Many roofing companies are set up to earn approximately 30% of the total cost of the project. For instance, if a new roof cost $10,000 dollars, then the company would earn $3000 dollars in profit. Roofing companies are in business to make a profit, but 30% is a lot to swallow in today's economy. I am going to show you how to save at least 30 to 40 percent on your next roofing project.
The one area where homeowners loose money is overpayment for materials that was never installed. Contractors pad each job for extra material and labor to increase their profit margins. You should pay a small fee to a FHA home inspector to measure your roof system. He or she will be able to supply you with a list of items needed and the correct square footage of shingles for the installation of your new roof system.
Take your list of roofing supplies to Home Depot and Loewe's Home Improvement and let them bid against one another and see who can get you the best price on material. The brand names may be different but the roofing tiles will be essential the same. Who ever wins your business should be able to deliver the material free of charge.
You will need a waste container to haul away the old debris from your home. Choose a container company from your local directory that is environmentally friendly. These container companies usually recycle the asphalt shingles as they get a huge discount off their dump fees. They will pass these savings on to you in order to compete with the other container companies. Get at least 3 quotes from qualified companies.
The hard part is finding a sub contractor who is qualified to do the work. There are many fly by nights who are terrible at roof installation, but they pose as qualified roofing contractors. I suggest you go to your local home improvement store and ask the pro desk in they know of a qualified roofing sub contractor. You can also go to a roofing material supply warehouse as well. Be sure to indicate that you want a sub contractor and not the owner or roofing company. Let them know that you are cutting out the middle man.
You will get at least 3 qualified sub contractors who will be glad to bid on your roofing project. Each of them shall have their insurance certificates and license available. Also, be sure to ask for references of prior work from the past 6 months and addresses where you are able to view their work. Let each of them know that the work will be inspected prior to payment by a FHA inspector for quality craftsmanship.
Finally, do not advance any funds up front for you have everything in place for them to commence work. If the ask for any money up front, this is a red flag and I highly advised that you do not engage them in business. Pay the sub contractor upon final inspection and approval from the FHA inspector that states the roof has been installed correctly. You should have a warranty for the sub contractor and from the FHA inspector which should give you some leverage if anything ever happened to your new roof system.