Last year (2008), was a very eratic year for roofing material.   With fuel prices skyrocketing, we saw price increases coming through from our suppliers every 3 to 4 weeks.

Well, the fun has started again.   We have already been notified that there will be a significant increase in compostion roofing materials (8-11%) by some of our local suppliers as of March 31st.   Chances are that if fuel prices start their typical upward movement as summer nears, the upward spiral in roofing materials will follow.

What does this mean to the typical Portland homeowner who may be in the market for a new roof?

Several things.   Much will depend on whom you are dealing with.

If you are dealing with one of the less reputatable, fly by night, “guy with a pickup and ladder” type of roofers, you can count on getting pressured into an immediate, rushed decision as a result of this market condition.    Other companies might build expected future price increases into there bids, whether or not prices have actually gone up yet.   In a spiraling cost scenario, it is very hard for the consumer to keep track of where underlying material prices are going.

At All Surface, we prefer to partner with our future roofing customers.   We believe that clear communication is always the best way to approach such a situation.   We will try our best to keep you informed of pending changes and how they may affect your estimate.   Additionally, we are willing to work with you to secure a fixed price on a project even if you are not ready to move forward with it for a few weeks.   This can help remove the much stress out of the situation.   Who wants to head into a new project already completely stressed out from the estimate process?   We will try our best to transition you from a smooth, calm and rational estimate process to a smooth, seamless and satisfying work process.   After all, that’s our job!

Tags: composition, hiring a contractor, new roof, portland oregon, re-roof, replace roof, roof contractor, roof installation, roof replacement, roofer, roofing, shingles