7 Tips for a Successful Roof Remodel

Does your roof have inadequate insulation? Perhaps it’s displaying visible damage? Maybe you simply don’t like its design? Whatever the reason, you are exploring the possibility of a roof remodel. 

Before jumping into this project, make sure to learn more with the following tips. 

Tip #1: Budget for the remodel 

First of all, you have to be aware of just how much it will cost to undergo a roof remodel. This isn’t a cheap project. It requires a significant investment. The price can also vary drastically depending on the size of your roof and the type of remodel required. The average price typically falls between $5,000 and $10,000. 

Due to the amount of money you have to spend, you must budget for this type of project. You want to avoid going into a remodel, realizing it’s much more expensive than you anticipated, and then falling into debt. 

There are various ways to pay for your remodel. Cash in the bank is the easiest method. However, other options include securing a loan or remortgaging your home to gain the necessary funding. Certain contractors will also offer financing, allowing you to pay for the remodel with monthly payments. 

Tip #2: Inspect your current roof 

Prior to any remodeling work, it’s wise to inspect the current condition of your roof. If it displays any notable damage like missing shingles, curling, or cracking, this has to be factored into your renovation job. 

The good news is you don’t have to climb onto your roof to conduct this inspection. You can simply find a safe vantage point, grab some binoculars, and get an idea about its overall condition. Furthermore, you can climb into the attic and see if any visible damage – such as water stains or holes – exists. 

Tip #3: Decide on the right look and style 

Don’t underestimate the importance of your roof’s style. It plays an integral role in the overall appearance of your abode, particularly when it accounts for around 40% of the average home’s visible exterior.

There are various points to consider when deciding on the look of your roof remodel. This includes the roof’s shape, the materials used, and the color of your tiles. To see how your planned roof fits with your home, you can create a roof plan – more on that below. 

Tip #4: Produce a roof plan

Once you have settled on the type of roof you want, it’s important to put together a plan. A roof plan details everything from the dimensions to the materials used, ensuring no stone is left unturned before getting on with the practical side of the project. It also gives you a greater idea about what the roof will look like – and presents an opportunity to make tweaks if necessary. 

There are various approaches you can take when producing a roof plan. This includes going the traditional route with a pencil and ruler. In this day and age, however, it’s recommended to opt for software that allows you to produce 3D roof plans with ease. 

For further help, Cedreo details the roof planning basics to guarantee your roof plan is done with both speed and accuracy. 

Tip #5: Municipal building department check

Before you get down to work, it’s essential you see what regulations are in place with your local municipal building department. The last thing you want to do is complete your roof, discover it falls outside of their rules, and have to start all over again to appease them. 

The most important facet to check is the number of times you are allowed to re-cover your existing roof with the same materials. Due to the added protection it provides against the elements, it is understandable people want to use an extra layer when possible. However, the number of layers is dictated by your local municipal building department. 

In certain communities, for instance, it’s only possible to have two layers of roofing material. This means if you want to install a new roof, you’d have to remove one of the other layers before doing so.  

Tip #6: Choose the right contractor

Unless you’re doing the work on your own – and this isn’t advised unless you have ample experience with roof work – you will have to hire a contractor. 

This is undoubtedly the most important step in the entire process. Fail to select a qualified, professional contractor that has a track record for high-quality work, and you could end up in a lot of trouble. The work may end up substandard, leaving you with further issues, and you’ll have to fork out even more money to get everything corrected. 

When picking a roofing contractor, ensure they have all necessary business credentials in place – including liability insurance. You’ll also want to analyze past reviews to see if potential contractors are reliable for working on time and to a high standard.

Don’t simply settle for the first contractor you come across. Contact multiple candidates, receive quotes and detailed proposals, and decide which one is the best fit for your roofing project. 

Tip #7: Pick the perfect time

There is such a thing as picking the right time to complete roof works. This is certainly the case if you live in an area with a climate that fluctuates over the year. Understandably, you wouldn’t want to add extra complications to the process with rain or snow getting in the way of building. 

Yet this isn’t the only point to consider when it comes to selecting the ideal time for your roof renovation. Another aspect is to understand when your roofing contractor is in the middle of their busy season. 

If you decide to work with them during their busy season, prepare to pay extra for the privilege – and that’s if they have enough free time to complete your project. Due to this, and if you have the flexibility to not require the work to be done ASAP, it makes sense to aim for their slow season. By doing this, there’s the possibility of negotiating a better price for your roof renovation.