Emergency ServiceThe simple answer would be yes. Getting three estimates is always a good idea. Now there are times in life when you know exactly what you want, so you may not feel the need to shop around. Other times, you might be unsure of what you want for a list of reasons.
Let’s take a look at a few reasons why getting three estimates would be a good idea.
- Pricing
- Type of Work Getting Done
- Materials Used
- Better Understanding
Pricing—There’s no question that no one in the history of mankind has ever been happy about overpaying for a certain project. However, there is a long list of people that have been underpaid for that same job, and it has ended up costing them more than if they had chosen a different company and gotten the work done correctly the first time. Getting more than one or two estimates will help you get a better understanding of how much a project will cost. It is important, however, that you compare these estimates. Compare the type of work getting done and the materials used. A cheaper price may be cheaper because of lower quality products or taking shortcuts such as re-using certain materials that are already on the roof. Ask questions so that you know exactly what you are getting.
Type of Work Getting Done – There’s always more than one way to get a project done. Some ways are better than others. Getting more than one estimate can get you an idea of the work that is needed to get your project done. It’s possible that a contractor could miss something that another was able to catch. That could make the price increase or decrease or might change the product needed to get the job done. What if a contractor was trying to take a shortcut? Having gathered information from 3 different companies can help you get a better understanding of the necessary work and help you make a smart decision.
Materials Used—The quality of materials that are suggested to use on your project could range just as much as the price of the job. In construction, there are brand-name products and generic brands just like in any other field. When comparing estimates, you must compare the type of materials that are being used. Better quality of materials will cause the price to go up. If one estimate includes a brand-name shingle and brand-name accessories and the other propose to use a generic brand or lower quality one for shingles and accessories, this will affect the price and quality of the roof. Roofing accessories include ice and water barrier, ridge and starter, synthetic felt, and ridge cap. Brand names in roofing include CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning. The cost associated with these companies’ shingles and accessories is higher, but the quality of products far exceeds the generic brands. Remember, not all materials are equal. As you talk with contractors, get all the information, and compare the difference in materials with the price to see if you’re getting a good deal or not.
Better Understanding – The more you research and the more you talk with professionals about your project, the more your knowledge will increase. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to make a good decision. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to tell if you’re working with a good company or a bad company. Making the right decision the first time saves money. Using the right products that meet your needs and that can withstand the harsh outside elements can save you money in the long run as well.
The more educated you are about the subject, the better decision you can make. Thanks for taking the time to read this post. You may also want to check out our article “How Do I Know If I Am Getting a Good Roof?” If you need a quote for a roofing, siding, or gutter project, please let us know, and we’ll get started on it.
