One could convincingly argue that your roof is the most important part of your home. Unfortunately, nobody enjoys their roof when it’s time for a roof replacement because it could cost $8,000 – $24,000. Before spending this money, there are a few things you’ll want to know so you can rest assured that the work is done correctly.
Take Some Time to Shop Around
Some roofers don’t worry about customer satisfaction because roof replacement isn’t a repeat business – more likely a once in a lifetime investment. This is also why some will hire low-wage workers so they can offer you a low price and make more money by having more business. All these things should serve as reminders for you to shop around so you can be careful whom you hire. Make sure you collect references for the roofer – both online and off.
Make Sure to Remove Your Old Roof
You can save money on a roof replacement by installing a layer of asphalt shingles over an old one, but this only works if you have just a single layer in place. There is a drawback here in that your roofer won’t be able to inspect and repair any decking or flashing. When you’re dealing with something besides asphalt or you can see the original wood shingles you must tear everything off and install new plywood decking. This could cost as much as $5,000 or more.
Be Willing to Invest Money now to Save Money Later
Since you’re paying for a roof replacement already, you should opt for top of the line products (e.g. shingles that’ll last for 50 years and have an architectural look, copper flashing). This won’t only give you peace of mind, it’ll also work in your favor when the time comes for you to sell your home.
Watch Your Paperwork
A roof replacement should only take about two to five days depending on the size of your roof and the style you opt for. However, there’s a lot of liability and money involved here. This is why you’re required to have the following documentation before work can begin:
- A building permit: This helps ensure that your contractor is following the building code. Without this permit, any warranty is more than likely void.
- A written contract: Make sure this includes everything you’ve agreed to (e.g. details, products to be used, costs).
Never pay Until the Mess is Cleaned Up
When your old roofing is torn off, there will be thousands of nails that’ll land on your grass, mulch, and driveway. Fortunately, your contractor will have a tool that they can use to easily clean all these nails up. It’s a giant magnet on wheels that they can walk across your entire property to pick up any and all nails so they don’t cause injuries or flat tires – other added expenses that you simply don’t need. Unfortunately, sometimes contractors will “forget” to bring this to the job site with them. You can tell them that you’re withholding the final payment until this clean-up process commences.
Leave the Work to an Expert
A roof replacement is something you should honestly let an expert handle. One such expert whom you can trust to handle this job for you is Avatar Roofing. Unlike some of the fly by night companies that have come and gone, they’ve been in business for many years now. You can check out their work and hear from some of their highly satisfied customers. In doing so, you’ll realize they really are the best company for your job.