Roofing company estimates – can you DIY the estimate?

When it comes time to change the shingles on your roof, you may be wondering if you can figure out the estimate on your own so you can cut the costs of hiring a company to bid the job, purchase the materials, and then complete the service.

While this does sound like a great way to save money, it’s not the best option. Many homeowners simply do not have the skills or expertise to complete a roofing project on their own, not to mention the dangers that come with trying to do this without proper equipment.

Instead, you should contact a professional roofing company and ask them to come out and estimate the cost. During the estimate, you can ask them questions such as what is included in the service, how much the breakdown of shingles is, and where/what you can do to save money.

You may be surprised if some company representatives tell you that you can save a nice chunk of money if you purchase the shingles from Home Depot, Lowes, or other home improvement stores and provide the materials the roofing company will need.

Factors to consider when estimating your homes roof include:

• Square footage
• Materials involved
• What type of shingles you want/need
• Labor
• Time to complete

Characteristics to look for when choosing a roofing company

If you’ve not hired a roofing company in the past, you may be wondering what you’re supposed to look for in one. Here are our best tips for finding a roofing company that you can trust and feel confident hiring:

• Ask for referrals from friends and family
• Request an estimate to be done in person from 2-3 companies so you can see who you bonded/liked the best
• Ask the roofers what their process is and where you might be able to help to cut costs
• Discuss warranties and insurance policies so you can be covered if an injury happens or your shingles get ruined by weather
• Check their website or online profiles to see how many stars and reviews they have
• See if they are a business or if it’s a handyman (hire a business as handymen aren’t typically as experienced or insured)