Shingling a roof can protect against catastrophes, like water damage and heat loss. But the average cost to replace a roof in the U.S. hovers around $20,000.
Even if it’s money well spent, that can be a big investment for homeowners.
Luckily, there are ways to shave off the costs of this important investment. We’ve nailed down a handful of tips to get a new roof without breaking the bank. Read on for the top five tips to save money on roof replacement.
Why Shingling a Roof Is a Smart Investment
It isn’t always the most glamorous part of a home, but a solid roof is crucial to maintaining the integrity of a house. Leaks or breaks can expose the interior of a home to the elements.
That can end up damaging everything from carpeting or floors to a whole home’s structure.
And a roof remodel can bring in good money returns. Some estimates say replacing a roof can bring in a return on investment as high as 75 percent.
That’s because it can improve the look, safety, and feel of a home.
Signs a Roof Needs to Be Replaced
There are ways to know if a roof needs repairs well before there is water pooling in the living room. Here are some early signs that a roof needs attention:
- There are bald spots where roofing granules should be
- There are visibly curled shingles
- Shingles are cracked or broken
- Shingles are missing altogether
Of course, if there are visible leaks anywhere on a roof, it’s a good idea to look into repairs.
Here are five budget-friendly ways to save money when shingling a roof:
1. Go Back over the Roof Warranty
There’s a chance the original housing agreement included a roofing warranty. It’s a good idea to go over paperwork on a recently purchased home. If that info isn’t available, consider getting ahold of the seller or looking into repair history.
Roof warranties might include things like material warranties, labor-only warranties, and full-system warranties.
2. Get a Grip on Roofing Needs
Before shingling a roof, it’s a good idea to ask experts for a consultation (learn more here). Roofing professionals can check out a roof and make sure the repair will fix even less visible problems.
This simple evaluation can save homeowners from having to pay again when an unseen need pops up later.
3. Do Some Roofing Research
It’s a good idea to ask people in the area to recommend roofing specialists. And roof inspectors are a good resource for recommendations.
Once a few companies are picked out, don’t settle for just one roofing estimate. Get multiple quotes. This can help the homeowner narrow down the best price and see what different companies offer.
4. Determine How Much Work Is Required
There’s a big difference between repairing a roof and a complete roof replacement. It’s a good idea to decide how close a roof is to the end of its life. This can safeguard against being hit by multiple repairs on an old roof.
Consider asking a roof inspector how long they expect the roof to last.
5. Consider Multiple Payment Options
If paying in cash isn’t an option, there might be loans available for home repair. And some states might provide incentives for things like energy-efficient roofs.
Some roofing companies will also give customers special financing options.
Saving Money Even After Roofing Repairs
These cash-saving tips can help homeowners get the most out of shingling a roof. And we have plenty more money-saving tips.
Check out our money saving page here for the latest tips, news, and strategies for cutting costs.