If you’ve determined it’s time for a roof replacement, it’s probably one of two things. Either you’ve recognized that most residential roofs have a lifespan between 10 and 20 years, or you have a gaping hole that lets in the sunshine. Let’s hope it’s the former.
Roof replacement is an inevitable expense for homeowners, but your home improvement project doesn’t have to put you in debt. Consider these four ways to save money when it comes time to replace your roof.
1. Replace Your Roof Before a Crisis
Sometimes, a crisis that damages your roof is unavoidable, but a keen eye can protect it from many disasters. Trimming limbs so nothing can fall directly on your roof, for example, can extend the roof’s life. Look for other clues like cracking or curling shingles, bald spots, or missing shingles.
Look for any signs of water damage, and don’t hesitate to schedule a roof inspection. Problems can get much worse and more expensive over time.
When you plan a roof replacement before a crisis, you can schedule your work during the off-season when roofers aren’t as busy. You may be able to save money if you have the job done during the spring or late winter.
2. Understand What You’re Buying
Research will help you best understand what you’re buying, so you’re not comparing apples and oranges.
Materials
Your project estimate may include materials such as shingles, underlayment, drip edges, and flashing.
Asphalt shingles are the least expensive roofing materials, while more specialized roof materials like metal, tile, and slate can be more expensive.
Labor Costs
The cost of using skilled, experienced professionals is always worth the money. Trained craftspeople know how to remove the old roof safely and cleanly while ensuring your home is protected from the elements. They can install your new roof in a timely manner – many times within a single day.
Disposal
It costs money to remove the old roofing materials from your property, which is often part of the consideration of per-square-foot cost. Disposal costs should be part of any estimate.
3. Consult Your Homeowner Insurance Policy
If you have experienced a crisis, which can include all kinds of roof damage that haven’t been due to neglect, you should be able to tap into your homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s worth a call to see if they will pay for all or even a portion of the total roof replacement cost.
4. Compare Costs and Companies
Finally, the best thing you can do to save money on replacing a roof is to compare the quotes from a few different companies. Read reviews and talk with the company representatives to consider their range of work and their reputation for customer service. However, keep in mind that the cheapest isn’t always going to be the best.
Call Spicer Bros. Construction for a Quote on Your Roof Project
If you live on Delmarva, consider Spicer Bros. Construction for your roof replacement project. With 20+ years in business, we strive to satisfy our customers with a full range of services to get the job done right. Contact us for a quote today.
