Tips for Planning Your Roofing Project
Earlier this month, we had a homeowner call us requesting a roof estimate. We explained that while we were happy to get an estimator out to her home to discuss roofing colors and materials, the actual work likely wouldn’t be able to commence until spring. The caller became quite frustrated at this notion and shared that this project was something that she’d been putting off getting this work done for two years. 
Sadly, this type of call happens too frequently in the late fall. Having the relationships we do with other reputable MN roofing companies, we know that they are also booked for the season and would not be able to take on a new roofing project unless it was an emergency situation. A homeowner that doesn’t take the time to ask the right questions to potential residential roofing companies they’re considering can end up deeply disappointed. Levels of frustration can include work not being done properly, the contractor skipping town before work is completed, or failure on their part to acquire permits. If the roofing contractor isn’t properly insured and an accident happens, the homeowner can be held liable.
Here are the two biggest steps you can take to avoid a poor outcome on your roofing project:
Interview Contractors Early: When you first begin to contemplate getting work done, interview potential contractors to learn more about their approach. Winter is an excellent time to start planning home improvement projects. It gives you time to carefully consider options and be among the first clients on the list for a spring install. In many cases you can lock in pricing with a minimal deposit and avoid spring price increases that contractors incur from manufacturers. Speaking with potential contractors also allows you to get a projection of how much longer they believe your roof will last. If your project involves other areas such as siding, windows, or gutters, a contractor can help you prioritize the projects and suggest logical phases.
Budget: When meeting to discuss re-roofing a home, one of the first questions we receive is “What is the cost of roof replacement?” Many components go into this figure including shingle selection, roof size, underlayment, flashing, and permit cost. Once roof replacement cost has been calculated, there are several options for financing the project. Well-established contractors have regular working relationships with reputable home improvement lenders that offer a variety of payment plans and interest rates. If you prefer to work with your bank to acquire financing, meeting with a contractor can allow you to understand the amount you’ll need to borrow.
Learn About the Components That Make Up a Roofing System:
