Considering a new roof and puzzled over who should do the work—In-house crews or subcontractors?
We get it. The stakes are high. Your roof isn't just an aesthetic upgrade; it's an essential part of your home's structural integrity.
For 30 years, RoofCrafters has solved this problem by offering customized roofing solutions to clients. We've got skin in the game, and we understand the gravity of making the right choice. Now we want to help you by sharing our experience.
So, in this article, we'll demystify the following for you:
- The basics of in-house crews and subcontractors.
- The pros and cons of each option.
- Quality control and accountability differences.
- How this choice could affect your insurance premiums.
- The impact on project timelines and costs.
Ready to dive in and make an informed decision? Let’s get started.
Why Inhouse Crews Are Like Family
When you go with in-house crews, think of it as "keeping it in the family." These are full-time employees of the roofing company. The company trains the installers in its protocols, techniques, and safety measures. This makes sure that everyone does the work the same way and can be responsible.
Pros:
- Direct control over quality and timelines.
- Provided continual training
- Cohesive team is familiar with company standards.
- Easier to resolve issues or discrepancies.
- Includes a company-backed warranty.
Cons:
- May be more expensive due to higher overhead costs.
- Limited to the expertise and availability of the crew.
The Freelance World of Roofing Subcontractors
Subcontractors are like freelancers in the roofing world. They work on a project-by-project basis and might service many roofing companies. Even though they have specialized skills, the main contracting company has less control over their work. When, how, and where they do the work is up to the subcontractor.
Pros:
- Potential for lower costs.
- Flexibility in specialized skills for complex projects.
- Can speed up the project timeline if the in-house crew is busy.
Cons:
- Varying levels of quality and expertise.
- Limited accountability and control.
- Warranties and problem-solving can complicate things.
- May have insurance issues if something goes wrong.
- Not invested in a company mission or purpose.
Roofing Quality Control and Accountability
Roofing companies find it easier to hold in-house crews accountable. These crews are directly employed by the company. They follow company rules, so it's easier to solve problems when they come up.
When working with subcontractors, it can be difficult to assign blame and fix issues on time. The members of the subcontractor crews often change from day to day. This can make it difficult to train and teach the crew members.
How This Choice Affects the Installation
Opting for an in-house crew can offer a seamless installation process that's managed from start to finish. These crews are important to the roofing company. They know how it operates and its safety measures. This level of cohesion not only offers peace of mind but can also streamline the installation process.
Subcontractors have specialized skills, but they could make the installation less consistent. They work on different projects and for many companies, so they may not know your contractor's installation methods well. As a result, this can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in the quality of the installation.
Timelines and Costs: What to Expect
Inhouse crews might be more expensive due to company overhead but may offer more reliable timelines. Hiring subcontractors can save money and time, but their quality may vary. Both have their places in the roofing industry.
So there you have it. The decision between a team from a company and outside workers will affect different parts of your roof job. This includes the quality, the cost, and the installation.
At RoofCrafters, we strive to provide a roofing solution that aligns with your specific needs and budget. We aim to provide you with not just a roof, but also with all the ins and outs of the roofing stuff too. That way you have a better understanding of how our industry works. We hope this information is helpful as you continue along your roofing journey. Visit our extensive learning center below for more educational roofing content.
