Why the Cheapest Roofing Bid Can Become the Most Expensive Roof You Ever Buy
Everybody likes saving money.
We understand that.
When Newcastle homeowners begin collecting estimates for a new roof, it is completely normal to compare prices.
But roofing is one of those areas where the lowest bid can sometimes become the most expensive decision you make.
There is an old saying in construction:
The cheapest job is often the most expensive job to fix.
After years in the roofing business, we have seen exactly why.
Two roofing estimates can look almost identical on paper while representing two completely different roofs.
One contractor may be installing quality materials, synthetic underlayment, proper flashing, ice and water protection, adequate ventilation and the correct number of fasteners.
Another contractor may be cutting every corner possible so he can come in several thousand dollars cheaper.
From the ground, both roofs may look good on the day they are completed.
The difference may not show up until the first major Oklahoma storm.
Where Cheap Roofing Bids Cut Corners
Roofing contractors have plenty of opportunities to reduce their costs.
Unfortunately, many of those savings come directly out of the homeowner’s roof.
One contractor might use a cheaper underlayment.
Another may skip ice and water shield in critical areas.
Some may reuse old flashing that should have been replaced.
Some may cut corners on starter shingles.
Some may use fewer nails.
Others may subcontract the entire job to the cheapest available crew and never properly supervise the installation.
None of these shortcuts may be obvious when you look at the completed roof from the driveway.
But five years later, when you are dealing with leaks, blown-off shingles or premature roof failure, that inexpensive roofing bid does not seem very inexpensive anymore.
The Shingle Brand Does Not Tell the Whole Story
Homeowners sometimes believe that if two contractors are quoting the same shingle brand, they must be providing the same roof.
That is simply not true.
The shingles are only the outer layer.
What happens underneath those shingles can determine how well the roofing system performs.
At Top View Roofing, our roofing systems can include synthetic underlayment, ice and water shield in valleys, proper starter shingles, drip edge, correct ventilation and six nails per shingle.
Those details cost more than skipping them.
They also help build a better roof.
Ask for Proof of Insurance
Before allowing any roofing contractor on your property, ask for proof of insurance.
Do not simply accept someone saying, “Yes, we’re insured.”
Ask to see the documentation.
Roofing is dangerous work.
Workers are climbing ladders, carrying materials and working several feet above the ground.
If something happens on your property, you want to know that the contractor has appropriate insurance coverage.
A legitimate roofing contractor should not be offended when you ask.
In fact, they should expect it.
Verify Their License
Homeowners should also verify whether the contractor holds the appropriate roofing license for the work being performed.
Do not rely only on a business card or a logo on the side of a truck.
Do your homework.
A professional roofing contractor should be able to tell you who they are, where they are located and what credentials they carry.
If a contractor becomes defensive because you are asking reasonable questions, that alone should tell you something.
Look Them Up With the Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is another tool homeowners can use when researching a roofing contractor.
Look at the company’s history.
Read complaints.
More importantly, look at how complaints were handled.
Every business that has operated long enough may eventually deal with a disagreement.
What matters is whether the company responds professionally and stands behind its work.
Online reviews can also be helpful, but homeowners should look at the overall pattern rather than one glowing review or one angry complaint.
Ask for Local References
One of the easiest questions to ask a roofing contractor is:
Where have you completed roofs around Newcastle?
A legitimate local contractor should be able to provide references or point to completed projects in the surrounding area.
Talk to former customers.
Ask whether the contractor showed up when promised.
Ask whether the property was protected.
Ask whether nails and debris were cleaned up.
Ask whether the final price matched the agreement.
Ask what happened when the homeowner had a question after the roof was completed.
Those answers can tell you much more than a glossy brochure.
Beware of Storm Chasers
Oklahoma is one of the biggest storm markets in the country.
Whenever a major hailstorm hits, roofing companies seem to appear overnight.
Trucks with out-of-state plates arrive.
Temporary offices open.
Door knockers start walking neighborhoods.
Then, six months or a year later, many of them are gone.
These companies are commonly called storm chasers.
Not every out-of-town roofer is dishonest, and not every local roofer is automatically good.
But homeowners should ask one important question:
Who will be here if there is a problem three years from now?
A workmanship warranty is only valuable if the company providing the warranty is still around to honor it.
Cheap Labor Can Become Expensive Damage
Roofing is skilled work.
Improper nail placement can damage shingles.
Improper flashing can cause leaks.
Poorly installed pipe boots can allow water into the attic.
Improper valley installation can cause water problems.
Bad ventilation decisions can shorten the life of roofing materials.
Once water gets inside a home, the cost can go far beyond the roof itself.
You may be dealing with damaged insulation, drywall, paint, ceilings, flooring or even structural wood.
That is why saving a small amount on the front end can cost considerably more later.
Compare What Is Included, Not Just the Bottom Line
If you receive three roofing estimates, do not immediately circle the lowest number.
Put the estimates beside each other and compare exactly what is included.
Look for:
- Shingle brand and product
- Impact-resistance classification
- Underlayment
- Ice and water protection
- Starter shingles
- Drip edge
- Flashing
- Pipe boots
- Ridge caps
- Ventilation
- Tear-off and disposal
- Deck replacement pricing
- Cleanup procedures
- Workmanship warranty
- Manufacturer warranty
- Proof of insurance
- Licensing information
One bid may be cheaper because it simply includes less roofing.
A Professional Roofer Should Be Willing to Explain the Estimate
You should never feel uncomfortable asking a roofing contractor questions.
If you do not understand something on an estimate, ask what it means.
If a contractor says they are installing a premium roofing system, ask them to explain what makes it premium.
If they say the shingles have a certain warranty, ask what the warranty covers.
If they say they are licensed and insured, ask for proof.
A contractor who takes pride in their work should be willing to explain exactly what they are installing.
Newcastle Homeowners Deserve Better Than a Shortcut Roof
At Top View Roofing, we believe a roof should be built correctly the first time.
We are located in Newcastle, Oklahoma, and our reputation matters here.
We are not interested in being the cheapest roof in Oklahoma.
We are interested in providing homeowners with a roof they can depend on.
There is nothing wrong with comparing estimates.
In fact, homeowners should.
Just remember that the lowest number on the page does not automatically mean the best value.
A good roofing contractor has insurance, licensing, references, quality materials, qualified installers and a reputation to protect.
A cheap roofing contractor only has to beat everybody else’s price.
When it comes to the roof protecting your family and your home, make sure you know which one you are hiring.
Because the cheapest roof you buy today can become the most expensive roof you ever have to fix.
