There’s an important rule of thumb: if you organize a meeting, be prepared, otherwise it’s a waste of everyone’s time, especially your own.
Roof repairs and remodeling require a time and money investment, and while you put a certain amount of faith into a contractor’s expertise, being ready to answer their questions will get the project off to a good start. As they say, the devil is in the details, and if you’re disorganized during the initial consultation, the job can become more time-consuming and costly.
Below, we discuss six ways to prepare.
1. Do Your Homework
Today, consumers can easily conduct cursory research on a product or service by looking at online reviews. Asking for referrals is also important. It’s likely you have a friend or family member who could recommend a contractor.
Before scheduling the initial appointment, contact the roofer to see if they offer a free consultation and whether you’ll be getting a written estimate. In addition, confirm that they are licensed, insured, and bonded.
2. Have a Budget
Having a ballpark budget range is important. Depending on roof materials and other factors like size and complexity, the average cost of a roof replacement is between $250 and $1,000 square feet. Knowing what you plan to spend will help guide the roofing company and may influence their estimate.
3. Know What You Want
You have a good reason for scheduling an appointment with a roofer. Perhaps it’s time to upgrade with higher-end materials, or you may have leakage or seepage, or you’re looking to fix certain aspects of wear and tear. Whatever the case may be, communicate as much information as you can to help the roofer make informed recommendations.
This front-loading can help a roofer expedite the process of giving you a timeline and working out an estimate.
4. Know the Condition of Your Home and Roof
A roofer needs to know what they’re working with. What that means for you is providing the details related to the age of your home and roof, as well as a history of the issues, and maintenance.
Think of it as your first appointment with a new doctor; the more they know about your medical history, the better equipped they’ll be to treat you.
5. Ask the Right Questions
Though you’ve done your due diligence, there remain questions when it comes to any renovations or remodeling:
- What types of homes and roofs do you work with?
- How long will the project last?
- What is your process?
- What are the payment options?
- What insurance do you carry?
- Are there warranties?
6. Give the Roofer Your Undivided Attention
In a world of multitasking, it’s hard not to be distracted. That said, make sure you block time for the appointment so that you can give the roofer your undivided attention. An experienced roofer will have a lot of questions, and the more information you can share–while not on a conference call–the better.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Approach
When you schedule a consultation with us, rest assured that we’ll show up on time, listen to your needs, answer any questions, and provide expert evaluations and recommendations.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
