Now That You Have A Roofing Estimate Scheduled, What’s Next?
You’ve Scheduled A Roofing Estimate
In Arlington, VA – Now What?
A Step-By-Step Guide Of What To
Expect From Your Quote For
Roofing Services
You’ll need roofing services in Arlington, VA sooner or later, so knowing what to expect is key to the entire process being as smooth as possible. Whether your aging roof needs a much-needed replacement or a severe storm has irreparably damaged your roof, you’ll always need a roofing estimate before you can book a roof replacement.
But once you’ve scheduled your roofing estimate, what comes next? Knowing which quote – and which contractor – to go with is often the most nerve-wracking part of the roof replacement process, but don’t fret. At Shiner Exteriors, we’ve spent more than 40 years tackling the roofing needs of homeowners throughout Northern VA.
What happens during your roofing estimate? What does it include? Are there any specific questions you should ask or factors to look for? Find out below in our informative guide.
Before Your Roofing Estimate In Arlington, VA
While the window of time before your roof estimate will differ depending on the contractor and their schedule, you’ll typically have some time to prepare.
There are a few things you should do before your contractor arrives to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Make Sure There’s A Clear Pathway To Your Roof
Making sure there’s a clear pathway to your roof involves clearing branches and trimming back trees away from your roof. Your roof inspector will need to see the exterior of your roof and likely climb up onto your roof via a ladder, so having a clear path is best for both parties.
Ensure The Inspectors Have Access To Your Attic
Your attic plays a major factor in your inspector evaluating the work that’ll need to be done. Common roof-related attic issues include mold, water stains, and damp insulation.
If you’re like many homeowners and use your attic for storing boxes, it’d be best to find a temporary place for your storage so the roof inspector has a clear, unobstructed view of your attic and can move around freely to evaluate all the damage.
Know All The Issues You’re Having With Your Roof
It’s easy to get carried away talking about one or two specific problems, so make sure to compile a list of everything you’ve noticed that is related to your roofing issues.
For example, if you need a roof replacement because your roof is old and leaking, your list may include:
- Water stains
- Dripping ceilings
- High energy bills
- Musty smell from mold
- Needing frequent roof repairs
Compiling a list of all the issues you’ve noticed with your roof helps with communication between you and your roof inspector and will help give you a more accurate roofing estimate.
Educate Yourself About Your Arlington, VA Roof
No roofing contractor wants to go to a house where the homeowner has no idea what their roof is even made of, let alone how old it is. That’s why it’s crucial to know as much about your roof as possible – or at least the most basic facts, such as:
- Your roof’s age
- Your roof’s material
- Whether it’s been repaired
- Insurance coverages on your roof (if applicable, such as with storm damage)
The more you know about your roof, the more information the inspector will have and the smoother the process will go.
If you need a roof replacement and are considering a new roof in a different material, let your inspector know so they can compile the estimate with your chosen materials in mind.
During The Estimate For Your Roof Replacement
Your roofer will inspect the exterior and attic of your home, making note of any issues they notice, as well as issues you tell them about. However, it’ll also include some other steps, such as the following.
Calculating Your Roof’s Square Footage
Most inspectors have digital tools that can calculate your roof’s square footage MUCH quicker than the manual way, so this step won’t usually take much time.
Why does your roof’s square footage matter to a roofing estimate? Because it’ll tell your potential roofing contractor how much roofing material you’ll need so they can calculate an accurate price.
Compiling The Estimate
Your roofing estimate won’t just include the materials. It’ll also include labor, materials, services (such as disposal of the old roofing material), and more. It’ll also include an approximate timeframe so you can expect how long it’ll take to complete your roof replacement.
It may take from a few hours to a day or two to present you with the estimate, but once you have it, do a thorough review to make sure all the information is correct and anything you discussed with the roofer is included.
Roofing services might sound like a pain to schedule and complete, but with the right professionals on your side, such as us at Shiner Exteriors, you can count on a smooth, stress-free process backed by the best.
If you need roofing services in the Suburban Maryland Area, contact Shiner Exteriors at (703) 560-7663 for your free estimate!
