Getting a new roof installed is one of the most expensive home maintenance tasks most homeowners will have to deal with, and if you aren’t careful, you can end up needlessly spending thousands of dollars more than you need to.
So, how can you save money on your roofing project? And is there any way to bring costs down without compromising the work and putting your home in danger?
The good news is that it is possible to be economical about re-roofing without cutting any corners. These four tips can help you get started.
1. Do Your Homework
If you’ve never replaced a roof before, the first thing you need to do is start researching how it works. A roof is a complex system, but the Internet provides plenty of resources that can help you orient yourself to the main features you’ll want to pay attention to.
Specifically, you should address the following questions:
- What materials — shingles, roofing membranes, metal roofing — does your current roof incorporate?
- What is the pitch of the roof?
- What is the square footage?
- How long since the roof was replaced?
- What type of ventilation does it use?
Finding answers to these questions will help you get a better sense for how much you should be paying, and will give you a chance to weigh the pros and cons of an upgrade.
2. Don’t Delay Repairs
If you live in a city like Toronto, where winters are cold and autumns and springs are rainy, the roofing season is pretty short. Putting off repairs until next summer can seem like a reasonable thing to do.
But if your roof is showing signs of wear, it is imperative that you call roof repair services in Toronto immediately — delaying for a year can cause rot, mould, and leaks, leading to serious damage and much higher costs.
3. Shop Around
As with any major maintenance job, it’s a good idea to get quotes from a range of different companies.
Reputable Toronto roofers will usually be happy to give you a breakdown of how much the materials and labor should cost, and this can help you make a smart and informed decision.
4. Check Your Warranty and Contact Your Insurance Provider
Most roofs have two types of warranty: the first covers the materials themselves, and the second covers the installation. Depending on how long it has been since your roof was installed, one or both warranties may still be active, and this can dramatically reduce the cost of re-roofing your home.
You should also contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage they offer. Damage incurred during storms and other extreme weather events is generally covered by most homeowner’s insurance.
The cost of installing a new roof can vary considerably: depending on the materials and architectural style, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2.50 to $11.00 per square foot. Given how big an investment this is, the best way to ensure you get a good price for good work is to explore all of your options so you can make an informed decision.