Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

Replacing a roof is often an expensive endeavor and is an investment in your home. When it comes to staying within your budget when replacing your roof, there are a few things you can do to ensure you don't overspend.

#1: Take Your Time With the Planning Stage

Take your time with the planning stage. In the planning stage, you should research different roofing materials for your home. The materials you consider should be based on the style of your home as well as the area where you live.

Find out what different materials cost and research price differences within materials. For example, asphalt shingles are often considered the most affordable roofing material, however, there is a lot of price variety based on the quality and style of asphalt shingles that you choose. Taking your time researching materials and color options will allow you to have a solid idea of what type of roofing material could fit within your budget.

#2: Get Multiple Quotes

Second, get quotes from multiple roofing companies. Don't feel bad that you are contacting multiple roofing companies and asking them to look at your roof and provide you with a quote; this is a part of doing business in the roofing industry and roofers understand that.

Ask each roofing contractor to provide you with a detailed quote that provides information on the exact materials they would use to replace your roof and precise labor costs. When you compare quotes, don't just look at the cost. Look at the material type, labor time, and warranty that each company offers so you can find the one that really gives you the best value.

#3: Don't Change Your Mind Once the Project Starts

Work with your roofing contractor to decide on all the elements of the job before you get started. Deciding you want to change out the gutters as well once the project is already underway is a great way to that the project costs rise.

Agreeing to the materials and everything that you want to be done to your roof will allow the contractor to get the best pricing on the materials and will allow the contractor to plan out the labor on the roof in the most efficient manner. Making changes once the project is underway can increase your labor costs and cause the contractor to go with the material that they can get instead of the most affordable or highest quality material.

#4: Build Emergency Funds into Your Budget

Finally, as you create your budget for your roof, be sure to set aside around ten to twenty percent of the money that you have for the project for emergency costs. That means you want the quote for your project to only represent 80–90% of your total budget for the project. That way, if they discover that they need to replace a vent, or that they have to replace extra roof decking, you can afford those costs without going over your budget. If no emergency costs arise, you will be able to complete the project under budget.

To learn more about completing a residential roof replacement, contact local roofers.