Real Estate Tips from Bob Rich-Check Out Cheap Repairs

Your home needs a new roof. You have two estimates: one from a professional contractor for $1,800 and the other from two guys down the street who will do the job for only $800. Before making your decision, you should ask yourself the following:

Are both bidding on the same job? Is the higher bid contractor intending to remove one or more layers of old shingles while the part-timers intend to just cover all the existing shingles? Is the high bidder adding insulation and weatherproof backing papers while the low balers aren’t? Is the high bidder using a higher grade shingle offering better wear and fire protection? Is the high bidder willing to guarantee the work while the “guys” are “just doing the best we can?”

Also, consider your liability. Roofing is not a job for amateurs. You must be sure that anyone working on your roof, professional or amateur, carry adequate liability insurance in case of accident. When two estimates vary greatly ---- always investigate more closely.