How do you make sure you’re getting the best products at the right prices when buying a metal roof?
It’s important to get quotes from multiple contractors so that you can compare options and get a ballpark for what you’re going to pay. However, if you’re not used to looking at those types of documents, it can be challenging to figure out why one quote may cost more than the other.
At Sheffield Metals International (SMI), we support our customers with their metal roofing projects via our knowledgeable Technical Department and our library of articles, videos, and downloads, all centered around the metal industry.
In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step process for how to compare quotes from metal roofing contractors.
Why Is It Important to Compare Contractor Quotes?
- Get a ballpark of what you’ll pay: Getting multiple quotes allows you to shop around and get a general understanding of how much you’re going to invest in a new roof.
- Know you’re getting a good price: Plus, comparing quotes will help you know if you’re getting a fair price. If one quote is double the other and has similar materials and quantities, there might be a discrepancy.
- Make informed decisions: A metal roof is a significant investment. Making informed decisions with the right information is crucial to getting a quality roof at the right price.
How to Compare Contractor Quotes for a Metal Roof
1. Identify the Key Items
Set out both quotes in front of you side by side and take a look at the materials listed on each. Here’s what you’ll typically see on a metal roof quote:
- Panels: A majority of the cost of a quote will typically come from the panels. In detailed quotes, the panel type should be listed (like standing seam) and panel profile along with the color if already chosen, the metal gauge, whether it has stiffening ribs, and its width. Pictures of the specific installation details may also be shown.
- Trim: Trim is used for the more intricate parts of the roof that can’t be fully covered with a panel, such as the valleys in the roof, eaves, and the rakes. As with the panel, the gauge should be listed here along with the color.
- Accessories: There will be an assortment of accessories listed on your quote, including clips, fasteners, and rivets. These should be listed with their quantities and the rate for each item.
- Underlayment: This is what’s going underneath your metal roof, and it’s a crucial part of the system as it acts as a secondary line of defense to protect your home’s interior. Sheffield Metals recommends Sharkskin Ultra SA peel and stick. underlayment. Though it’s a premium option, it ensures that your system will be well protected.
- Sealant: Sealant is used to fill gaps and protect the roofing system from leaking. It’s used often in the industry and will be listed commonly on contractor quotes.
- Butyl Tape: Like sealant, butyl tape is used to seal up metal to metal connections where leaks might be more of a threat, such as overlapping panels or venting areas.
- Labor: Another main source of cost will come from the labor itself, estimated on the scope of the project and the amount of time it will take to complete.
- Paint Pens: For minor scratches and marks on the panels, paint pens are used to restore the surface to its original appearance.
Along with the materials listed, you should find quantities for each product listed and the rate at which they were bought at. At the bottom of the quote, qualifications or disclaimers are typically listed. Here are some common qualifications you’ll see:
- Pricing subject to change: The cost of metal materials often goes up and down based on the steel market.
- Oil canning is not a cause for rejection: Oil canning is an aesthetic issue — not a functional one — so this is a common disclaimer listed in quotes. Keep in mind there are methods to reduce the effects of oil canning.
- Valid for 30 days: It’s common practice for quotes to be good for 30 days — after that, pricing can change or the contractor may withdraw the offer.
Note: In reroofing scenarios, it can be difficult to know if there is damage underneath the existing roof, such as rotting on the roof deck. Once the roof is taken off, there may be additional deck or structural issues that need to be addressed prior to installing a new roof, which may incur additional costs.
2. Compare
As you start your comparison, first look at what’s similar between the quotes. Find like materials or quantities that are the same and compare pricing. If one price is substantially higher than another and it seems to be a very similar product, this could be an area of note to clarify later with the contractor.
3. Find the Differences Between Quotes
Once you’ve pinpointed the similarities, it’s time to move into the differences. Look at the differing prices and dig into why this may be the case. Is the quantity different? Is it a different type of material? Is it a more premium option?
Be sure to go line by line and read each product and its total cost, rate per item, and the quantity, and compare that to the other quote.
4. Ask Clarifying Questions
Understanding your quote and getting the best price is all about asking your metal roofing contractor the right questions. Don’t be afraid to dig into the quote and ask specific questions, especially if there aren’t details listed, such as the gauge of the panels or the type of underlayment being used.
Check out our free download on what questions to ask your metal roofing contractor:
Questions to Ask Roofing Contractors During a Consultation – Sheffield Metals
Ultimately, comparing contractor quotes effectively and choosing the right one comes down to being educated on metal roofs and understanding what you need to ensure your system is sound. For more help on choosing the right metal roofing quote, check out the article below:
Metal Roofing Bids & Quotes: How to Pick the Best Price For You
Looking for More Support When Buying a Metal Roof?
Buying a new metal roof can be intimidating. There are a lot of factors to consider, including the design, the materials and accessories you use, and the installation details that will help your roof remain sturdy even through harsh weather.
Sheffield Metals International understands this challenge — that’s why we’ve compiled an entire library of resources to help homeowners make decisions throughout the buying process. View our free videos, articles, and downloads in the Metal Roofing Learning Center. And check out the links below that are related to this topic:
We hope this article helped you understand how to compare contractor bids and get the best price for your metal roof. And feel free to reach out to Sheffield Metals today if you have additional questions about this process, or are looking for a reliable contractor — we can put you in touch with one of our trusted partners in the industry.
