A roof inspection may suffice following a ferocious storm, a recent home purchase, or if you notice signs of wear or water damage. The inspection helps provide an accurate assessment of your roof’s condition so you know the next steps you should take. For roof inspections, repairs, replacement, and new installation contact BA Roofing – The best roofers in Woodbury, Minnesota.
Hiring a qualified and experienced inspector who can provide an unbiased opinion is equally critical. However, you might wonder if you should get a second opinion. Well, YES. Why? Stay with me to find out.
1. Two Opinions Are Better Than One
Let’s say the inspector recommends a roof replacement. Now, picture the initial cost of the roof. I bet you spent an eye-watering amount. Are you prepared to put your hard-earned money into such a project? If so, it won’t hurt to cross-check, right? After all, if you’re to spend thousands of dollars on re-roofing your property, it’s worth it to do your due diligence.
That way, you can verify whether the original inspector’s estimate is accurate and reasonable. You can also assess the materials they recommended, including the price. A second opinion also adds a layer of assurance, so you know you’re making the right move.
Besides, two professional opinions are better than one. If you’ve played the “Where’s Waldo?” game, you’ll know that two sets of eyes can spot things one pair may have missed. The idea is to get a well-rounded assessment based on the opinions of professionals whose expertise may vary. For instance, a more experienced roofer can identify more problems than an up-and-coming contractor.
2. Picking the Right Contractor
Most of us have traversed this path before: You plan a date, but bring your wingman along, just in case. And since you’re not sure your date is “the one,” you can take a similar approach.
Inspectors are professionals, but so are you – at least in the home-owning department. If you don’t feel like they are considering your concerns, relying on someone else won’t hurt.
A second opinion can ensure you don’t pay for extra (and sometimes unnecessary) repairs later. This would be akin to settling for the wrong partner and paying the price. Similarly, it pays to weigh available options and potential solutions if you’re dealing with a complex issue or roof.
Besides, you’ll get a clear understanding of the scope and timeline of the job. For instance, if one contractor claims they can complete a project within a specific duration, you can get another opinion to ensure the timeline is realistic. That way, you’ll know which contractor to hire.
3. You Won’t Be Caught in a Bind
The roof inspector may have missed something. For instance, they didn’t notice a leak in the attic or a damaged gutter system. Failure to address such issues can lead to future problems.
Getting a fresh set of eyes can help you look beyond the surface – think of it as a comprehensive background check. That way, you can unearth damage or issues that may have gone unnoticed. This, in turn, can save you time, effort, and money, as you won’t have to redo or inspect the roof all over again.
4. Providing Concrete Evidence for Insurance Claims
If you experience a storm or extreme weather conditions, it helps to get an expert opinion. In such situations, your insurance provider may request the report from a second roofing inspector.
Having such an opinion on paper can ensure the insurer doesn’t deny your claim due to a lack of proof. Hence, a second perspective can provide hard evidence to support your insurance claim.
Still, an insurer’s assessor may undervalue the cost of repairs. As such, you can hire an independent inspector and provide a copy of their report to your insurance company so they can adjust the costs accordingly.
5. Dealing with a Dishonest Contractor
You’ve probably dealt with a contractor who promises the world but fails to deliver. Several days of nagging and phone calls later, you realize they might have made a few false promises.
Getting a second opinion can help you weed out dishonest contractors. Inspectors who offer unbiased opinions can help you identify issues the contractor may be concealing. For instance, they may use ambiguous terms in their report to gain the upper hand or discourage you from further investigation.
Trust your gut, but ask questions. Ultimately, you know your home better than anyone else. If something seems off or is too expensive, seek clarification. While at it, ensure you understand the terms of the agreement you end up signing. Above all, make the second opinion count.
