Considering installing a new roof on your home? Re-roofing your home is always a pretty big project, and one of the key considerations in your decision is sure to be the cost. And while there is no getting around the fact that it will require a sizable investment, there are some ways that you can control the costs.
1. Understanding Roof Installation Costs
The first step is breaking down the three categories of costs that are involved in a roofing project.
Materials: When it comes to materials, you have to consider not just the roofing shingles, but all the other materials that go into a roofing project. When you build a roof onto a new home, you need to install roof decking, an underlayment, flashing, a drip edge, water and ice shields, pipe boots, vents, and the roofing shingles (including ridge caps). When you re-roof, the hope is that you do not need to repair or replace any decking, underlayment, or flashing, but you will have to replace all the other items. Depending on the state and size of your roof, as well as the number of vents, chimneys, or other protrusions, that can add up to a lot of material.
But don’t despair. There is a wide variety of materials out there, and they fall in a broad spectrum of price ranges. The general rule is that the cheaper the materials, the shorter their lifespan. Under the circumstances, it pays to compare the prices as well as the lifespan of the materials to get a compromise you are happy with. If keeping your budget down is the primary consideration, don’t just pick cheap for cheap’s sake: you still need your roof to keep the weather out.
Labor: Roofing may seem like a pretty rough job, but don’t kid yourself: it takes know-how and skill. Roofers need to take off your old roof without making a mess or damaging anything, they need to be able to accurately assess whether you need to replace any decking, underlayment, or flashing, and they need to install your new roof properly. You also need trustworthy and insured workers. While it may cost more to get trustworthy and insured labor, you have to calculate what it might cost you in trouble if you don’t.
Disposal: Something has to be done with the old material once your existing roof is removed. If you know how to deal with it, you could opt to do this part yourself to save money, but don’t assume it will be free. You will have to get rid of a lot of materials, and you need to make sure you get the right disposal set-up and pay fees for dumpster rental and hauling. Do your homework, but find out if it will actually be cheaper–and much less hassle–to let your roofing contractors take care of it.
2. Time Things Right and Budget For the Job
Roofers tend to be in high demand during the summer and fall. If your roofing project can wait until the late winter or early spring, and if you are able to be flexible on the exact starting date, it might be worth asking if discounts are available.
You’ll also save money if you budget and use your savings instead of putting the whole thing on a credit card or getting a loan. Unless you’re facing a genuine emergency, you probably have some time. Contact a roofer and get an estimate, then start putting aside some money every week or month until you have a good chunk saved up. By paying in cash, you could avoid hundreds of dollars in interest fees. If you have savings, remember that this is exactly the kind of thing that savings are for!
3. Check With Insurance
Why do you need to replace your roof? If you’re doing it because a storm caused some damage, for example, your insurer might pay for at least part of the replacement costs. It all depends on your coverage and the precise nature of the problem, so get in touch with your insurer before you start. At Precision Gutters & Roofing, we strive to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your project and that everything is done to the highest possible standard. Contact us at Precision Gutters & Roofing now to get an estimate and get started.