When you experience damages to your residential roof, you need someone on your side to help you navigate the insurance claim process. When you contact The Houston Roofing Group, we will set up a time inspect your roof and help you understand what your insurance covers and how we can help restore your home and life to normal.
Why An Accurate Estimate is Important
Not all estimates are created equal. It’s essential to select a skilled roofing contractor to complete a thorough inspection of your roof. An experienced roofer will know what to look for beyond the obvious to ensure that you receive an estimate that accurately reflects the scope of the work. This is the estimate that will be provided to your homeowner’s insurance company and that determines what your insurance will cover. Getting it right the first time will make the process go more smoothly and help to avoid additional out-of-pocket expenses.
The Houston Roofing Group will sit down with you, go over your policy, and make sure you have the proper roof coverages in your policy. We will also inform you of your deductible amount and will call the insurance company together to set up the claim. The Houston Roofing Group will meet with your insurance company’s adjuster on the roof and be your advocate. We will also agree on a general scope of work with the insurance adjuster. Read about the advantages of filing a claim here.
How to Get the Best Estimate
- After your roof has been inspected, request a detailed scope of work – an itemized estimate. Be sure that all materials and estimated labor are shown, including the labor rate. Make sure that roof tear-off and removal of the old materials are included in the estimate. If they’re not, these items can often increase your responsibility by thousands of dollars. Request a written start and completion date. Don’t accept an overall number without seeing a breakdown of how it was arrived at. Otherwise, when new materials need to be purchased or the estimate suddenly changes, you will have nothing to refer to.
- Sometimes, roofers do encounter new issues when completing a replacement. A good inspection should limit the number of these, however. Discuss with your roofer how “add-ons” will be handled during the job and make sure that any changes are documented on paper during the work.
- Ask questions. Discuss the work with your roofer and ask questions when you’re unsure of something. Hire someone who communicates clearly and provides detailed information about the materials and work. He/she should volunteer this information, not be forced to give it. Check out our FAQs to educate yourself.
- Ask about warranties on labor and materials. A good roofing company should warranty their work.
- Pay attention during the inspection. A thorough inspection will include getting on the roof. If the roofer inspects from the ground only, either request that he get on the roof, or find a new contractor. Ideally, the inspector should also get into the attic, if there is access, to view the roof from underneath. Remember, a good inspection means the most accurate estimate and fewer add-ons later.
- Get a lien release. A reputable contractor should not have a problem giving you one. Essentially, a lien can be placed on your home if you have paid your contractor but he hasn’t fully paid for the materials, thereby making you responsible for the remaining costs.
- Don’t wait until it’s desperate. The best way to ensure that you receive a fair, accurate estimate for roof repairs or replacement is to start the process of finding a roofing contractor before major problems begin. You will have the time to research and ask questions and not feel pressured to make an on-the-spot decision.
Read our Reviews to see what our customers have to say, and then contact The Houston Roofing Group today to request an estimate.