Roof replacement is one of the most expensive and dreaded home improvement projects that homeowners have to undertake at some point. From roofing materials and labor to services provided by roof replacement companies, nothing is cheap. But sometimes, roof replacement becomes inevitable. However, homeowners in need of a new roof can receive a high-quality job while still saving some money.
Roofing is an upgrade to revamps a home’s appearance and keep the family and belongings protected from the threats that the outdoor environment poses. Here are few cost-saving tips that can help homeowners reduce the overall cost and get the best residential roof replacement deal:
Stay prepared
Preparation is vital for any job. Homeowners know the lifespan of their roofs, and regular inspections can alert them in advance about the roof replacement needs. It gives people enough time to plan and budget their roofs well ahead of time and avoid any surprise expenses.
Do the research
Homeowners should do their homework before contacting roofing companies. They should understand the different aspects of their roof, like size and existing materials. Doing research can help determine which roofing materials or roofing style will work best for the home. Staying clear about the requirements helps communicate easily with the roofer and work according to the defined budget.
Time it correctly
Timing is the key to save significantly on roof replacement. Late summer and early fall are the busiest for roofers. The material and labor cost skyrocket due to the rise in demand, and the project may also take longer than usual to complete. If the roof does not require emergency replacement, consider scheduling the project during winter or spring when the roofers are in lower demand and prices are also down. Roofing contractors also offer great offers and discounts during the off-season to help homeowners save some bucks.
Timing also includes not waiting till the roof fails to replace it. Early roof replacement can help save the money required to fix severe damages and expensive emergency repairs and replacements.
Contact the insurance company
Most home insurance policies cover roof damages caused by factors other than neglect, like hailstorms, hurricanes, or high winds. If the roof requires replacement due to damages caused by weather elements, the policy will most likely cover some or all of the replacement cost. It is good to have a word with the insurance company before the roofing contractor to determine what the policy covers and file the claim accordingly. In such an instance, homeowners save money as they do not have to pay the entire cost out of their pocket.
Shop around
No two roofing companies are the same. The prices, service type, and service quality differ from roofer to roofer. Ask for quotes from several roofing companies and avoid falling for the lowest bid. Low prices may mean subpar work. Do not forget to ask for the warranty they offer on installation and materials. Compare prices and services of different companies and choose a company that provides quality services at affordable costs. Hiring a licensed and insured roofer always pays off as they ensure superior installation, minimize chances of errors, and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
Consider overlay
Overlay involves installing a new roof over the existing one. It helps create a sturdy roof and takes up less time and labor for replacement, saving homeowners money. However, an overlay is not suitable for every roof. Therefore, it is better to schedule a roof inspection by the roofing contractor to determine if the current roof structure can take the extra weight. Overlay can also shorten or void the manufacturer warranty and add to replacement costs in the future as the roofers will have to remove multiple layers of roofing material to install a new roof.
Think long-term
It may tempt homeowners to buy cheap materials or choose inexperienced roofers to save money. However, it may cost more when the roof breaks down prematurely. Though the upfront cost of using high-quality materials and licensed roofers is high, it saves money ultimately in the longer run.
Selecting an energy-efficient roofing system, reusing some of the existing roofing material, watching out for occasional coupons, offers, discounts, and handling some of the prep work yourself can also save money while replacing the roof.
A roof replacement does cost a significant amount of money, but the above tips can help make the project more affordable. However, it is essential to keep in mind never to compromise the roof quality to save money.