Is a Roof Inspection the Same as an Estimate?

Many homeowners are shocked when they contact a roofing company and are told that the estimate they thought would be free actually is an inspection that will cost a few hundred dollars. What in the world is the difference between the two?  If an inspection costs money, how come so many companies will do them for free?

Orange Roofing, a commercial roofing contractor in Kennesaw, wants to help you understand the difference between an inspection and an estimate. They don’t just differ in cost; they also come with vastly different documents and one can save you a lot of money if done right.

An Estimate For When Things Go Wrong

An experienced roofing contractor should be able to take a quick look at a roof and tell immediately what the problem is and how to fix it. When you are having a major issue with your roof, it doesn’t take much to look at the roof and come up with a repair estimate.

That’s exactly what a repair estimate is: an estimate for how much it will take to fix a major roofing issue. This does not take long; sometimes just a quick glance at the roof will reveal the problem. Most contractors are happy to provide a free estimate for work so that you can decide whether to hire them.

An Inspection Is Much More Detailed

There are many people (and companies) who may need something much more detailed than a brief work estimate. Insurance companies who are trying to write a policy, real estate brokers, banks deciding on whether to issue a mortgage and even home buyers may want a more detailed write-up on the condition of a roof.

In addition, you may think something is wrong with the roof, but you’re not sure of the extent of the damage. For example, a small leak occurs in the house or you find a shingle lying in the grass. These look like signs of damage, but how much has occurred?  How can you tell if just looking at the exterior of the roof is not very revealing?

In all these cases, an inspection is called for. An inspection is not just a visual look at the exterior. A roof inspection may take some time and cost a few hundred dollars.

During a roof inspection, not only is the roof actually inspected but so is the attic and interior rooms of the house. The inspector is looking for everything from increased moisture and mold to wall cracks and stains. An inspection is a comprehensive assessment of the state of the roof as well how the interior and attic spaces are holding up underneath it.

A Comprehensive Report

A roof inspection, because it is generally used for insurance and mortgage purposes, should come with photographic evidence of both good and bad places on and under the roof. An inspection should also include an assessment on how much longer the roof will go before needing to be replaced, as well as a detailed list of recommended repairs.

So, an estimate is a quick glance at a major issue designed to give you an idea of how much repairs will cost. An inspection is a comprehensive assessment of the health of your roof, including how much life it has left, and any repairs that might need to be made.

If you’re looking for a commercial roofing contractor in Kennesaw, Orange Roofing would be glad to share more information with you and answer any questions you might have. We believe in honest appraisals that you can feel comfortable with.