5 Ways To Keep Your Roof Replacement Costs Down
Homeownership has its ups and downs. While it's great owning your home without paying rent to a landlord, it also comes with many more responsibilities.
One responsibility that is often on the back burner when you become a homeowner is your roof. When you need a roof replacement it can seem like it comes out of nowhere.
The cost of a roof replacement can be high, especially when you were expecting it, but at some point, every roof has to be replaced.
So, if you live in your house long enough, it is completely unavoidable.
And the cost to replace your roof can run anywhere between $6,000 to upwards of $30,000, depending on the unique factors surrounding your roof replacement.
Prices for replacements vary widely and depend on factors like your location, the roofing materials you use, and the roofing company you hire to get the job done.
But there are a few things you can do to save money when it comes time to replace your roof.
In the article below, we will discuss a few ways to prepare for this major home renovation and save yourself a little bit of money.
When Should You Replace Your Roof?
Before you hire roofers to come to your home and replace your roof, you need to be sure it actually needs to be replaced, and you don't just need a simple roof repair.
But you should never wait too long to get it replaced, either.
Don't wait for a visible hole in your roof before you get it replaced.
Replacing it sooner rather than later can keep you from paying extra when it is time to get it replaced.
A few telltale signs that it's time for a replacement are:
Water damage or leaks
Cracked or missing shingles
Curled shingles
Missing granules
Your roof is 20+ years old
You should also pay attention to your neighbors.
If you live in a neighborhood where all the homes were built at about the same time and notice all of your neighbors replacing their roofs, it may be time to replace yours.
Also, if you plan on selling your home, it might not be in your best interest to pass along the replacement to potential buyers.
Many buyers avoid homes with aging roofs because it is an added cost that they can easily avoid by choosing another home to buy.
The best way to cut costs is to take care of it.
Routine roof inspection and preventative maintenance will go a long way.
What Does It Cost To Replace A Roof?
Roofing costs can go up and down depending on the choices you make.
Making the right choices can lead to an affordable roof replacement, or it could lead to a costly replacement.
First, the materials you choose and the type of roof you want will affect the cost.
Your shingles, underlayment, drip edge, flashing, protective coatings, etc, will all influence your cost.
Choosing the best local roofers to do your replacement may also raise your roof replacement costs, but you will save a lot of money in the long run.
An asphalt shingle roof generally costs between $3.50 and $5.00 per square foot to be installed.
When you choose higher-end products for your roofing project, like metals, tile, and slate, you could see prices anywhere from $9 to $15 a square foot.
Labor costs typically make up 40% to 50% of the cost because a lack of skilled roofers has driven up rates.
How To Keep Roof Replacement Costs Down
1. Research
Before you get started, you need to understand your roof's size and complexity and the exact materials you want to have installed before you start speaking to roofing professionals.
Knowing this will keep estimates consistent and encourage competitive pricing.
If you happen to notice the term “roofing square” while doing your research or getting estimates, know that a "roofing square” is 100 square feet of roofing material.
When you begin speaking to roofing contractors, know that installation and disposal fees should be included in your estimate.
2. Get A Free Estimate
If you've noticed a leak or things are starting to look worse for wear, you should speak to a local roofing company.
Most roofing contractors offer free estimates and will lay out a detailed report to let you know whether you need a simple repair, or if you need a replacement.
But make sure you get more than one estimate. It's good to get at least 2-3 estimates so that you know that you are getting a fair estimate.
3. Shop Around
Continuing off the point above, you should always shop around and speak to multiple roofers.
Unless you live in a very small town, there should be several options available to you.
Always check local references before hiring your local roofer as well.
Beware of extremely low bids, which typically lead to low-quality work.
You should also be sure your roofer offers a warranty on materials and installation.
And the last step you should take before hiring your roofer is to check your local building department to confirm the roofers are properly licensed and insured.
4. Check the Warranty
Do you know when the last time your roof was replaced, or if it has ever been replaced?
If it has been replaced recently, it might still be under warranty.
If you recently purchased your home, look over your closing paperwork because warranty information is usually in the fine print.
If you can't find this information, contact the previous owner or your real estate agent to see if they have it.
If your roof is under warranty, your replacement costs may be covered, so it's definitely worth looking into.
5. Will An Overlay Work?
An overlay means you install new shingles directly on top of the old ones.
This requires fewer labor hours and costs less than a complete replacement because you don't have to remove your old roof.
An overlay isn't always ideal because it could void or shorten your manufacturer's warranty on the roofing materials, and it won't work for all types of roofing materials.
Overlays also tend to increase future replacement costs since multiple layers have to be removed the next time around.
BONUS: Check Your Home Owners Insurance
Most homeowners carry a homeowner’s insurance policy on their home.
If you have homeowners insurance, your policy might cover roof damages.
If you're in the middle of storm season and high winds tear up your roof, your insurance policy may help cover some or all of your replacement.
But if your need for replacement is due to neglect, your policy probably won't cover the costs.
Speak to your insurance provider to find out how much they might be willing to cover.
Get Your Roof Replaced By A Professional
The best thing you can do to save money during a replacement, especially in the long-term, is to work with a professional roofing contractor.
You can significantly reduce your roofing costs by being a savvy consumer that does their research and has a plan to tackle your roofing problems and follow through.
But nothing beats working with your area's top roofer.
Tk Roofing and Gutters has been the trusted roofer in Northeast Ohio for over 15 years and they are ready to help you today.
Whether you need a roof repair, replacement, or help with a claim with your insurance company after a storm, the roofing specialists at TK will provide you with excellent service on time and help give you peace of mind.
When you start your search for a reliable roofer in your area, you can trust Ohio's Best Roofing Company With Your Roofing needs today.