hi, I'm due for a new roof and gutters this spring. Owned the house two years, house is 18 years old, was supposed to replace the roof last summer, however ran into other more pressing maintenance issues. My question is, I live in a small town, three or four well reviewed roofers but no one that I know personally who has had to replace their roof in the past couple of years. On the other hand, I have a very good general contractor who has done work for me over the past two years and for some other friends over the past 4 to 5 years. He also does roofs, subcontracts out however I've been overall happy with him. What's the general consensus, stick with a roofer I don't know or a contractor that I do? Thank you.
Hiring a roofer vs general contractor
- Thread starter oberah
- Start date
I'd use a roofer.
Do you think your contractor will come back for other jobs? I mean, if he recommends a lousy subcontractor, he knows it has to look bad for him.
But if you know of a good roofer... just go direct. It's all a matter of getting a good job done right. The first time.
But if you know of a good roofer... just go direct. It's all a matter of getting a good job done right. The first time.
Get an estimate from each.
Get a quote from both types, and check their credentials / bond.
Its most likely the "roofers" are simply general contractors that farm it out to a roofing crew anyway.
I might think about moving quick though. Many of the actual roofers might be heading South soon, not necessarily by their own choice.
Its most likely the "roofers" are simply general contractors that farm it out to a roofing crew anyway.
I might think about moving quick though. Many of the actual roofers might be heading South soon, not necessarily by their own choice.
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- Jan 17, 2025
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The GC will likely charge an extra % for overhead and profit (typically 10&10%).
I’d try to find a local roofing company that’s been in business for awhile. Avoid storm chasers.
I’d try to find a local roofing company that’s been in business for awhile. Avoid storm chasers.
Why introduce a middle man? I'd go with a roofer with a good reputation.
If the roofer comes over in a broken down PU and asks for money up front, run!
References are good; ask to see some completed jobs.
It's your money and your house. Good luck.
References are good; ask to see some completed jobs.
It's your money and your house. Good luck.
Is this a very simple roof (ranch home) or very complicated? Like health, auto repairs, and most everything, I would educate myself as best possible about roofing, and then choose the best package and installer for your situation. A high quality general contractor that you thoroughly trust vs. a fly-by-night roofing installer (both extremes) could make a difference 20 years from now.
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
Get two bids from actual Roofers - they should be close in price and impressions matter (skills and knowledge) …
Get more like 10 estimates.
If you want to micro manage potentially dysfunctional kids roofer. A roofing company or contractor you know is worth other estimates.
No offense however tradesmen skilled in that and business dealings and project management are a very rare combination. In short wealthy ones.
No offense however tradesmen skilled in that and business dealings and project management are a very rare combination. In short wealthy ones.
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