It’s a common approach to get multiple estimates when you need some major work done on your roof, but getting several quotes doesn’t always ensure the best results.
You’re probably thinking that we just want you to come to us and no one else and while we absolutely want your business, there’s a good reason why you don’t want many quotes in most situations. It’s better to interview the roofer and have a clear understanding of what’s included in the estimate, because in reality, products and services are not all equal and that is often reflected in the price point. In other words, the cheapest estimate is usually cheap for a reason. If someone is doing it for less, it’s usually because they are doing and offering less.
your insurance policy can make a difference
3 estimates gives you 3 different prices without clarity of the quality that you’re getting from each estimate. You’ll be tempted to choose the cheapest one, but the cheapest in the immediate is not always cheapest in the long run. Depending on your insurance policy, it could be beneficial to get 3 estimates. If, say, you’re under an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy, you’ll receive one check from your insurance company that is equal to the following:
ACV Check = Claim Amount – Deductible Amount – Depreciation Amount
Whatever is left over from the claim is the amount that you’ll have available to spend on repairing your roof. In this case, the amount of money you have is a fixed finite amount and you absolutely should get multiple estimates, but it’s extremely important that you have a thorough understanding of what each estimate entails so that you have a proper comparison of value rather than price. You will likely be shelling out some additional funds to replace your roof with this type of insurance coverage.
However, if you have a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy, as most homeowners do you will receive two total checks:
1st RCV Check = Claim Amount – Deductible Amount – Depreciation Amount
This is the same as the ACV check, but you will get another check for the amount of the depreciation upon completion of the roof repairs or roof replacement.
2nd RCV Check = Depreciation Amount
The second check is received after your contractor sends the final invoice. Once your insurance company receives the invoice and verifies the roof was replaced they will pay the depreciation amount for your roof. With an RCV policy, your insurance company covers the entire cost of the roof, minus your deductible, which means that the deductible is your only out-of-pocket expense for the entire project. However, if you choose to do some upgrades to a better quality roof shingle, metal, or better materials you will likely be coming out of pocket for those additional expenses for your new roof. Those upgrades are not typically covered by insurance.
Hire a contractor who will help you navigate the insurance process
If you find yourself in the second category of insurance policies, then getting several estimates could further confuse the process. If all you need to pay for is the deductible, then it is in your best interest to find a contractor who has extensive experience working with the insurance process so that you can get the most out of your claim. For instance, your roof may be damaged from a recent hail storm and you’re getting estimates for a roof repair. You could get several quotes at a small cost to repair the roof, but if you interview a few contractors and make sure to choose one that will produce the proper supporting documentation to your insurance company, it could result in a roof replacement rather than a repair all for the same deductible cost. That’s an incredible value to take advantage of!
You also want to make sure that the contractor you’re hiring can offer you the best warranty possible. Understand the roof product warranties and the fine print from the different roofing manufacturers. Some roofing manufactures have leak and non leak warranties. You can check out an article we have that breaks down leak and non leak warranties on our blog page. Several companies claim to be certified roofing contractors without actually being on the official manufacture list of certified contractors, but Roofing Turtle is certified by GAF, the longest standing roofing product company in the USA. You can verify our certification status with them on their website. Hiring a legitimate certified roofing contractor is the best way to ensure quality workmanship, knowledge, customer service, and the best warranties on the market. GAF only certifies roofing contractors who go through rigorous training and meet their high standard of qualification. If you’re going to get an estimate from anyone, make sure that they are certified from a well known company like GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed. However GAF has the best warranties on the market so we suggest going with a GAF certified roofing company.
Not only is Roofing Turtle a GAF certified roofing company, but if you have us inspect your roof, we will help you navigate the insurance process, so that you get the most out of your policy and have a safe and sturdy roof for years to come. On top of that, we’ll offer you the best warranties in the industry so your roof is the last thing you have to worry about. That’s why we were voted the #1 Roofing Contractor in Elgin and Bastrop County the past 2 years in a row!
We have an easy process to get you started and you can do it all online! You can click the link and fill out the form or you can give us a call at 1-833-688-7853. Thank you for choosing Roofing Turtle!