Roof replacement is a big investment. When you are faced with the prospect of spending thousands of dollars for a residential roofing project, you may want to see if there are ways to save. When looking at a roof replacement, you need to make sure the job is done well, or you may end up spending more money to correct problems later. However, there are ways to save without skimping on quality.
Get Multiple Quotes from Roofing Contractors
One of the best ways to save money on your new roof is to get multiple quotes and meet with more than one roofing contractor. Think of getting your estimates as interviews for a roofing contractor. It’s important to make sure that all the roofing contractors you speak with are licensed and insured, are able to speak to you about warranties for materials and installation, and can provide references. When you get your estimates, be wary of any bids that seem extremely low. Bids that seem too good to be true usually come with subpar work, materials, or even “surprise” costs that didn’t make it into the estimate. But multiple bids from reputable roofing contractors can give you some control in how much you will spend.
Pick the Right Time
Late summer and fall are prime times for roof replacement. If you can time your project right, you may be able to get an off-season discount when your roofing contractor has a lull in their schedule. Late winter or early spring can be a good time to get a deal.
Talk to Your Insurance Company
Your homeowners insurance won’t pick up the tab for a complete roof replacement due to age. But if there is any damage due to storms, you may be able to get part of the replacement covered. The damage doesn’t need to be catastrophic. Loose shingles is all that may be needed to get some coverage. With such a big expense, it’s worth calling your insurance to see if there is any chance of coverage.
Do Your Research on Residential Roofing
Roofing costs break down into three major categories: materials, labor, and disposal. Materials include the shingles, the underlay, flashing, and anything else you need. Labor is the time spent by workers doing the actual job, and disposal includes recycling or disposing of the removed roofing materials. When you get your estimate, it should be broken down in a way where you understand how the money is allocated. When you get your estimate, rather than looking at the bottom line, do your research to understand the components. There is a good deal of variety in the cost of roofing materials and understanding the pros and cons of each – before you are given your estimate – may help you make a decision as to which materials you’d like your roofing contractor to quote you on.
Labor is usually about half the estimate, and this is where you don’t want to skimp. You may get a slight deal by doing your residential roof replacement in the off season, but if one quote is significantly less than the others in labor, it may be a red flag that their workers are inexperienced, or that they won’t be doing a thorough job. If you understand what you’re looking at in your estimate, you’ll know where you can bargain.
While saving money is never a bad thing, skimping on quality when it comes to your roof is. Get multiple bids, schedule your roof replacement in the off season, and do your homework on materials. When it comes to roofing, doing the job right is well worth the expense, and with Armorvue Home Exteriors you are getting experience, high quality material options, and a dependable company that stands behind their reputation. Contact us for a virtual appointment today!
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