The roof is the unsung hero of the home. Day in, day out, it protects you from violent weather and keeps the house nice and warm.
If you’ve recently found out that you need a new roof, you’re likely wondering what the next steps are. Replacing it is a big decision, afterall: the new installation will need to last you the next several decades, and even if you get a good deal, it’s going to be an expensive investment.
Thankfully, though, having a new roof installed doesn’t need to be super complicated. While there’s a lot to consider, the process can be broken down into three distinct categories, and that’s what we’re going to discuss today.
Here are the essentials you need to consider.
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1. Picking an Experienced Contractor
The first thing you’ll need to do is find a reputable, experienced roofing contractor to do the job. You don’t want anyone tackling it – you need someone who has repaired and installed hundreds of roofs.
It’s also important to check reviews. A company can say anything it wants, but these claims must be backed up by a body of happy customers.
You’ll get a feel for how you’ll work with a given roofing company once they come to your property for a full assessment. They’ll thoroughly inspect the area and give you a detailed breakdown of what needs doing and what your options are.
2. Budgeting for Your New Roof
As mentioned above, roofs are expensive investments, and you’ll need to think very carefully about budgeting for one.
Cost is determined by many different elements, such as labour (the process could take a long time and require multiple builders), materials, and a whole host of other aspects based on the structure of your home. If you’ve had roof issues for a while, you may need remedial work to get rid of damp and mold, for example.
There are also certain special additions you might like to add which will help secure your investment, such as energy-saving features, and you’ve also got the removal of the old roof to consider, not just the building of the new one.
3. Materials
Which materials to choose is a big factor, and there are several options here. Your contractor will explain each of these to you in detail, but you’ve got everything from classic clay tiles to metal designs.
Which is best for you will depend on how much you’re willing to spend, the age and design of your property, and what is most aesthetically pleasing to you. Appearance, practicality, and longevity will each need to be balanced, so don’t rush into anything – spend plenty of time on this part to ensure you make the right decision.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you now feel a little more confident going into this project. While the above points don’t cover everything, considering each of them carefully is the best way to get started. Take things one step at a time, and you’ll get the build you want and need.
