I have read quite a few good posts from home inspectors Michael Thornton , Ian Niquette, and Steven L. Smith among others, who are not just educational, but entertaining. They have a way of bringing to light the advantages of using a qualified home inspector when making a home purchases and the disadvantages of cutting costs and choosing a cut rate pseudo-professional.
Cutting costs by shopping around is a good idea in some cases. I mean, why pay $4.00 for a widget when the super mega mart sells the same widget for $1.99? You can definitely save money around the house by doing some detective work and pinching pennies.
Why do prospects think that when shopping for a new roof or any other home service such as pre-purchase inspections, that saving money and going with the cheapest price is a good idea? I have a few ideas.
When clients tell me that they have received a free estimate for a roof that is cheaper than mine I start to ask questions. I ask what they are comparing my price with. I ask how they think someone could do the job cheaper and still produce the same finished product and I mostly find the same thing.
Most homeowners think of roofing and other contracting related fields the same way they think of making other large expense purchases. Think about buying a new automobile. There are a few differences in buying home improvements and buying a new car. Vehicles are a finished product. You go to the different dealers and find the one you want and get a quote. You then can go to another dealer (or on-line) and compare the price of one vehicle to the next. Both vehicles were most likely manufactured in the same plant. Assembled by the same team of professionals, and inspected by the manufacturer.
Think of buying a roof like driving to the car parts store, purchasing all of the parts needed and then selecting 5 or 6 nice young men to assemble the car in your driveway.
Now when you are looking for the team to assemble the vehicle in your drive you notice that some are less pricey than others. One crew may suggest cutting the cost by trimming on some of the vehicles features. Who needs airbags and seat belts? When is the last time you were in a car wreck? Three bolts per fender will do just fine, right? Four or six would just be extra weight. I don't need to use primer before I paint the car, it is just something the manufacturer suggests so they can make more money off of you.
Remember, you are not buying a finished product when you sign the agreement to purchase a new roof or have your home inspected before buying it. You are buying the peace of mind that the person or company you selected will treat your home as if it were their own. You are buying the promise that what was contracted will be done. Only the truly rich can afford to pay for the same thing twice!
How would your car perform if it were assembled by the cheapest guys in town?
I have an idea........
If you or someone you know lives in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and would like a free estimate for roof replacement or repair, contact the Roof Nerd.
Hi David:
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