3 Things to Consider Before Fixing Your Roof

During my home renovation there were only two jobs I hired out. Some might call me nuts but when it comes to do it yourself I really am loathe to EVER call anyone to work on my home. But, even for me, every great now and again, my safety (and sometimes sanity) simply comes first. Number one was putting new shingles on Grandma’s House. The second floor is more known as a “half floor” where the roof is built damned near vertical. I don’t mind roof work but that was too much even for me!

(The following is a contributed article.)

One of the most important parts of a home is the roof. It not only protects the inside of the home from the elements, but it also can improve the curb appeal and add value to a home. For these reasons, it is important to make sure your roof is in good shape.

Replacing a roof can be a big investment, and prices can vary wildly. A Phoenix roofing company may have better pricing than one in Florida or vice versa simply because the costs of labor and materials can vary across different regions.

However, there are some key considerations that pertain to any roofing situation, no matter where you are. Before blindly deciding to replace a roof, you should consider the following 3 factors.

1. Determine Why Your Roof Should Be Replaced

There are many reasons why you may wish to replace your roof, and these reasons can impact the overall cost of getting the job done.  

If a roof has been damaged from a storm or there are shingles missing, then you may not need to replace the entire thing.  On the other hand, roofs don’t last forever, and it may be time for an entire overhaul.

If you are thinking about selling your home, then you may want to replace the roof completely because of the value it can add to your home.  Before doing so, you should consider speaking with some real estate agents to determine if this is a good idea. This way, you can get a feel for the increase in value that it can bring.  

No matter the reason, knowing why you wish to have your roof worked on will help you figure out a tentative budget for the job.

2. Shop Around

Repairing or replacing a roof can be a big expense, and you’ll probably receive varying estimates depending on the company. Before deciding to get your roof worked on, you should have a couple reputable companies take a look and give you an estimate.    

However, as a precaution, don’t pick the roofer solely based on the estimate. Many roofing companies keep their prices low by employing workers without proper training, so they can pay them less. 

A new roof can run between $10,000-$20,000 with the average cost nationwide being around $12,000.  Getting several estimates will enable you to pick a roofing company that will do a great job and keep the cost at a level you can live with.

It also helps to get references from friends and neighbors who have recently fixed their roof since they may be able to point you towards a good company.

3. Look into the Paperwork Required

Even for a job that can be completed fairly quickly, usually no more than a week, fixing a roof can involve quite a bit of paperwork.  This is because it is a costly repair with several liability issues.  There are three items that you must have before starting with this type of job:

• Permit
• Written contract
• Proof of liability insurance  

Every municipality will have their own building codes, so getting a permit is a must.  It is also important because many warranties will be void if a permit wasn’t obtained.

Secondly you will need to have a written contract detailing the cost, the materials used and all the specific details you and the roofing company agree upon.  

Lastly you should get a letter from the roofer’s insurance company showing that the job is covered under the roofer’s insurance liability and compensation plan.  This will keep you from being liable in case someone gets hurt on the job.

Fixing your roof is a major decision that can involve a lot of money.  Knowing why you want to fix your roof, finding the best company for the job, and making sure you have all the proper paperwork will help reduce the stress that can occur when deciding to make this type of major home repair. 

Once these steps are taken, you can relax knowing that you have increased the value and appearance of your home.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)