Understand the 4 Phases of Free Roofing Estimate

free roofing

Before embarking on a roofing project, every homeowner must get several estimates from roofing contractors. There are four main phases of the free roofing estimate in roofing construction. A roofing company uses a specific kind of estimate based on the stage of the project they are handling and the estimated roofing materials. Before asking for an estimate, go through this information to ensure the type of estimate you are getting.

Know the Type of Free Roofing Estimate to Receive from Your Roofer

This blog will show you the 4 types of free roofing estimate used in the roofing industry. This will open you up to the type of estimate your roofer is sending you.

1. Preliminary Estimate

A preliminary estimate is referred to as an approximate or rough estimate. They are named this way because they are not the final estimate. They only give an initial idea about the cost of the project. A preliminary estimate is made at the start of every roofing project, especially when there is a shortage of information. The estimate is made based on a previously done project. Furthermore, this estimate allows a roofing contractor to know the budget to charge the homeowner.

2. Detailed Estimate

Your local roofer can upgrade the preliminary estimate into a detailed estimate. A detailed estimate is made available when access to more information about the project. In a detailed estimate, information like costs, quantities and rates of the materials to complete the project are included. These materials are summed together to get the final cost. Aside from these mentioned roofing materials, detailed information also includes the following:

  • Details on the rates used to sum the costs.
  • Specifications
  • Diagram of the areas included for the roofing project

Generally, detailed estimates are sometimes used as the contractor’s budget estimate. It helps the contractor to know if he should get extra support to finance the project.

3. Quantity Estimate

Just as the name implies, a quantity estimate contains the quantity of every item needed to complete the project. This gives the homeowner a whole idea of the quantities of roofing materials needed to finish the roofing project and the cost of each quantity. The cost numbers are calculated by multiplying the dimensions of the project’s skeletal structure in black and white by the rate for a specific work item. For instance, if a house is 3000 sq. ft., and a painter is asked to paint the walls. If the painter charges $5 per ft., the total project would cost $5 multiplied by 3000 sq. ft. 

4. Bid Estimation

A bid estimate is tendered to a homeowner for a higher chance of winning roofing projects. The bid estimation is based on the roofer’s earlier estimation and the hope of winning the project by providing the best price to outbid competitors. A roofing contractor can include much work into the cost estimation if the chances of winning the contract are high. If not, it is a total waste of time and effort. A standard bid estimate can be developed depending on the plan provided by the homeowner or industry cost. Specific labor, equipment cost, and materials need to be calculated to get a more accurate amount for this estimation. 

Conclusion

So far, homeowners should be able to understand the various phases of the free roofing estimate. This is not complicated, as it is a step-by-step process. Roofer uses estimates to bag contracts and projects from their clients. Always ask for a free estimate before starting a roofing project and finalizing who to hire for your roofing work.