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Over the course of your building’s lifespan, there comes a time when you might wish to replace the roof due to factors like old age, storm damage, algae growth or you just want to convert the patio into an enclosed one. A roof makeover is a key investment that should be carefully planned, and you should engage with professionals where necessary. Whether you plan to replace a residential or commercial roof, you need to consider factors like the materials you intend to use, your budget, and the contractor you plan to use. Overall, the factors below will guide your roof replacement venture.
Contractor
Settling on the right contractor to carry out the re-roofing is a challenging task that needs a lot of patience and research. Although the market has several options, the contractor should carry out the work with minimal headaches. The contractor should meet basic requirements like having the right licensing. A licensed contractor like City Seamless Roofing should provide valid license information that can be verified. Besides the licensing, below are key tips in selecting a roofing contractor:
Referrals
Referrals can be a great source in selecting the right contractor. Click here to find the right roofing contractor for you. You can consult friends and family members who have had roofing work done before. Furthermore, you can leverage online reviews especially if the company has a website or social media presence. Take note that some reviews might be biased to align with the contractor’s needs.
Vetting
Once you settle for a potential contractor, dig deep to determine if they are the right choice. Ask for past clients and reach out to determine their experience. If you are unable to contact them, the gesture by the contractor to provide their details is an indicator they might be reliable.
Roofing Materials
Different buildings need certain roofing materials, and you should settle for one that mirrors your needs. Worth mentioning is that with technological advancement, the market has newer options that were nonexistent when you were building. The main focus should be on durability, efficiency, and lower maintenance costs. Additionally, the material should guarantee a high impact resistance.
Consider the cost of materials and look at affordable options like asphalt roofing shingles. However, their durability is not guaranteed compared to metals. For metal materials, they can be more expensive but have a guarantee of durability. If you are undecided about the material to go for, reach out to an expert for recommendations.
Budget
Planning to replace your roof should be treated like any other long-term investment, and it needs careful consideration of your budget. Additionally, you should factor in local rates charged by contractors for installation. Draw up your budget first and ask for quotes from different roofing contractors to determine the one that works for you. The budget should also factor in any extra costs to ensure that additional funds are readily available for unplanned occurrences. It is recommended to add about 10% to the initial estimate.
Contract
Before beginning the work, you need to have a contract in place. Generally, the contract should include all of the elements agreed upon verbally. Ensure the contract abides by the local area building codes, and details the insurance covered by the contractor. The contract should also contain information about the warranty of the materials used.
Different materials attract varied warranties. Standard roofing comes with a 20-year warranty, but high end materials come with a 50-year warranty. Note that a higher warranty increases the building’s resale value in case you intend to sell in the future.
Roof Removal
Handling the removed roofing material is a major headache when planning to replace your roof. You need to decide who will be responsible for removing the roof, whether it will be the contractor or a third party. In most cases, before hiring a contractor, they should guarantee accountability and agree to clean up any waste alongside the removed roof. Additionally, you need to arrange the storage of the removed roof and determine if it can cause any inconvenience.
DIY
Replacing the roof by yourself is a great way to save money in the long run. This option is variable for smaller buildings that don’t require extensive work. However, roofing for large structures can be an expensive undertaking that needs a certified contractor. Although you might be in a position to fix the roof, a professional service will potentially fill some gaps that might not be visible to an ordinary person. Additionally, a professional will be able to recommend the right materials based on your needs.
EndNote
Roof replacement can be a necessary undertaking for any building. While considering roof replacement, examine basic factors like the materials you intend to use, the cost, and the contractor you are considering. Most importantly, you need a certified contractor to assist you in managing the task at hand.
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