new roof: getting the right contractor?

I need a new roof and have had one estimate. I am trying to get 2 other estimates before choosing the right one. I have about 3,500sqft of roofing to replace.

Anything I should think of? Ask the contractors?

The only one who came was very courteous, prompt, took the time to explain everything in detail, showing me pictures of each step his workers are going to take, explaining what materials they are going to use. He quoted me:

1) remove and haul away two old roofs.
2) inspect and replace damage roof deck @ $2.50/linear foot.
3) fasten new 1/2'' plywood.
4) one layer of 30lb felt underlayment, two layers in all valleys.
5) install baked enamel two way metal w/drip edge to perimeter.
6) starter course to eaves.
7) class A fire rated fiberglass shingles, 40year warranty.
8) rapid ridge.
9) new flashing on all pipes and vents, chimney, painted to match.
10) clean up.

He offers 5 years guarantee on labor and materials. The quote is $9,155.00. In Los Angeles, California. For another $500 I can get 50years shingles: worth it?
He also told me it's a 4 day job with 4 men.

Does that sound about right? Anything I might have overlooked?

I found this guy in the yellow pages, where I found the others that are going to come over for a free estimate. Any better idea to find a roofer? Anyone knows a quality roofer in North Hollywood?

I welcome any and all tips and suggestions! Thanks!

 

Prices vary alot from region to region-cant help there.
your quote looks good in filled with details.
ADD who gets the permits sets up the inspections who is to be there when the inspector shows?
Ask for copies of the certficate of insurance (work mans comp. property damage etc.) Do they have insurance if the company goes out of business next year(that way you can go after the insurance company if needed should the roofing company fail)
Does the bid include insulation replacement?
Spell out what do they mean $2.50 ln ft inspection (that sounds confusing to me).
Baked enamal two way metal??? Drip edge going IN TO the rain gutter with enough of a lip to keep water from backing over on to the house.

YOU ARE THE BOSS they are only a sub contractor. Call dozens of roofers and tell them if they want to BID on the job they must show up when it's good for you (say Saturday between 10 and 2) have them all show up durring that one time, no exceptions. they should have references of LOCAL work that you can contact (does'nt matter if you really check but they should know you might as well as check with your better business people and zoning office)
Have in laymans terms a "whats expected" list and give it to each bidder.
$9,000. is a good size job for any roofer. And lastly ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO LIVE THERE 40 OR 50 YEARS? I hope I did'nt ramble too much, but thats what I did durrirng my rehab project.

 

I wish. I have already contacted about 20 roofing companies. Most never called me back, some called back saying they're overbooked, and 2 called me back asking to wait about 1 to 2 weeks to have someone come over and give me a free estimate. I've had one already, waiting for the other one to call back.

I don't feel like they need my business to survive.

 

Your bid sounds real good, and the price is right in the area it should be. I would probably be a little higher but not much. the only question I have is "are they at least 256 lb shingles" I owuld not go with the 50 year shingle unless you are in a high wind area. A 50 year shingle is heavier. 260 lb usually. I would probably go with this guy if he feels good to you. One good sign is that he does put a warrenty on his work. Most do not. You get the building permit, not him. Good Luck

 

Thanks a lot. That's reassuring! I have scheduled a couple more estimates anyway, so we'll see. If they're kinda equal, I'll go with this one, just because he was the first to answer my calls and the fastest to be here!