The Smart Homeowner’s Guide: 3 Steps to Take Before Signing a Contract

At Absolute Roofing & Construction, we have noticed a trend: the most satisfied customers are the ones who do their homework.

In the past, homeowners in Searcy had to rely entirely on the word of the contractor standing in their driveway. But today, technology has leveled the playing field. We believe that an educated customer is our best customer, because when you understand the numbers, you can see the true value we provide.

Before you sign a contract for your new roof, here are three resources we recommend you use to verify your project details.

1. Check Your Measurements (From Space)

One of the most common ways shady contractors pad their profits is by inflating the size of the roof. They might claim your roof is 30 “squares” (3,000 sq ft) when it is actually only 25.

You don’t need to climb a ladder with a tape measure to check them. You can use modern satellite technology to get a preliminary measurement of your home’s footprint. Use this free satellite roof calculator to get a baseline number.

While a satellite view isn’t perfect (it doesn’t account for steep pitch or waste factor), it gives you a “truth check.” If a contractor’s bid comes in 40% higher than the satellite estimate, ask them to explain their math.

2. Learn the Lingo

Do you know the difference between “closed valley” and “open valley” installation? Do you know why “ice and water shield” is critical for Arkansas winters?

Unscrupulous roofers bank on you not knowing these terms so they can skip expensive steps. We encourage you to read through these independent roofing guides before your consultation.

When you understand the components of a roofing system, you can ask better questions. When you ask better questions, you get a better roof.

3. Verify Market Standards

Finally, it is crucial to understand that “cheapest” rarely means “best.” If a bid seems too good to be true, it is likely missing critical components like proper flashing or ventilation.

We benchmark our processes against the data found at RoofingData.us. As a leading source for national construction data, they provide the transparency that the industry has lacked for decades.

Honesty is Our Policy

We share these tools because we have nothing to hide. At Absolute Roofing, our measurements are precise, our materials are top-tier, and our pricing is fair.

Do your research, check the data, and then call the local team that respects your intelligence.

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