When you're looking into major home renovations, a new roof stands out as one that is both a major expense and an essential part of keeping your home safe. Although a new roof may be a significant investment, it can also increase your home's value, enhance its curb appeal, and improve the insulation of your home. A number of factors contribute to roofing costs and, ultimately, whether or not a new roof is the best decision for you at this time.
Assessing the Condition of Your Roof
Before you get too far into analyzing prices or comparing materials, you should start with a thorough inspection of your roof. Looking at it yourself can give you some useful information; you can see if there's any visible damage or wear and tear that needs to be addressed. However, to get a true understanding of your roof's condition, you'll want to schedule an inspection with a local roofing pro. This is one reason we recommend finding a company you trust before you need a new roof. If you have a standing relationship with a roofing company, they'll know the history of your roof's repairs and you'll already trust them. That makes it a lot easier to trust them when they say that you do need a new roof or that you can still get a few more years out of it.
As you look over your roof, look for cracked or missing shingles, sagging, curling shingles, or damaged flashing. When you call an expert for an inspection, make sure to let them know about your roof's history and any repairs you have had done.
Materials and Their Costs
Another major factor that may play into your decision is the materials you'll need. For example, if you currently have an asphalt shingle roof and you'd like the same for your replacement, the budget-friendly nature of asphalt shingles may make it easier to go for the new roof. On the other hand, if you have an extremely specific aesthetic to maintain and your home looks best with wood roofing or metal roofing, the costs may be somewhat higher. Once you've had an inspection with a roofing company, they can explain your current roofing materials and what they recommend for your next roof. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, which makes timing an important part of your decision—for example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, roofing materials and other home improvement materials skyrocketed in price. Considering your options early gives you more freedom than waiting until your roof collapses or requires emergency repairs.
Labor and Installation Expenses
This is one part of your roof installation that can vary dramatically in cost. First, labor expenses vary quite a bit across different parts of the country. Second, the design, size, and complexity of your roof also play a part in how much you'll ultimately pay. A standard open gable roof on a traditional 1000 square foot single-family home may take much less time and labor than a 5,000 square foot house with a hip and valley roof. Getting multiple quotes early on in the process can give you a better understanding of what to expect. Remember that while saving money is important, choosing the cheapest option simply because it's the lowest price isn't always your best move. Cutting corners during a new roof installation could cost you more in repairs down the road. While you should consider labor and installation expenses in your decision, a company's reviews and reputation are also important.
Long-Term Benefits
Investing a significant amount of money in a home improvement project can be tough, but when you consider the long-term benefits of a new roof, it makes the decision a little easier. If your roof is in a genuine state of disrepair or the costs and frequency of repairs are increasing, a new roof could save you a substantial amount of money over the years. A dysfunctional roof leaves your home unprotected and uninsulated, often driving up your energy costs and putting a lot of strain on your HVAC system. If you plan on selling your home in the future, a new roof can increase your home's value and help you avoid hiccups in the selling process. During negotiations, an old or damaged roof is one of the quickest ways to kill a deal.
If your roof is starting to break down, this is a good time to consider the benefits of replacing it sooner rather than later. The cost differences can be significant—when your roof collapses or causes a major leak in your home, you often have to go with whichever roofing company has time and you have to pay whatever emergency costs they charge. When you replace your roof on your own schedule, you have time to compare companies, explore different material options, and avoid the rush and stress of an emergency job.
When it's time to either repair your roof again or move forward with a replacement, keep these important factors in mind. Talk to a roofing expert about how damaged your roof is and whether a repair or replacement is likely to be the most cost-effective option long-term. Consider a wide range of materials to find one that fits your home's style, your budget, and your durability needs. Finally, consider the complexity of your roof and the labor costs associated with a replacement.
Looking for a New Hampshire roofing company you can trust? Master
Roofers is here for your inspection, repair, and replacement needs. Get in
touch with our team online or call us at 603-825-4856 to get a free
quote.