Homeowners scheduling a roof inspection for the first time usually have the same underlying question. Is this contractor going to look at the roof honestly, or is the inspection just the opening move in a sales pitch? J Bretz, who founded Excel Roofing in 1993, recorded a short introduction to answer that question directly. His position is unambiguous. Excel Roofing never tries to sell anyone something they do not need.
What follows is a walkthrough of what actually happens during an Excel Roofing inspection, the outcomes a homeowner can expect, and where the company stands on the question it gets asked most often, which is whether to file an insurance claim.
A company built on one standard
J Bretz founded Excel Roofing in 1993, more than three decades ago, with a specific goal: to build the best roofing company in Colorado and Wyoming. Since that time, the company has served over 55,000 customers across both states.
Every one of those projects has been measured against the same company mission statement. Excel Roofing treats its customers the same way it wants to be treated. That standard is what governs how an inspection is conducted and what a homeowner is told afterward.
What happens when Excel Roofing arrives
The inspection begins at the front door. An Excel Roofing team member rings the doorbell and lets the homeowner know they have arrived, rather than simply appearing on the roof unannounced.
From there, the inspection covers the overall condition of the roof along with all of the flashings and the other components of the roof system. Flashings are the metal transitions at chimneys, walls, valleys, and penetrations, and they are a frequent source of leaks even on roofs where the shingles themselves are still in good condition. A roof inspection that only looks at shingle wear is an incomplete inspection.
The possible outcomes of an inspection
There are three honest conclusions an inspection can reach, and Excel Roofing reports whichever one applies.
- The roof is in good shape and needs nothing. If that is the finding, that is what the homeowner is told. No repair is invented to justify the visit.
- There are areas of concern that need to be addressed. Excel Roofing documents those areas and provides a written price to fix the specific items identified.
- The roof is nearing the end of its service life. In that case the homeowner receives a written bid so the actual cost of a new roof is a known number rather than a guess.
There is also a fourth situation worth planning for. Homeowners who need a full documented report for a real estate transaction should tell their project manager before the inspection, and Excel Roofing will produce it.
Why every replacement bid comes as good, better, best
When a roof does need to be replaced, Excel Roofing always quotes the project three ways. A good option, a better option, and a best option.
The reason is straightforward. A single price forces a yes or no decision without any context. Three priced options let a homeowner see what the range actually looks like, understand what the additional money buys at each tier, and choose the level that fits the budget. The decision stays with the homeowner rather than with the contractor.
The $500 repair credit
Sometimes a roof needs replacing and the timing simply does not work financially. Excel Roofing built a policy for that situation.
If finances dictate that a repair is the only workable option, Excel Roofing will perform the repair and then credit the cost of that repair, up to $500, toward the purchase of a new roof in the future. A homeowner who has to buy time is not penalized for it.
Should a homeowner file an insurance claim?
This is the question Excel Roofing is asked most frequently. Can a homeowner file an insurance claim and have the insurance company pay for a new roof?
The answer depends entirely on the damage. When Excel Roofing finds enough damage to justify an insurance claim, the company recommends filing one. When there is not sufficient damage to result in a payout, Excel Roofing will not advise filing.
That distinction matters more than most homeowners realize. Many roofing companies tell every single customer to file a claim. In J Bretz’s words, this is bad advice. A claim should only be filed when the homeowner is confident a payout is coming.
How Excel Roofing operates differently
A few company practices set Excel Roofing apart from most other roofing contractors.
- No money up front. Excel Roofing does not ask for payment before the work is done.
- No hidden cancellation fees. There are no cancellation charges buried in the fine print of the contract.
- A porta potty on site. On full roof jobs, Excel Roofing brings a custom porta potty trailer to the job site. J Bretz is not aware of any other residential roofing contractor in Colorado or Wyoming that does this. The reason is respect, both for the homeowner and for the crew, who deserve a bathroom on site.
Scheduling an inspection
Homeowners can call the Denver Metro office at (303) 761-6400 or use the online scheduler to pick the day and time that works best. Excel Roofing also operates offices in Colorado Springs, Sheridan, and Casper.
For homeowners who want to understand roofing materials, costs, and the claims process before an inspector ever arrives, the Excel Roofing Learning Center holds a library of articles and videos on the subject.
Questions can also go directly to the founder. J Bretz can be reached by email at j@excelroofing.com.
Frequently asked questions
What does an Excel Roofing roof inspection cover?
The inspection covers the overall condition of the roof along with all of the flashings and the other components of the roof system, not just the shingles. Findings are documented in writing.
What happens if the roof does not need any work?
Excel Roofing tells the homeowner the roof is in good shape. The company does not recommend work that is not needed.
Can Excel Roofing provide a roof report for a real estate transaction?
Yes. Homeowners who need a full documented report for a real estate transaction should let their project manager know, and Excel Roofing will prepare it.
What is a good, better, best roofing quote?
It is a bid presented at three price tiers rather than one. The homeowner sees the full range of options and can choose the level that fits the budget.
How does the $500 repair credit work?
If finances dictate that a repair is the only option, Excel Roofing performs the repair and credits the cost of that repair, up to $500, toward a future roof replacement.
Should a homeowner file an insurance claim for roof damage?
Only when there is enough damage to justify a payout. Excel Roofing recommends filing when the damage supports a claim and advises against filing when it does not.
Does Excel Roofing require money up front?
No. Excel Roofing does not ask for money up front and does not hide cancellation fees in the fine print of its contracts.
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