Top Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Roof Replacement
A roof replacement is a major home improvement project, so you need to make sure that you plan carefully. One important step in the planning process is educating yourself about common roofing mistakes so that you can avoid them at all costs. Most homeowners purchase a new roof once or twice in their lifetime so it’s common to feel wary about such a big investment. In this article, Best Exteriors Inc. the top local roofing contractor in Columbus, Ohio helps you identify common mistakes homeowners make when planning a roof replacement project.
Focusing Solely on Price
When it comes to a roofing project, as in most things, you get what you pay for. To that end, the best advice we can give you is don’t make the mistake of hiring an underqualified or unskilled roofer just because they offer a low bid. Is it possible for some roofing contractors to have a more affordable price than others, definitely. More often than not the contractors with a cheaper quote are doing so by using cheaper products, not paying for full insurance coverage and generally cutting corners. Always remember a poorly installed roof will cost you far more money in the long run than what you would have paid for a qualified local roofer in the first place.
Not Getting the Estimate in Writing
A handshake and a verbal agreement aren’t enough when it comes to home improvement projects. You have no recourse if your roof leaks or you experience roof damage as a result of poor installation. Your roof estimate should be in writing (or digital) and should include a breakdown of costs and possible overages. One example of this is the wood decking on your home, sometimes after the existing roof is removed your roofing contractor will find damage to the wood deck that needs to be replaced before new shingles and roofing components can be installed. These additional costs should be outlined and you should be made aware of them before signing so you’re not surprised. Your roofing contractor should also be mindful of your budget and your needs, be wary of a fast talking salesperson whose only goal is to try to get the highest ticket sale out of you.
Knowing the products being installed on your roof
There are many different parts & pieces that make up a new roof and the using or not using specific products can significantly impact your roof warranty. At Best Exteriors, Inc. we almost always install an Integrity Roof System by Certainteed. This warranty covers you against material defects in not only the shingles but all the other components of the roofing system for a non-prorated term of 50 years! If we install a generic component of the roof system your warranty goes to a 10 year warranty against manufacturing defects. This will save you some money but could cost you in resale value because the warranty isn’t as long. This is confusing to most homeowners, and if you don’t have the knowledge to ask what’s going to be installed you could not get what you want. Who wouldn’t want a Lifetime (50 years) labor & material warranty?
Not Getting to Know Your Contractor
As a homeowner, you should get to know your roofing contractor and do your due diligence to check out the roofers you’re considering. Make sure to check their reviews, their license, and make sure they are insured.
If you happen to be looking for a quality contractor in Columbus, OH, make sure to contact Best Exteriors! We have been proudly serving the greater Columbus community for years and have over 100 5-star reviews to show for it!
If you’d like to learn more about why Best Exteriors is the best contractor to trust with your roof replacement, give us a call today!
