Understand Your Contract, Including the Fine Print
Understand your estimate
Contracts can be intimidating, but it’s important to understand the information in the fine print. The estimate should be broken down concisely and show exactly what your new roof materials and labor will cost. Beyond that, reading the fine print will help ensure that there are no hidden fees that could increase the amount you are charged. Reputable roofers will go over all of these details and make sure you understand what you are signing.
What should I be looking for in a contract?
THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONTRACT
There are several line items that can increase the overall cost of your roofing project.
Probably the most common is the roof decking, which can’t be assessed until the roofer removes the current roofing material. Your estimate should include a price for replacing decking if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Other hidden fees can be found in the sections on labor costs and and dump fees. Make sure you understand all of the costs before signing and that you are comparing estimates apples to apples.
Look for liability clauses in the contract.
Some roofing companies will include a contract item releasing them from liability if they damage your property. If this exists in the contract, beware. It will leave you to pay out of pocket for any damages they cause.
Taking precautions to protect your property is crucial to a good job, including covering landscaping, decking, outdoor furniture and anything else that is around the vacinity below the roofing project.
The fine print should be a major consideration in chosing a contractor.
The items above, as well as any other concerns you have that are not easily addressed, should help you sort through your estimates and make a good choice. If there are hidden fees and a contractor is not being straightforward with you … throw up the red flags!
Take your time and consider all the options.
Sit down with each contractor you are considering and ask questions until you are satisfied that you understand the estimate in full. If a contractor is pressuring you to make a choice, they are probably doing that for a reason. Look for a roofing contractor you trust!