How to Save Money on Roofing

Getting a new roof put on your house is expensive. With the weather that the Philadelphia area sees, though, having a solid roof to keep the wind, rain and snow on the outside where it belongs is very important. With a little research and effort, you may be able to save money on your roofing project, or reduce long term costs for you home. Here are some tips for saving money when you are getting a new roof installed.

Avoid DIY Disasters

You may be tempted to try to replace your roof yourself. Unless you are very sure about how to install a roof, you may want to avoid this option. Replacing a roof can go very wrong very quickly. While you might save on labor you might lose in having to redo mistakes or water damage due to improper sealing.

Obtain Multiple Quotes

Don’t take the first bid you think is reasonable. Take some time and shop around to several contractors. Let them know you are shopping around so they put their best bid out there for you. Also, if you like one contractors work but the price of another, gives the one you like a chance to counter offer. Don’t be afraid to negotiate.

Use the Off-Season to Your Advantage

The off-season might be a bit narrow in Philadelphia, but you should try to take advantage of it if you can. Contractors want to have work year round, and this means that they may offer discounts for getting things done in their off-season. If a contractor tells you he is booked solid, it is probably not the off season.

Know the Details of the Contract

Do research on what you want done to your roof. Know what you are going to have the contractor do when they come to your home and make sure that you capture all of that in the contract that you have with your roofer. This will help you to avoid surprise charges on your bill at the end for services that you did not ask for or need.

Use Quality Materials

It may seem smart to save money by going with the most inexpensive roofing materials. Odds are, it isn’t. Cheaper materials will wear out faster and need to be replaced sooner. They may also not provide your home the quality protection that more expensive roofing materials can.

Consider Your Insurance Costs

There are things that can be installed to your roof, such as hurricane straps, that may cost more to have them done by the contractor. Checking with your insurance company before you say no might change your mind. Many safety and inclement weather improvements can be a big savings on your insurance bill.

Looking for quality roofing contractors to get your Philadelphia area roof replaced? Click here to get free custom quotes from roofing contractors in your area. You will receive upfront pricing without having to invite any contractors to your home!