Having a roof over your head is the first line of defense in keeping your family protected from the elements! A good roof should do more than meet your aesthetic needs, it should be an effective part of maintaining your home’s comfort and safety. So, when your roof needs repairs or replaced, the last thing you want to worry about is arguing with contractors over costs!
With years of experience providing property owners with the highest quality roofing services, our roofing contractors Marin County have helped us create this list of tips to help you negotiate costs with your roofing contractors (even us!) Be prepared when you need a new roof and consider the following negotiation tips.
1. Get Multiple Quotes
Finding the best price is going to take some leg work. Don’t just settle for the first quote you get from a business! A good standard is to get price quotes from at least three roofing companies near you and then compare the estimates. If your preferred contractor’s quote is higher than expected, you can use quotes from other providers to bring your preferred contractor to the bargaining table.
2. Negotiate, But Be Fair
Comparing quotes from multiple contractors is a great way to get a sense of what a fair price for your needed service is. However, don’t expect to get treated to lower prices for low-ball offers. A fair contractor knows the price of their work and charges accordingly to ensure their team is paid a fair compensation and that your roofing materials are of good quality.
Beware Prices That Are “Too Good to Be True”
Roofing companies that offer services at incredible prices should be taken with a grain of salt. Quality materials and experienced workers are worth their cost. In the end, it’s better to get a quality roof at a fair rate than risk shoddy workmanship on a cheap deal.
3. Ask About Discounts or Bundle Prices
Even if your contractor’s estimate is fair, it’s never a bad idea to inquire about discounts. Talk to your contractor about any add-ons they may be willing to include, like discounts on future inspections or deals on future repairs.
Another option is to ask for bundle prices. Often when getting a new roof, or significant roofing repairs, you’ll want to upgrade your gutters as well. Talk to your contractor about bundling roofing and gutter service prices for a discount.
4. Look for Material Discounts
Roofing contractors work with a network of suppliers to provide their materials. Check with your potential contractors to see if they can source materials at lower rates. If you already know a supplier who may offer a better price on materials than your contractor, consider working with them to source materials for your roofing contractors.
5. Plan Your Roofing Project in The Winter
Many homeowners consider winter the worst time to install a new roof and put their roofing project on hold till spring. Though the winter season can present unique challenges, it also offers an opportunity to save, especially in California where our generally mild winters allow for better working conditions.
Taking Advantage of the Off-Season
Winter tends to be the off-season for roofing companies. Finding a roofing expert with the expertise and experience required to manage your project from start to finish is much easier than in summer or spring. In addition, when you hire a roofer to work on your roof in the winter, you can rest assured that they will stay focused on your project. Plus, because roofers receive smaller amounts of work in the winter, they can often be more open to negotiation.
6. Read Your Contract
Once you have agreed with your roofing contractor, you’ll need to work out the service agreement. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure to read the contract carefully. Do not hesitate to seek clarification if you do not understand a particular term or condition. It’s also important to understand what your warranty does and doesn’t cover and what can void it.
Trustworthy Contractors, Quality Roofs – ARS Roofing & Gutters
If you are looking for trusted roofing contractors in Marin County, consider reaching out to ARS Roofing & Gutters. We offer cost-effective roofing solutions. Whether you need simple roof repairs or a total replacement, we are your go-to team. To schedule an appointment, contact ARS Roofing today or give us a call at (707) 584-5900.