The Company's Background

Make sure you look into a roofer's reputation before seriously considering any estimate from them. If their previous work examples have been satisfactory, this should give you some confidence that the roofer will do a good job on your home. However, if you find any complaints about a roofer’s work or lack of professionalism, you may want to consider another company. Here are some ways to check their background:
  • Friends and Family – If you have friends or family who have had work done by a given roofing company in Denver, ask about their experiences. Were they satisfied with the quality of the work? Would your friends recommend the company to others? After that, make sure you read online reviews to learn about how other customers’ experiences and check for any other complaints.
  • Past Projects – Look at examples of a roofer’s past work, which is usually displayed on their website or their work portfolio. A reliable roofer will have plenty of examples readily available and will be happy to show them to you. You'll be able to see the general level of work they do and the kind of projects they've taken on before.

Materials

It's also important to know what types of materials you're dealing with when comparing estimates. Different homes use different materials for their roofs, and material access and prices will also change from roofer to roofer. The cost of the different materials types can vary drastically and an estimate should reflect that. A realistic estimate will factor in the type of material and around how much is required for your project, whether it's a few roof repairs or a roof replacement. Common roofing materials include:
  • Asphalt shingles
  • Metal roofing
  • Tiles
  • Underlayment
  • Flashing
  • Fascia and soffit boards
  • And more
The estimate phase is a good time too to ask about a roofer’s suppliers. Jobs can easily be held up because a roofer is waiting on their supplier to come through. Knowing they have a reliable source for materials can put your mind at ease.

Labor

Another thing to keep in mind about roofing costs is labor. While most roofers charge per hour, you can’t expect all roofing companies in Denver to deliver the same level of work in one hour. Labor is one area you don't want to try and save.

The itemized labor costs in an estimate will give good insight on the skill of the team. Better roofers will charge more for labor because you're getting a higher quality of work from more experienced professionals. If the labor is on the low end, the standard of services will likely reflect that, and likely come with more problems such as subpar installation or additional repair needs.

Warranties and Incidentals

When looking into roofing contractors, make sure you understand the types of warranties that they offer. Some roofing companies in Denver offer warranties for a number of years while others provide limited coverage up to a set cost. Make sure you understand what's covered and what isn't by each roofer.

Also, make sure you ask about any incidental fees, like for cleanup, that may be charged. Estimates that leave out an incidental section might hit you with a wave of hidden fees after you've hired that company.

Be Aware of Estimates that are Too Low or Too High

If you get an estimate that seems too high when compared to other estimates, it could mean that roofer is charging more than they need to. They might be trying to get extra money out of you, but you shouldn't pay more than what’s necessary.

On the flip side, if you get an estimate that doesn't seem reasonable, it could mean that your roofer is undercharging. They might be afraid of losing business so they're cutting corners. Either way, you won't be happy with the result. It's best to find a reputable roofer who charges fair prices.

How Ethos Determines Estimates

While estimates vary between contractors and they aren't set in stone, trustworthy roofing companies in Denver should be transparent with their pricing process. Our Denver roofing company uses the Xactimate pricing software to determine our estimates and include all the components for the work. No estimate is a 100% guarantee, but we strive to give you the most accurate estimate possible.

Start Comparing Your Options with a FREE Estimate from Ethos

Ethos Roofing and Restoration is proud to provide estimates to homeowners in need of roofing services. Our estimates focus on the entire scope of work and all factors, so you won't be disappointed with the finished work

To learn more about us and what we can do for your roof, get a FREE estimate now.