It doesn't matter whether you live in a row house in Baltimore city or in a big house out in the suburbs, if you own a home there's a Baltimore roof installation lingering somewhere in your future. For those Baltimoreans with roofs whose time has finally come, ServiceMagic can help give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to the costs and timelines of a roof installation in Baltimore, as well as how to find the right contractor and make sure you get the best deal you possibly can.
Baltimore Roof Installation Costs
As with any major home improvement project, it's probably best to cut to the chase and talk about what you should expect when it comes to roofing costs. As a matter of course, ServiceMagic contacts customers who've utilized our referral services in order to collect information on each and every job we're party to. It allows us to inform new customers what they should expect from any given project, and it provides a way to ensure that everyone who uses ServiceMagic gets the service they deserve. As for roofing costs in Baltimore, the numbers bring some very good news for Baltimoreans who are in need of a new roof. An average roof installation in Baltimore costs quite a bit less than in most other areas of the country, averaging just over $5,000 per job. Those costs can vary depending on your home, the size of your roof, and the roofing materials you choose, however. How much can costs vary in Baltimore and its surrounding communities? We've got jobs on record that cost as little as $2,000 and others that tipped the scales at $12,000.
Baltimore Roof Installation Timelines
Other than cost, residents of Crabtown are usually most interested in how long these jobs take. While Baltimore roof installation costs are lower than most other major urban areas in our great nation, the time it takes them to get finished takes a little bit longer. Expect to hear the pitter patter of big feet, hammers, and nail guns for the better part of a week, if not a few days more. That's good and bad news, depending on how you look at it. Compared to other major remodels and additions, roofing installations are over faster than it takes a horse to run a furlong at Pimlico. If you're stuck in the house for the full 5 days your roofer is replacing your roof, however, you're going to feel like Ironman Cal Ripken, Jr. by the time all the banging around is all said and done.
Finding a Quality Contractor and a Good Deal for a Baltimore Roof Installation
Finding the right contractor at the right price is no laughing matter when it comes to a roof installation in Baltimore. Roofers are known for high pressure tactics, inflating estimates, and outright fraud. And while the truth is that most roofers are good, trustworthy contractors, there are those out there who will take you for a ride if you let them. How do you keep yourself from becoming a victim of predatory roofing practices? Our best suggestion is a three pronged approach. First of all, always get bids from at least three contractors. That way you can compare and contrast prices, what needs to be done, and you can rule out anyone trying to drastically over or under bid the job, both of which should raise red flags faster than Brian Billick hoping to overturn a bad call. Second, ask for references and check them. Talking to former customers is the best way to get an honest take on what to expect from a roofer. If any roofer resists providing you names and numbers, best to move on to the next contractor in line. Finally, consider using a referral service like ServiceMagic to find your list of contractors. That way your contractors will have been pre-screened, their work will be guaranteed, and you'll save yourself a lot of extra research just by reading online customer reviews. Sounds like a lot of work, we know, but you'll be happy you put forth the effort when your job progresses through smoothly to completion. Still not convinced? Not to worry. There's no need to take our word for it since there's plenty of advice on roofing installation floating around from Baltimoreans themselves.
Homeowner Advice on Baltimore Roof Installation
Gathering data is an important part of quality control here at ServiceMagic, but so is the more personal side of things. As part of our post-project surveys we also ask Baltimoreans who use our services if they have any advice to pass on to others. When it comes to roof installations in Baltimore and the surrounding areas, it's clear that the advice given above rings true. Take this homeowner, for example. She writes: "I'm glad that we got several estimates before making a decision. Each time you get an estimate you learn a little more. I'd also warn the person to beware of high-pressure salespeople who try to lure you in by promising a lower price if you sign with them right away. This is shady business! Don't sign with anyone on the day that you meet them; you need time to research." Those are words echoed by just about everyone who answered our survey, including this Baltimorean who took it even further: "If you are not familiar with the reputations of roofing companies in your area, I would use the services of ServiceMagic," he writes. "When you get proposals from four different companies you get a good feel for what is the right market price for the job. Also, you get a good feel on the quality of the company by how it presents their proposal and discusses it with you. Just be sure you let them know they are bidding against others. Also, review the comments from prior users of that company in ServiceMagic." Clearly the verdict is out. If you want a good experience and a quality job done on your roofing installation, the key is to entertain multiple offers, be patient, and do your homework. If you follow that path, you'll end up with a well installed, good looking roof that is sure to protect your home in Charm city for years to come.

Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.