Roofing your home can be a very expensive project. The cost to remove and dispose of your old roofing may be substantial, the work is fairly dangerous and new roofing materials can get pricey. But there are ways to save money when hiring a roofing contractor - ways that will also save your sanity and protect the structure and interior of your home.
Contact At Least Three Contractors
Always be sure to get at least three quotations from three different contractors for your roofing project. Be sure that each of them is quoting on the same details and look at them on your own, comparing side by side before you make a decision.
Look for removal charges, additional materials, any equipment rental charges and of course, details of the new roofing material. Even if each contractor is pricing out a slightly different product, be sure that they are comparable. Also pay close attention to the warranty coverage.
Why Cheapest Isn't Always Better
Although you may be tempted to jump at the cheapest quote right away, think of the big picture. If the contractor has given you a vague, incomplete quote, he will likely be charging extras once the job is in progress or worse yet, when it's complete. When in doubt, ask to have all of the details in writing so that there are no surprises later.
Also you may find that unlicensed and uninsured roofers will give you a better price. Although that may sound like a good route to take, the risks are enormous and you will end up paying much more later if an accident or other problem occurs.
The same situation applies to an inexperienced roofing contractor. Even if they do have all the proper insurance and are working on their license, a lack of experience may cause them to offer you a deal that you'll regret later when the quality falls short. Always choose contractors with an established business that can provide referrals and a list of positive testimonials.
Can DIY Roofing Help You Save Money?
You may want to try and handle part or all of a roofing job yourself in an effort to save money. While portions of this job may be possible, a quality roofing job is best done by a qualified contractor. Having someone back to repair problems later will cost you much more.
The removal or disposal of your old roofing may shave some of the cost off of your project. Ask the contractor about that option and find out how much it will cost you to dispose of the materials at your local garbage dump.
Choose Your Materials Wisely
There are certain products and methods of installation that can save you money on a roofing project. If you will only be staying in the house for a short period of time, investing in 25 year shingles may not be necessary. Choose brands with a 15 year warranty - you should save money on the materials, although the labor portion will remain the same.
Also, some metal sheet roofing products can be installed directly over your existing shingles, saving money on removal and disposal. Although these products may cost more initially, with this amount of savings and the long life of the product, metal roofing is a choice that will save you money over time.
By choosing a reputable, licensed and insured contractor you will protect yourself from additional costs for repairs and accidents. By making sure that all details are clearly stated in a written contract surprise costs are eliminated and by doing some of work yourself, even more money can remain in your pocket. Finally, the products and installation method you choose can keep the cost of your roofing project even lower.
Posted by: TrustedPros