Whether your existing roof is showing its age or your new roof was blown away in a sudden storm, the prospect of paying for a new roof is daunting. After all, it is expensive in terms of labor and materials. However, it is possible to save money on the cost of a new roof, and you can do it without sacrificing quality. Here are 5 easy ways to save money on a new roof.
Have Inspections Done Before Doing Anything Else
Arrange for multiple inspections before you start seeking bids for a new roof. After all, it is cheaper to repair an existing roof than replace it. Ask for just an inspection so that they give you an unbiased opinion instead of giving you a hard sell to replace the whole roof. You should also ask the inspector what the best course of action should be. Then you’ll quickly be able to see which contractors are honest and which ones are just trying to blow your bill up.
Find Cheaper Materials without Sacrificing Quality
You don’t have to choose between strong, durable roofing shingles and cheap things that fall apart in a few years. You can compare roofing materials in the same way you shop for new clothes or cars. In fact, roofing materials can go on sale, too. Simply shopping around and looking for a deal could save you 10 to 20 percent on materials. You may even be able to snag a rebate on the shingles or roofing tiles. You could also ask contractors or wholesalers when certain materials are on sale. The honest ones will be more than happy to share this information with you.
Also, if the roof is not that old, learn whether the existing roof is under warranty. You may not have to pay for new roofing materials at all.
Don’t Schedule Work When Contractors Are Busy
This obviously isn’t an option if your roof was damaged in a storm that affected your area. However, you can save quite a bit of money on the labor costs if you can schedule the roof replacement when roofing contractors are not in demand. In general, late winter and early spring are their slow periods, and they’ll charge less to keep their team working. However, the temperature outside may affect whether or not they can install the roofing material you want. For example, a metal roof can go on at any time, whereas shingles may have to wait until it isn’t freezing outside.
Negotiate
You can’t get a discount if you don’t ask for it. When reviewing an estimate, make a counteroffer. They might take a little off the estimate just to keep your business. You can also offer a trade or something for barter. Maybe you can save money by offering to help or giving them tools you’re not using. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Also, be on the lookout for coupons regarding roofing services. If you can find a coupon from the company you’re interested in, you can obviously save money on their services. Look for coupons by their rivals, too, and try to negotiate a discount based off the deal the competition is offering.
The question for many is how you can get reasonable price quotes and discounts. The best thing you can do is connect with as many contractors as possible and get competing estimates. You can use directories online and search for “affordable and reputable roofing companies near me”. Note any discounts or deals they list on the directory, the associated ads or their own website. Print it out and show it to those providing roofing quotes to prove the discount you’re quoting. Even if it is just free inspections to get competing estimates regarding the scope of work, it is worth it.
Talk to Your Insurance Company
If your roof suffered damage in a storm, you may be reimbursed part of the cost via your insurance company. You can ask the roofing contractor if they think the work will be covered by insurance, and you should ask the insurer how much they’d chip in. If the insurer covers even part of the cost, that’s less you have to pay out of pocket.
Conclusion
Installing a new roof is expensive. However, there are tips and tricks you can use to keep costs in check without sacrificing the quality of materials or workmanship. Make sure to follow these few tips and don’t be afraid to shop around if you want to find a good deal.
