Roofing offers more benefits than just aesthetics. Your roof prevents the interior of your home from becoming damaged by weather and other external factors. You should maintain your roof regularly. Periodic maintenance can extend the life of your roof as well as decrease operating costs.
The lifespan of a roof is limited, just like everything else. Repairs may not be successful if your roof is near the end of its lifespan. It might be necessary to frequently repair an old roof if it poses a safety hazard.
When the roof nears its end of life, it makes sense to replace it. Your property will also be more energy-efficient with a new roof.
To negotiate better with your Alexandria roofing contractor, follow these tips when you have a roofing repair project or plan to replace your existing roof.
Get Multiple Quotes
Comparing estimates from at least three roofing companies in Northern Virginia around your area is a good idea. As a last resort, if the quote of your preferred contractor is higher than anticipated, you can ask other providers to bargain with your preferred contractor.
Ask about discounts
You could still negotiate even if your Alexandria roofing contractor‘s estimate is fair. A contractor may be able to provide small discounts on minor repairs and improvements, such as optional additions.
Asking for bundle prices is another option. If you plan to replace or add gutters, vents, or any other improvements to your property, you should ask your contractor if he or she can combine repair services into one package deal.
Take advantage of material discounts
Sourcing materials from a supplier who offers a better price than your contractor can save you money.
A roofing contractor has a network of suppliers. Consult your contractor to see if they have any resources they can use to source materials for a lower price. You can also ask other contractors with whom you’ve previously worked for lower rates if they can source materials.
Provide a higher down payment
Many contractors would be willing to negotiate if you offered them a larger down payment. As a general rule, your insurer pays the down payment. However, your contractor may offer a discount if you pony up a little bit more.
Not all contracts are as they seem.
It’s not uncommon for an Alexandria roofing contractor to knock on your door after a major storm and ask if your roof needs to be inspected for free.
When they ask you to sign something authorising them to do an inspection, what they are really asking you to do is authorise them to contact your insurance company on your behalf. It is now possible to find “damage” and to gamble that they will get a big insurance payout.
The insurance company is also a problem, as if they come up with a claim, they put it on your record. You are liable for this claim even if you sell the house, so make claims only if you have legitimate reasons to believe there are damages.
Make sure you read everything before signing anything, that you intend to hire this contractor, and that you don’t let anyone up on your roof without contacting them first.
There is not always complete information in all contracts.
A blank contract should be avoided when negotiating with an insurance company, such as after a storm.
An estimate that is not based on facts is not an accurate estimate. The contract instead states “for insurance proceeds,” which means you don’t have a firm figure to work with. In these kinds of agreements, you must also give the contractor the insurance money before they begin work, which essentially amounts to giving them a blank check.
Regardless of whether the money is yours or insured, you should receive a written estimate.
Paying roofing companies in Northern Virginia upfront isn’t a good idea. Before they begin, you should expect your roofing contractor or roofing company to be able to place an order for your shingles. A large number of Alexandria roofing contractors with less than stellar reputations are poor money managers, so they use the money from one job to fund the next. Legitimate companies should be dealt with, and payment terms should be discussed during the negotiation period.
Rely on Sterling Roofing to get the right price for your roofing needs!
