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Why You Should Compare Roofing Contractors

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Roofing scams and horror stories are real. You don’t want to become a victim, so if you need to hire a roofing company in Sandy Springs, try to get recommendations from family members, neighbors and friends. Then, spend some time researching the companies and get several bids.

Before you hire a company, there are many things to consider. Money, of course, will be one deciding factor But, quotes from established, reputable contractors may come within a few hundred dollars of one another. That’s why the details are important. Here are some things to compare.

Materials

If the bid doesn’t contain a detailed breakdown of materials and labor, ask for one. All supplementary materials like sealants, underlays or additional plywood should be included as well.

Quality is also an important consideration when selecting roofing materials in Sandy Springs. The cost differential isn’t high between thin insulation and one with more layers but, unless you live in a moderate climate, the quality of the product can impact air-conditioning costs and heating bills. It’s wise to pay a little more for good quality materials.

Look closely at the amount of material recommended and compare it across all the bids. Ask questions about differences. Learn how each arrived at the number used. It’s important to make sure there are no additional charges for unused materials, as well. But, it’s wise to estimate for extra

Labor

Labor costs will be a significant part of the quote. You want the work on your roof done by experienced, skilled workers, but you don’t want to pay more simply to add profit for the contractor. Make detailed comparisons of multiple quotes and complete reference checks on any contractor you’re considering hiring.

Incidentals

Check each of the competing estimates for incidentals, an industry term for services like cleanup and waste disposal. If you don’t see any incidentals, ask a few questions. You don’t want to get hit with unexpected costs or a mess of old shingles and roofing nails left all over your yard.

References

Contact customer references. Have a list of questions ready when you interview them. Be sure to ask how they heard of the contractor and if they’ve referred anyone else to him. If they have, try to talk them as well.

Negotiate

Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but look for a way to ask for a lower price without making it feel like a negotiation. And, make sure the contractor is willing to adjust pricing to better fit your budget. But, consider that this contractor needs to maintain their business. Don’t throw out what some might consider unreasonable prices. You don’t want an angry contractor cutting corners.

Compare and Decide

Total roof costs in Sandy Springs will vary. Summarize the bid and customer references for each contractor, then compare. Doing this will allow you to make a good decision when hiring roofing services in Sandy Springs.

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