Imagine this: You're shopping on Amazon, perhaps for new clothes or a kitchen set. Suddenly, you see that the item you've been eyeing is on sale, available at a much lower price. It's only human nature to enjoy getting a good deal. However, this mentality may not serve us well in all areas. A prime example is your home's roofing system, where prioritizing cost over quality can lead to severe and expensive issues in the future. It's in areas like this that cutting corners can cause significant problems down the line.
This is what we will be talking about in this blog post. While searching for contractors that can handle your roof replacement project, you will come across companies offering incredibly low prices that will delight you. But a cheap roof replacement isn't as cheap as it seems on the surface. We have laid out a few reasons why.
#1 You Will Get A Roof Of Lower Quality
One of the reasons you should not hire a contractor who is offering cheap roof replacements is that you will likely end up with a roof of lower quality. A roof replacement is lengthy, time-consuming, and more importantly, a long-term investment. Once it's done, you will not want to replace your roof anytime soon, as it involves a significant chunk of your time and money.
Believe it or not, despite offering extremely low prices for their work, the main focus of cheap roofing companies is to maximize their profit. They do this by using low-quality roofing materials and other products during the process, such as roof underlayment, ice and water shields, and more.
The quality of the material you choose influences the overall quality of your roofing system; after all, a roof is only as good as the pieces that make it up. In order to cut costs, a contractor may use low-quality materials that don't offer the same level of durability and protection as higher-end materials. This will result in a roof that is more prone to leaks, damage, and deterioration over time.
So though you may feel that you got the deal on a roof and get to save a few bucks, low-quality materials will only hurt you in the long run, and you might require a repair or replacement earlier than expected.
Also Read: 7 Most Common Roof Problems
#2 You May Incur More Costs In The Long Run
Why many homeowners, just like you, are tempted to hire a cheap roofer for a roof replacement project is that it’s considerably cheaper. But after doing a little research, you will find that this is not always the case.
When you decide to choose a relatively inexperienced contractor to save money, there is a high chance that your roof will not be appropriately constructed and will be more vulnerable to damage due to the presence of lower-quality materials.
Also, a cheap roofing company may hire inexperienced or untrained workers who are not equipped to handle complex roofing projects. This can result in poor workmanship, which can lead to costly repairs down the line.
#3 Cheap Roofers And Warranties
If you are looking for a cheap roof replacement, be sure to ask about the warranties the company can provide. A quality roof will likely have a long-term warranty, but this isn't always the case with cheap roofs.
Most roofing companies have certification from leading roofing manufacturers such as GAF, Atlas, CertainTeed, and more. A roofing company that offers extremely low prices may not have the right licenses and certifications, which are crucial if you want to have a warranty for your roof.
If you have a problem with your cheap roof replacement after just a few years, it could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs or replacements that would have been covered under the original manufacturer's warranty if only you had chosen something better in the first place.
#4 Hidden Charges
Another reason to be cautious when going with a cheap roofing company is the possibility of hidden charges. Some companies may offer a low initial price but add extra charges later on for things like materials, labor, or clean-up fees. You might not be aware of these extra charges when you sign the contract with the roofing company. The roofer will then start mentioning other costs needed during the project. These hidden charges can quickly add up and end up costing you more than if you had gone with a more reputable and transparent roofing company from the beginning.
A reputable company that has years of experience will be honest with you and will provide a detailed estimate that includes all the costs from the start.
It's essential to read the fine print and ask for a detailed breakdown of all costs involved in a roofing project to avoid any surprises or hidden fees. By doing your due diligence, you can ensure that you're working with a reputable roofing company that won't surprise you with unexpected charges.
#5 Less Experience and License Issues
When it comes to home improvement projects, the temptation to cut costs and hire inexperienced or unlicensed contractors can be alluring. With their attractive low prices and promises of quick work, it's easy to see why homeowners may be tempted to take this route.
However, hiring unlicensed contractors can leave homeowners vulnerable to potential liability issues. If an inexperienced contractor fails to obtain proper permits or doesn't adhere to local building codes, homeowners may be held responsible for any violations. This can result in fines, legal issues, and even forced removal of the work completed.
By prioritizing quality and experience over low prices, homeowners can safeguard their investment, avoid costly repairs, and enjoy a durable, well-installed roof for years to come.
Choosing The Right Contractor In Pittsburgh
You may be tempted to choose the cheapest option when it comes to your roofing project, but this is not always the best way to go. You should always make sure that you hire a reputable company for your projects, even if they charge more than some of their competitors.
There are many things that you should look at when choosing a company. Some of them include:
- References from previous clients. Get in touch with them to ask about their experience with your potential contractor.
- Ensure that any contractor who provides a low-priced quote is licensed and insured so there won't be any issues when it comes time for them to start work on your property.
If you want to learn more about how you can choose the right roofing company in Pittsburgh, you can check out our blog post on 6 Tips & Tricks For Finding The Best Pittsburgh Roofing Company.
We Can Help You With Your Roof Replacement Project
As you can see, there are many reasons why a cheap roof replacement isn't so cheap. If you want a quality job at a reasonable price, then it's best to hire professionals such as the team of McClellands Contracting and Roofing.
We are the best residential roofing company serving Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. With decades of experience, we’ll take care of your roof replacement project with 100% dedication.
We install high-quality roofing materials, so whether you want asphalt shingles or metal roofs, we have got you covered. We are a GAF Master Elite® Contractor, which means that we are trained to install GAF’s products and offer good warranties, so you do not have to worry about your investment.
Contact us today at (412) 353-5660 and book a free roof inspection now.