How can I get an honest estimate for a roof repair job?
How can I get an honest estimate for a roof repair job?
I have had several roofers inspect and offer prices to do a few repairs to a flat roof on a small 2 storey terraced house in Kilburn.I now have several wildy different estimates, and would like to know how to go about getting a real estimate.One suggestion I had was to get a surveyor to look at the job, but dont they cost a fortune?
Answers:
Tim E: You might could talk to some of their customers to see how satisfied they were with the companies work. I've several roofing jobs done in the past and the estimates they give you can vary a great deal. It makes you wonder if the most expensive do a better job and the cheap guys will just screw it up. Getting actual comments from other customers might help you make a decision. Make sure they guarantee their work too, that's very important. I've usually gone with the cheaper price, unless insurance is covering it, and I've been fairly satisfied with the work. I've had problems with the higher priced guys so there's really no way of knowing. Roofers in general just use labor that's only interested in making a couple bucks and don't really care about the quality of the work, it's not like they're career professionals.
2008-09-02 04:35:12
2008-09-02 04:35:12
Mom of 2 great boys: Ask the roofer for some references, completed work from his customers.
Call them, or even visit the site where they did work.
Go to the BBB (better business bureau) and check with them.
This is what we do whenever we have major work done.
:-)
2008-09-02 05:06:27
2008-09-02 05:06:27
Chosen Answer
Aloha Guy: I would recommend joining ANGIE's LIST <= membership is pricey but supposely can join for just one month and then just getting quotes from like 3 or more highest rated local roofing firms. The nice thing about ANGIE's LIST is consumer/resident members do decent job subjectively rating firms for their quality of work and sometimes price on different/various repair services and most give honest opinions so please beware not to select bad apples or ones with lowest grades bec they are crooked and you don't want to do business with them or get quotes from bec in the end. BTW please keep in mind to get estimate in writing (Oh! very important for you to ask upfront if they charge a price for estimate) but please keep in mind that quality and experience in doing the job right is not always the lowest price... Hope the Above Info Helps!
2008-09-02 08:28:26
Aloha Guy: I would recommend joining ANGIE's LIST <= membership is pricey but supposely can join for just one month and then just getting quotes from like 3 or more highest rated local roofing firms. The nice thing about ANGIE's LIST is consumer/resident members do decent job subjectively rating firms for their quality of work and sometimes price on different/various repair services and most give honest opinions so please beware not to select bad apples or ones with lowest grades bec they are crooked and you don't want to do business with them or get quotes from bec in the end. BTW please keep in mind to get estimate in writing (Oh! very important for you to ask upfront if they charge a price for estimate) but please keep in mind that quality and experience in doing the job right is not always the lowest price... Hope the Above Info Helps!
2008-09-02 08:28:26