With winter looming in the near future, some Minnesota homeowners are planning roof repairs or replacements prior to the snowfall. If your roof is not in the best shape, it’s wise to get it taken care of prior to the cold weather, because mid-winter roof repairs can be costly. If you are planning roof work, here are a few tips to help you evaluate proposals before you sign a contract.
Read the contract or proposal carefully; if there are any provisions you don’t understand, ask. Is the estimate detailed or vague? If the scope of the work proposed to be done is not spelled out, you can’t be sure what to expect. Are there provisions for contract modifications if unseen damage is uncovered in the course of the work? You will want to know how the contractor proposes to handle such situations; be sure to get it in writing. Make sure your contract specifies exactly what kind of roofing material and what manufacturer will be used. Ask about warranties – both the manufacturer’s and the contractor’s Ask for references, and then call them to see what kind of feedback they give about the roofing contractor Ask for proof of insurance as well as current license Does the contract include free annual roof inspections following installation? This is important, because many roofing manufacturers require yearly inspections to keep the warranty in force
For a major expense such as a roof replacement, it’s often advisable to get more than one estimate. Be sure the estimates are based on the same type of material and cover the same scope of work; otherwise it is difficult to compare. If the estimates are drastically different, that should be a red flag for you. Costs of materials are fairly standard, and if one estimate is substantially lower, it may not include everything the more expensive estimate does. Also, a “cheap” price may be an indication of just what quality of work you can expect. This is where following up on references can be helpful.
A roof replacement is a major expense, and it’s one you shouldn’t enter into hastily. Don’t be hesitant to ask for references and documentation. Reputable contractors will be happy to provide you with the information you request. Communication between a homeowner and a contractor is important, and if there are difficulties at the proposal stage, don’t assume it will get better once you sign the contract. If you have questions about roof repairs and replacements, contact Iron River Construction at 952-442-1762.
