Getting a new roofing system will not only protect your home from the weather, but also save you money on both frequent repairs and energy bills. It will also make your home look better and increase its value. But before you take on this significant investment, you need to figure out how much it will cost.
Sure, you might have prepared and done your research when it comes to the budget, but always remember that your contractors may uncover additional costs that are beyond you or their control. This is especially true if you live in an older home. Understanding the factors that can impact the cost of roof replacement allows you to be prepared for the unexpected and keep the project within budget.
Today, we take a look at some of the few factors that can increase your roof replacement costs.
Type of Roofing Material
Your choice of roofing material informs how much you’ll be spending for your roof replacement project. The more durable and better-looking it is, the costlier it will be. That’s why clay tiles, wood shakes and slate have higher price points than the usual options like asphalt shingles and metal.
Then again, you can find alternative materials that can offer the same appearance and nearly the same weather resistance as the premium roofing options, but at a fraction of the cost. The CertainTeed® Landmark® shingles, for instance, are designed to replicate the appearance of cedar shake roofing. A tried-and-true architectural laminate roofing shingle, it is available in an impressive array of colors that complement any home exterior color palette.
Seasonal Changes
The cost of your roof replacement is also influenced by the time of year you schedule this home improvement project. Roofing quotes, for one, are only valid for a certain period. It’s also worth noting that some seasons of the year see a greater demand for roof installations than others, which only means that labor costs often vary.
With that in mind, it would be sensible to obtain a quote during a time when you can schedule your roof replacement project right away. Roofers aren’t usually busy during the off-season – winter and spring – and once you call them to discuss your plans to replace your roof, you can be sure that they’ll focus on your project more and get the best roof possible.
Structural Damage
Your roof replacement project may only involve removing the old roof covering, which consists of the shingles, flashings and vent covers. It may also include the gutters, especially if they need to be replaced due to extensive damage. Even so, your contractor may find hidden structural damage on your roof, be it long-term moisture damage, pest infestation or other issues stemming from excess weight.
If your roofers do find any one of these unwelcome surprises, expect them to address it first before they proceed with the actual roof replacement. It can increase the cost of the entire project, sure, but you’ll be doing yourself a favor by making sure your new roof will remain intact for the entirety of its lifespan.
Code Noncompliance
Another unwelcome surprise that your roofing contractor might discover involves your current roofing system not being built to code. If the structure itself doesn’t adhere to the current building regulations even after the roof replacement is complete, you may risk facing fines from the local authorities. In other instances, the homeowner may have to redo everything from scratch.
Keep in mind that this home improvement project involves altering a major home structure – your roof. As such, you need to secure permits to ensure that your new roof will be up to code. That’s the least you can do, especially since local building regulations are in place to ensure the safety of not only yourself, but also the rest of your family. Disregarding this crucial aspect of the project means total code noncompliance, which can lead to hefty fines. This is something you’ll want to avoid, especially if you’re already keeping a close eye on your budget.
Roof Accessibility
The cost of your roof replacement also depends on the complexity of your roof’s overall structure. This, in turn, translates into how easy or difficult it will be for the roof installation team to gain access to your roofing system.
For instance, a roofing contractor will have to bring in heavy machinery to gain access to the roof of a second-story home located in a densely wooded area. In homes located in cities or suburban areas, meanwhile, the roofers will have to secure permits and make sure traffic flow isn’t disrupted. This happens rarely, but it is nevertheless important to take into consideration.
Tips to Keep Your Roof Replacement Within Budget
Like any home renovation, it pays to prepare your home to reduce the extra expenses that can occur while your roofing project is underway. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Prepare a contingency budget. Leave at least 15% wiggle room in your roof replacement budget. It might seem like an immense buffer, but such an allotment can help you rest easy in case your contractor finds hidden issues that need immediate attention.
- Schedule your roof replacement during the off-season. As already discussed above, roofers aren’t usually busy during the off-season, which usually falls within the cooler months. The demand for their services are at their greatest in spring and summer when the cost of roof replacement is higher. Expect the prices of the roofing materials and components to be lower during the off-season.
- Make sure you and your contractor are on the same page. When planning your project with your chosen roofing company, be sure that you let the roofers know of any budget concerns you may have. They’ll be able to find the best solution for your situation, like finding the right roofing materials that best fits your budget.
Get in Touch With Us!
Delivering incomparable roofing services is what ImproveIT! of Atlanta does. Expect only the highest quality results when you choose us to handle your roof replacement needs. Schedule a roof evaluation by calling us at (770) 609-1197 or filling out this convenient online form. We proudly serve Sandy Springs, Marietta and Alpharetta, GA, plus other areas in Metro Atlanta.
