“When it comes to home improvement projects, a roof replacement tends to feel like one of the most overwhelming. In fact, here at VirginiaPROS.com, we have conducted homeowner surveys, and roofing repairs/replacements consistently rank as the most stressful project. Even if there are no major issues and it’s just time for a roof replacement, your roof is your first line of defense against the elements—and it’s also one of the more costly updates you can make to your home. With the continuing supply chain problems and inflation, project timelines are lengthening and costs are rising. To keep you on track and on budget, we have created a series to help you spot roof damage, find a contractor, and now, get the best cost possible. To ensure you are paying the best price for your project, follow these tips to negotiate your final roof replacement cost with your preferred roofing contractor.
Roofing and Your Home
Your contractor is well versed in how your specific project is going to impact your house. They have visited your home and assessed the project’s potential, needs, and challenges. On this front, it is in the contractor’s interest to ensure the highest possible roofing installation. The initial, ongoing, and continued success of their installation is paramount to their near and future prospects. Your contractor should be able to tell you whether you need to replace, repair, or remove insulation before the project begins. Likewise, they should be able to advise you on whether to tear off the old asphalt roofing and replace it or add new asphalt roofing over the existing material. Their recommendations should be tied to their predictions about your roof—so it’s okay to ask about guarantees. Your roofing is critical to protecting your home from the elements and protecting the integrity of your home. Be sure your roofing contractor has explained to you specifically how your upgraded roofing will protect your house now and into the future. While it’s hard for a contractor to make exact promises, they can certainly help you understand what to expect in the future. The less deep that future is and the more susceptible to damage your roofing is, the less your installation should cost.
Your Roofing Contractor Should Assess Your Roofing Plans
Be sure to ask precisely what roofing material your contractor recommends and why. It’s okay to expect the contractor to handle the bulk of the work in research— after all, one of their value propositions is expertise in the field and local knowledge about the best roofing material to increase your home’s home value and longevity. The type of roof you plan to have installed on your home makes a big difference in how it performs, what it looks like, and how long it will last. That’s why you should have a basic understanding of the different roof types and what you can expect from each of them. Your contractor should address all of these variables with you ahead of your final quote. You may have your own notions of what should occur, but check them against what the contractor recommends. You want to be as best prepared as possible to ask about different materials during your negotiation. If you want, you can ask about material costs and even consider buying them yourself if there are cost savings involved. Options to explore include:
- Asphalt shingles
- Clay Tile
- Architectural Wood shingles
- Concrete Tile
- Slate
- Copper
- Metal Tin
- Corrugated
- Standing seam Steel roofing
- Foam
- Tar and gravel
- Rubber Roofing
Whether you’re installing a new choice of roofing or upgrading your existing roofing, you should have a solid understanding of what it is and how it affects your home, now and in the future.
Find the Right Contractor for Your Roofing Project
Whether you’re ready to begin your project now or need some expert advice, our network of contractors is here to help. With a few simple questions, we’ll find the best local professionals for you.
Get Clarity on the Warranty, and Ensure It’s Part of the Price
You can always negotiate with your contractor on the price of a successful project before signing a contract. Discuss your budget with your roofing contractor. Agree that any unexpected project expenses will be presented in writing to help you remain within your budget. Surprises, in other words, shouldn’t surprise you or your contractor, and they should definitely not surprise your investment. For example, after beginning the work, there’s a chance your roofing contractor might find damaged underlayment, like one of the following conditions:
- Rotten decking: The number one issue roofers uncover during a tear-off is rotten or soft roof decking.
- Inadequate decking: If the roofer starts walking on your roof and finds that the decking is springy or bouncy, they’ll also recommend new sheathing.
Warranties will also impact your quoted cost. Most installers offer manufacturer’s warranties that protect you from faulty equipment. Some might offer additional guarantees for the installation, as well, covering potential damage to your house. Be sure the quoted warranty is clear in what it covers—and in what it doesn’t. Additionally, use the warranty as a bargaining chip. A lower price should elicit a short length warranty and a higher price one that is longer. A 50-year warranty might be too long and a two-year warranty might be too short. The particulars of your system and your roofing installation needs dictate these numbers more than anything else. Discuss them thoroughly with your contractor.”
