Whether it’s for a residential or commercial property, a new roof is quite the investment. With that in mind, you want to make sure you get the best deal. However, this doesn’t simply mean opting for the cheapest option. Far from it, in fact.
There are a wide range of factors to consider when choosing a new roof, which can be far more valuable than a low price. REMEMBER: The price is what you pay, the value is what you get and the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.
Here is our complete guide to getting the best deal on a new roof.
- Thorough inspection
First things first, get your roof inspected thoroughly before getting quotes. This ensures the roofing contractor knows exactly what you need and what is suited to your property. Roofs differ from property to property, with factors such as the size and slope of the existing roof and the surrounding environment coming into play. So, it’s essential for roofers to assess your property and perform a thorough inspection before giving you a quote. Use only a qualified roofer otherwise you will be fed wrong advice and pay for unnecessary works.
- Shop around
As with any improvement on your property, you should look to get multiple quotes for the work you need. Why? It’s not just to get the best price – as mentioned. Getting several quotes allows you to get a good idea of what’s best for your property, and the different options available. So, rather than just going for the first deal on offer, shop around for something that will last longer or perform better.
- Superior quality
A high-quality roof installation will understandably make it a better deal for you. But how can you ensure that’s what you get? Look for accreditations when comparing contractors. Things like TrustMark, the Federation of Master Builders and SafeContractor separate the professional, highly skilled roofing companies from those who will leave you needing repairs further down the line.
- The best material
Choosing between different roofing materials isn’t just cosmetic. The material is a key component in protecting your property from the elements, so it can be a deal breaker when choosing between different quotes. Consider the longevity of different materials, their strengths and weaknesses, and how much maintenance they require. A cheaper quote usually means cheap materials and that means bad news. Some providers may offer a discounted quote because they’re using cheaper materials, but this will leave you out of pocket in the long run and will damage the appearance and value of your property.
- Longevity
With that in mind – how long is the roof going to last? A new roof is a long-term investment, so it makes sense to opt for something that lasts for as long as possible. However, this must be balanced against your budget and the amount of time you intend to stay at the property. The best deal for you isn’t necessarily the best deal for everybody else. While clay and concrete tiles typically last around 50 years, some alternatives will need to be replaced in a much shorter space of time.
- Guarantee
Is a warranty or guarantee part of your roofing quote? The best deals have longer warranties, which protect you from costs of materials or poor installation. This can add huge value to your roofing deal, as it means you’re insured against any future problems for the length of your guarantee or warranty. That said, it’s worth going through the warranty with a fine-tooth comb to ensure you’re aware of what exactly it covers.
- Duration
Something that’s not often considered with roofing jobs is how long they’ll take. However, this is a factor that can add considerable value to a quote. Some roofing contractors will add your job to a growing list of clients. They might not start your roofing project for several weeks, and once they do get started, they could leave it unfinished for a longer period than necessary. If contractors can give you a good estimate – or even a guarantee – of when your new roof will be finished, it can make a big difference when deciding which deal is best for you. Remember, a longer period of construction means more time lost in your home, more rent lost for landlords and more wasted time for commercial property owners.
- Money
Of course, when all of these factors have been considered, it’s then time to consider the value for money. And that can’t be done without looking at the price. Unfortunately, there’s no exact formula to work out the value of any given roofing quote. Instead, consider how important each aspect is to you. Rule out any quotes which are outside your budget, then compare those remaining based on the factors and what they’re worth:
- Quality – You get what you pay for, so compromising on price usually means accepting a lower quality job.
- Material – Similarly, cheaper materials tend to encounter more problems. It’s worth discussing this with contractors when they’re inspecting your property, as some properties may not need the most expensive materials.
- Longevity – Depending on your financial situation, you might be happy saving money now even if it means you have to buy again in the future. Otherwise, it’s worth paying more for a roof that lasts longer.
- Guarantee – This is arguably the most valuable thing in a roofing quote. It could cover a great deal of future costs.
- Duration – If you need to get up and running as soon as possible, especially for commercial properties or rented homes, it could be worth paying extra for a job that can be completed sooner. You may find that you earn back the difference from having a property that’s ready to use earlier.
Professional roofing services in Pontefract
If you’re looking to get the best deal on a new roof, DPR Roofing can help. We are experienced roofing professionals based in Pontefract, offering the highest standards of roofing across the board. Get in touch with our team to discuss our services or arrange a no-obligation quote for your property.