Ritco Group, Inc.

All local roofing companies will tell you that roof replacement projects are a significant investment and an important endeavor to undertake. It could sound daunting at first glance, but with proper guidance and meticulous budgeting, you can keep track of your roofing project costs to keep your project within budget for a smooth experience.

The first step in creating a budget for any kind of roofing project, whether residential or commercial, is to gather and compare estimates from different roofing companies in your local area. It’s also important to note that estimates are different from quotes. Estimates are just rough approximations given to you by the roofer. They will indicate how much a roofing contractor will think an average roofing project will cost based solely on their experience. An estimate will give you a good idea of how much your roofing project will cost, along with the material and labor fees. However, if you want an in-depth breakdown of every single detail that will be going into your roofing project, then you should request for a roofing quote.

Granted, your new construction and roofing expert would tell you that it’s tempting to take advantage of a roofing contractor offering the lowest estimate or bid. However, you have to pay extra caution, especially if the bids are suspiciously low. In this post, Ritco Group, one of the leading roofing companies in your local community, explains why you should be wary of suspiciously low roofing bids.

Your Contractor Might be Using Off-Brand, Low-Quality Roofing Materials

The longevity and durability of your roofing system heavily hinges on the quality of your roofing materials. This is why it’s especially important to use high-quality roofing materials for your roofing project. Don’t skimp on quality roofing products, even if it saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 

Your new construction and roofing expert would tell you that the main issue when you’re using off-brand materials is that there is no way to tell if they can stand up to the task. When you’re doubtful about your roofing material choices, it’s best to stick with trusted roofing names, such as those products offered by GAF.

Here’s a bonus tip: if you’re installing a flat roofing system, try to see if your roofing contractor has quoted a non-engineered metal roofing system. These systems cost significantly less when compared to an engineered metal roofing system. Ideally, it’s best to use engineered metal roofing systems since they have gone through third-party testing and are compliant with the most stringent industry standards. As such, you can expect that these roofing systems can stand the test of time and protect your home against the elements.

The Roofing Contractor Might Not be Experienced Enough

Don’t get us wrong, there is nothing wrong in working with novice renovation roofing companies. Your next project might be the break that they need to prove their worth and their skills to get their name out in your local community. However, a full roof replacement job is a significant task to undertake. The main issue with hiring neophyte roofing contractors is that they’re highly prone to committing costly installation errors. Keep in mind that your roofing system will only perform as good as the way it’s installed by your roofing contractor. You can choose to work with these beginner contractors for small jobs, such as a roof touch-up or patchwork repairs after a storm has passed your area.

As a rule of thumb, if your prospective roofing company has less than five years of experience, you should conduct thorough research and vet them meticulously. Try to check their online ratings, reviews and portfolios, and if they have sufficient social media presence. Keep in mind that online ratings on Yelp, Facebook and Google My Business have a huge impact on a businesses’ reputation. As a consequence, some dubious businesses change their company names to escape from their tarnished reputation. To avoid these issues, make sure that you carefully vet your prospective contractor.

The Contractor Might Have Underbid on Purpose

Another possible reason local roofing companies might have submitted a low roofing bid is that they did so intentionally so that they can decrease the number of labor hours needed. Remember that labor costs make up a huge part of roofing costs, so underbidding can significantly reduce your roofing estimate. Unfortunately, underbidding leads to misleading roofing estimates since they will probably need more hours to get the job done.

The Roofer Might Not Offer Warranties

Warranties are one of the most important things you should look for when you’re planning a roofing project. Roofing contractors who don’t give post-sale support like warranties have the capacity to offer low roofing bids. Granted, some homeowners might think that they don’t need warranties, treating it as a sort of insurance that they’ll never use. However, you’ll need to remember that your roofing system is the first line of defense against the elements. As such, having roofing warranties are a must after every roofing project.

You Won’t Be Able to Maximize Your Return on Investment

Keep in mind that roofing jobs require a significant amount of investment to pull off the project. With that in mind, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should fully focus on the costs of the project. Instead, you can focus on how you can maximize your return on investment after your residential roofing project is over. Working with a roofer that deliberately lowers the roofing bid means that you might have subpar roofing materials installed or that the workmanship might be sloppy. In turn, you won’t get as much return on your investment when it’s time to sell your home.

Aside from providing renovation roofing services, Ritco Group can also handle your home remodeling needs. With our top-tier solutions and professional design team, we’ll make sure your project, whether it involves home additions or bathroom renovation, goes safely and smoothly. We proudly serve the areas in and around Brentwood, Franklin, Columbia and Murfreesboro, TN. Call us today at (931) 345-3569, or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation. We’d love to hear from you!