The roof on your home is not only important for providing protection and shelter, but it is also one of the most structurally significant parts of the building.  Therefore, it is especially important that you keep your roof in good condition which will require regular maintenance and repairs as well as the occasional replacement.  Unfortunately, roofing work is also among the most expensive to undertake, so how much should you pay for a new roof?

First, it’s important to understand that there are many factors that will affect the cost of a new roof.  Some of these factors include:

• The size of your roof
• The pitch of your roof
• The type of roof and materials used
• Your geographic location
• The presence of roofing fixtures (i.e. skylights, chimneys, or pipes)
• Hourly contractor rates
• The nature of replacement (i.e. scheduled versus emergency)

As you can see, it can be very difficult to provide an estimate of roofing costs without more details about your particularly roof.  Nevertheless, the average roof replacement in North America runs between $5000-7000 which represents a sizeable investment for most homeowners.  Sometimes roofing repairs are an adequate and much more affordable solution to leaks or damage; and still, there are some circumstances under which you should consider getting a new roof.

When is it time to install a new roof?  Typically, the lifespan of residential roofs is around 25 years.  When an older roof (i.e. one near the end of its life cycle) is leaking or showing signs of visible damage, it is always advisable to invest in a replacement roof.  At the very least, have your roof inspected by an experienced professional and follow their advice.

In addition, regardless of the age of your roof, extensive leaking is another cause for concern.  If you have multiple leaks that are clearly affecting different parts of your roof, replacement is a better option than repair.  You should take care to review the warranty on your current roof as you may be able to have some of the replacement covered, especially if you have a relatively new roof. 

Finally, many homeowners choose to install a new roof purely for aesthetic appeal.  Investing in a roof that improves the look of your home while complementing its style can actually have a significant impact on the resale value of your home.

Now that you know a little bit more about the costs of roof replacement and the situations wherein replacement is recommended, you can start contacting local roofers for advice or quotes.  Also, remember to be proactive about your roof.  Emergency roofing repairs and replacement are always more expensive; not to mention, waiting for an emergency puts your home and belongings at risk.

The post How Much Should You Pay for a New Roof? appeared first on K2 Roofing Blog.

An unfortunate reality of today’s day and age is that everybody is trying to make a quick buck and we can see it everywhere.  Most of the products we buy on a daily basis come from factories overseas where quality control is not of paramount concern.  We can also see it at home when under-qualified or dishonest tradesmen make wild promises but never deliver.  If you’re planning to install a new roof or undergo major roofing repairs on your home, you need to take the necessary precautions to avoid new roof scams.  So what can you do?

The Basics

There are a few basic steps you can take to protect your home and your family from roofing scams.  First and foremost, always interview a number of potential roofing contractors and choose a professional with a long-standing history of successful roofing projects in your community.  Seek referrals and ask for references that will give you an early picture of potential contractors’ skill and workmanship.

Screening possible roofers is the first step in avoiding scams, but you should also be sure to get all quotes in writing.  Your quote should include not only the costs of labour and materials, but also a clear definition of what work will be done and timelines for the project.  In addition, make sure you understand this quote as well as any contract you sign.  If you’re uncertain about particular terms, always ask for clarification.

With respect to invoices, estimates, and contracts, you also want to make sure that these documents include the full name, address, and phone number of the sales person and roofing contractor.  You should also take a moment to confirm with the sales person or roofing contractor that all staff are properly trained and that the roofing company carries appropriate insurance (including 3^rd party liability insurance).

Finally, always follow your gut instinct.  For the most part, common sense will help you avoid scams.  If a roofer offers you an “off the books, tax-free’ repair or replacement, this should be a red flag.  All work with any contractor should be properly documented and permitted, and tax-free deals are often a sign that your contractor is avoiding tax and other responsibilities.

Consumers Beware

Many municipalities offer a Consumers Beware List that can alert you to any dubious contractors in your area.  Similarly, you can check with your local Better Business Bureau to get more information about different roofing contractors in your area.  Ultimately, taking a bit of extra time in the early stages to vet several contractors and then choose the best roofer for your project is the best way to avoid roofing scams.   Then get everything in writing so that you have legal protection in case anything goes wrong.

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