Roofs help protect you against the elements and lower your energy bills. However, their repair or replacement can be expensive when they become damaged or are approaching the end of their useful life. But with careful preparation, your project can meet your financial needs.
The success of your roofing project majorly focuses on setting a realistic budget. However, this will mean that you’ll need to work with a reputable roofer to help you come up with an estimate and ensure your task is completed to the right standard. Check out these few budgeting ideas to help you save on your roofing project.
1. Schedule an Inspection
Before starting your roofing project, contact a roofing expert to inspect the extent of damage on your roof. A professional inspection is crucial, as it helps you know the scope of work and the man hours you might require. But before calling a roofer for inspection, get estimates from at least five such contractors.
Don’t always go for companies because of their low pricing. Instead, focus on experienced roofers who’re properly insured and licensed and offer competitive prices. You should also find out whether they have good relationships with material suppliers, which will help you get great discounts on your roofing material.
Remember that when you find the right expert, they’ll advise whether you need roof repairs or replacement. Usually, they will request that you replace your roof if it has significant damage. Roof replacement is beneficial over repairs because, according to Forbes, it can help increase your home’s value by approximately 60% when it’s on sale.
2. Find the Right Material for Your Needs
When planning for a roofing project, the material to use should be top of your priority. However, you should find a material choice that is best for your budget. During your roofing material selection, consider its suitability to your local climate. If you reside in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions like snow, heavy rain, or wind, go for materials that can withstand such elements.
A roof’s energy efficiency should be one of your concerns when selecting a durable roof. Metal roofs are an excellent pick for roofs with such properties due to their reflective coating. In fact, according to State Farm, metal roofing with a reflecting layer can help reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.
Regardless of the material you wish to use, you should work with a reputable contractor to help you pick one that best fits your budget. Get a quote from different roofers and compare their offers, which will help you get the best deal.
3. Consider Having a Budget
Unless you plan to start your roofing project immediately, plan to request estimates from different contractors, so that you can potentially save money. Ideally, you should consider setting aside 1% of your home’s value as a down payment to help cover for your roof repair costs. If your home has a lot of maintenance needs, you might want to consider scaling your savings up to 2%. According to the Roofers Guild, most roof repair jobs cost $985 on average. So, your chosen percentage should help you reach this target as quickly as possible.
If you have an older roof with a few years left before needing a replacement, set aside some cash every year to help cover the eventual cost. It should be at least 5% of the total cost of replacement every month for the years it will take to complete your project. Besides covering the construction cost, this percentage of savings will also cover the inflation costs over the years.
Taking care of your roof repairs is crucial, as it helps protect your home’s interior and keep it energy efficient. With a proper plan, your project cost will remain manageable. The tips to budget for your roofing project mentioned above can help you make huge savings down the road.
