A new roof is an expensive investment. Many homeowners put off installing a new roof because the cost can be intimidating.
However, there are ways to keep the price reasonable without having to resort to drastic measures. Doing some research can help you get the best price on a quality new roof installation.
Check Your Paperwork
If you’ve recently purchased your home, the roof may be under warranty. It’s possible that this is in the paperwork from your purchase, but if it isn’t, review the repair records or try to get in touch with the sellers. If there have been any storms that could have damaged your roof, it’s worth calling your homeowner’s insurance company to see if any of the roof replacement will be covered. While insurance policies won’t cover roof replacement due to age, they will usually cover any damage that could be from a storm.
Get an Inspection
When a roofing contractor who wants your business inspects your roof during the estimate, his ultimate goal is to do the replacement. While most roofing contractors are honest, there are some who may insist you need expensive work done. A roof inspector can give you an unbiased assessment of your roof and it’s condition. Because they aren’t trying to sell you anything, they will only look at what you need. An inspector may find that all your need is a repair, or they may find that you need a whole roof replacement, but have no underlying issues. If they do find issues that will require more work, you will know that before a roofing contractor comes to give you an estimate, so you will be better prepared.
Get Multiple Quotes for Your New Roof
You should meet with at least three roofing companies to have three estimates to compare. Let the roofing contractors know that you are getting multiple estimates – they’ll typically expect that – and that you are interested in their best deal. The price is only part of choosing the right roofing contractor. An estimate that comes in considerably lower should be looked at with extremely critical eyes. However, by letting the contractors know that you are getting multiple quotes, they will know that you are doing your research.
Research Your Financing Options
Most homeowners will need to finance a new roof in some way, and there are options that are better than others. Your roofing contractor may offer financing options, you may be able to take out a home equity loan, or you may be eligible for an FHA Title 1 loan. If you don’t have the cash to pay for a new roof, it’s not really a great idea to put it on the credit card. Leave yourself time to research the financing options, and you can find a deal that is right for you.
Time Your New Roof Right
If you wait until your roof has a significant problem, you will have to rush the process and may end up paying more than you should for speed. While some immediate repairs, such as those due to storm damage, can’t be helped, you should not put yourself in the position of having to make a quick decision about who will do the work.
Assuming you don’t need your repairs done immediately, it’s possible to save some money by waiting until the off season, when the roofing industry is slow. If you need your new roof during peak season, you may end up waiting for your work to start. By delaying the project until the fall, a roofing contractor will be glad for the business and you may be able to get a discount.
Putting off a new roof due to cost isn’t a smart move. Most of the time waiting will end up costing you more in repairs. A quality roof installation will never be cheap, but with planning and research, you can save money and still make a good investment in your home. Contact Armorvue Home Exteriors today for a virtual appointment to discuss for a new roof on your home.
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