As one of the most vital parts of your home, the roof helps keep your family safe from the wrath of Mother Earth. Yet like anything else, your roof won’t last forever. After decades of shielding you against the sun, rain, snow, and other outdoor elements, your roof will eventually surrender and need replacement.
Roof replacement can be costly. Statistics show that the average cost of replacing your roof is about USD$8,000, with homeowners spending in the range between USD$5,500 and USD$11,000.
If that doesn’t sound wallet-friendly, we’re sharing several tips on how to save a few bucks on your residential roof replacement.
Choose The Right Contractor
One of the most crucial decisions you need to make when replacing your roof is finding the right roofing contractors. Choosing the right contractor from the start can ensure that the job gets done well the first time. It also helps prevent endless repairs and modifications that will cost you more money throughout the process.
So, before you sign the contract, gather the necessary information. Check for experience and track record in doing quality work. Ask for references who can provide insights into how the company works.
Even if you want to save money, be cautious of extremely cheap prices, which could mean subpar work. Moreover, ensure you check if they offer a warranty on their materials and output. Verify with your local building department and confirm if the roofing company you’re considering is insured and licensed.
Lastly, you want to hire a local roofing company. Some roofing companies may charge extra fees if they travel far to service your home. Thus, try to choose a company closer to home to help save money on unnecessary charges.
Plan The Project
Once you find the right roofing contractor, plan the project with them. Be sure to understand the complexity and size of your roof and know the exact roofing materials you want. These details help keep estimates and exact requirements in the contract accurate and consistent.
With thorough planning, you can save time and money by preventing any misunderstanding along the way. It also eliminates the extra cost that would otherwise occur if you want to remove, replace, and get new work materials.
More importantly, having a clear plan allows you to compare the final complete work with the original installation recommendations and requirements.
Don’t Use Cheap Materials
You must spend more to save more. This may be contradictory, but if you want to save money on your roofing replacement, you want to purchase the best materials possible. This is because bargaining with the materials used can backfire eventually.
You may be paying less on cheap roof material, but it may not be able to last its average life span and may require frequent repair and replacement sooner. You can ensure that your roof will give you decades of service and protection by paying a bit more for quality materials.
Replace It During The Off-Season
Another way to help save some money on your roof replacement project is to time it right. Ideally, you want the work done during the off-season.
In general, roofing companies are busiest during summer and early fall. However, business is slower during late fall and winter or early spring. Hence, scheduling your roof replacement during these times can help you gain lower prices or take advantage of off-season discounts.
Take note, however, that these times can have unfavorable weather. So, make sure to inquire about how long the company thinks it will take to finish the project.
Check Your Warranty And Insurance
Typically, most homeowners’ insurance policies may cover roof repair and replacement as long as it’s not due to negligent acts such as lack of maintenance.
Therefore, if you need roof replacement because a storm damages it, your insurance provider can pay for a part of the whole expense. So, always check with your insurance provider on what warrants a roof insurance claim and how much you can get.
Similarly, your roof may still have warranty coverage. Always check your warranty, what it covers, and the applicable conditions because this act could spare you some more.
Takeaway
Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibility and expenses, including replacing some components in your home, like your roof, which is one of the most expensive and time-consuming components you’ll need to replace.
If your roof reaches its average life span or is worn out already, ensure you follow the tips discussed here to help you reduce the high cost of replacing them.
