The roof is the one place in the home that arguably takes the hardest beating. While roofs generally last for a long time – between 20 to 25 years on average for shingle roofs – there eventually comes a time that normal wear-and-tear, together with daily exposure to the challenges wrought by the weather, will cause a roof to give in or fail altogether.
The good news is that a roof replacement or upgrade nearly always pays for itself: It is still one of the top home improvement projects chosen by homeowners, being that it consistently ranks among those that bring the best value for money. Homeowners who spend an average of $20,000 on roof replacement can reasonably hope to recover nearly 72% of their cash outlay upon resale of the home.
This may be because roofing does a whole lot more than just improve the beauty of one’s home. A roof replacement can also address any issues homeowners may have with energy efficiency and loss, adequate ventilation, and so on. New roofing helps increase the value, function, and energy performance of your home. Most of all, a roof remodel can also give homeowners a great sense of pleasure and satisfaction, according to the most recent Remodeling Impact Report.
But how can you be definite about needing a roof overhaul right now? You certainly don’t want to jump the gun and spring for repairs that might not be necessary just yet. The answer: Before you have any roof improvements done, have your entire roof checked by a qualified professional, both from inside the home and from the exterior. In fact, you should make it a habit to get your roofing checked at least twice a year as part of your regular upkeep. Finding any or all of the issues listed below will be your cue to get it fixed and prevent it from getting any worse.
Even if you’re seeing a lot of issues, however, do stop to weigh your options carefully. Do you replace the entire roof now, all in one go? Or should you just have part of the roof repaired and leave the rest for another time? The smartest decision to make will heavily depend on your roof’s current age and condition. For instance, if your current roof was built over another layer, it may need a total revamp right now, as opposed to if you only have a single-layer of roofing installed on your home.
Of course, having the work done by a qualified professional is critical. If you want a roof that looks good and that will last, you ought to look for certain must-haves when selecting a professional for your project. The best ways to go about it?
First, ask around. If you’ve got neighbors or friends and relatives living in the same area, they may be the best source of reliable referrals. Have a quick look-see of any similar work done on their homes and ask relevant questions before deciding on which contractor to hire. Second, remember that a roofer’s reputation, good or bad, is bound to follow him. Check feedback over the internet and at the local Better Business Bureau before hiring anyone. Third, and equally important, is making sure that you interview each prospective roofer personally, to better gauge whether or not you can get along with each other, and are able to clearly communicate your wants and needs with each other.
Getting your home re-roofed can be pretty stressful, but it needn’t be. To assure yourself that everything goes the way you envisioned it, make sure that all agreements made between the contractor and yourself are set down clearly in a written contract. Don’t give in to any pressure to sign on the dotted line without clarifying fully what your expectations are.
Moreover, don’t allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security by simply taking contractors at their word: Check for business permits, licenses, certifications, and pay their physical premises or offices a quick visit. As much as possible, go local. Bear in mind too, that the cheapest quote you got may not give you the best value for your money, so choose wisely.
One of the most important things to check for as well, is insurance. Your contractor must be insured and warranted against damage to property and against any injuries sustained by workers during the course of the roofing project. This way, you won’t need to shell out additional funds for any unexpected or unwarranted accidents that might otherwise burn a hole in your pocket.
As long as you have presence of mind, do your due diligence, and take the time to do some research of your own, there’s no reason why your roof project shouldn’t be smooth sailing all the way.
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Author Bio:
Nelson Contracting LLC has worked hard to create a solid company with a foundation in trust, integrity and best business practices. We strive to provide you with the most satisfying experience possible as we exceed your expectations for your construction project.
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Sources:
- http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2016/
- http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2015/12/09/new-roof-greatest-remodeling-value
- http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/7729/do-you-need-a-new-roof-ways-to-tell
- https://www.angieslist.com/articles/7-warning-signs-you-need-new-roof.htm
- http://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-find-a-roofing-contractor/
- https://www.angieslist.com/articles/6-tips-choosing-roofing-contractor.htm
