I had a property tented for termites, which broke some concrete roof tiles. I got free repair estimates (inspections) from two roofing companies. The first estimator, who climbed on the roof, said there were 70+ tiles broken. The second guy, who used a drone and didn't climb on the roof, said there were 15-20 broken.
That's a big discrepancy. I don't know who to believe, so I'm considering paying for a RE roof inspection. There is a company in Calif called HomeGuard that listing agents use for pre-sale inspections. Would a paid roof inspection be more credible than a "free estimate" from roofing companies? HomeGuard is not cheap so I want to make sure this is worth spending money on.
My guess. the guy who said less tiles is probably the cheaper option. Possible his drone showed the most evident damage and not so much like being on the roof. (is there any reviews or history on his business online)
The inspector that said 70+ is probably one of those everything needs to be replaced don't risk type, however will probably be the more expensive guy. Look at reviews and years in the business.
Regarding paid inspections ....Not quite sure. I do think you can't go wrong with home guard.
My guess. the guy who said less tiles is probably the cheaper option. Possible his drone showed the most evident damage and not so much like being on the roof. (is there any reviews or history on his business online)
The inspector that said 70+ is probably one of those everything needs to be replaced don't risk type, however will probably be the more expensive guy. Look at reviews and years in the business.
Regarding paid inspections ....Not quite sure. I do think you can't go wrong with home guard.
My guess. the guy who said less tiles is probably the cheaper option. Possible his drone showed the most evident damage and not so much like being on the roof. (is there any reviews or history on his business online)
The inspector that said 70+ is probably one of those everything needs to be replaced don't risk type, however will probably be the more expensive guy. Look at reviews and years in the business.
Regarding paid inspections ....Not quite sure. I do think you can't go wrong with home guard.
The drone guy was less expensive, but considering how much less work he would do, he's actually more expensive relative to hours worked. His business is 5 years old, and has mostly 5-star reviews, which I'm suspicious of. (I don't give much weight to online reviews especially when most of the reviewers each have a history of only a couple of reviews.)
The other guy is the estimator for a 25-year roofing company; I think they're more credible but you're probably right about them being more picky about everything.
Get a third estimate from a contractor you trust. I would not pay for an inspection.
That's the problem, I don't trust most contractors in general. There is one roofing company I trust but they don't do repairs.
There's also the fact that this property is expensive and I think these roofers show up and immediately see dollar signs. That's another reason I considered paying for an inspection. I found some inspection companies that don't do repairs so there's less conflict of interest.
Get a third estimate from a contractor you trust. I would not pay for an inspection.
That's the problem, I don't trust most contractors in general. There is one roofing company I trust but they don't do repairs.
There's also the fact that this property is expensive and I think these roofers show up and immediately see dollar signs. That's another reason I considered paying for an inspection. I found some inspection companies that don't do repairs so there's less conflict of interest.
That is a very valid point. Are the houses on that St similar? maybe ask the neighbors. but agreed unfortunately there is alot of business that isn't very transparent.
I give free estimates for exterior home improvements for a living. The most important thing is making sure that whoever you choose pops their head into the attic to check the decking. If not, this is how a lot of homeowners/investors/property owners fall victim to lowballing.
You get the roof looked at from the outside and are given a price. Day of the install after all the material is off the roof you’re asked for more money due to lack of material, i.e. compromised wood that was not inspected when it should have been.
Just like a mechanic, you probably wouldn’t trust him if he told you you needed a new transmission but never popped the hood.
Most homeowners think the wood is included with roof installs but more often than not, contractors just replace the shingles and maybe a sheet here and there so it looks like the wood was replaced.