Having to replace your roof can be a strain on the finances, especially if you don’t see it coming. The good news is replacing your roof on a budget is possible with careful planning and a little bit of extra effort. Read on to find out more about the reroofing process and our top tips for replacing your roof on a budget.
What You Need To Know Before Re-Roofing Your Home
Before we jump right into our reroofing on a budget tips, let’s take a look at a few of the ins and outs of reroofing which will help you better understand the process for planning purposes. There are 6 steps to replacing your roof, these are:
Step 1: Roof Assessment
Unless you have already done so, it is best to get confirmation from professional roofing contractors that your roof does need replacing – there is no point stretching the budget for a full replacement if it is unnecessary. Sometimes repairs can be an option, but bear in mind that roof repairs are usually only a temporary measure that buys you time to save up. If your roof is in really bad shape, it will require a replacement in the near future – repairs or not.
Step 2: Quotes
Everyone knows it’s always best to get three or more quotes for any job, and a roof replacement is no different. The more quotes you have, the better equipped you are to make an informed decision. For the best comparison results ask for itemised quotes that show a breakdown of materials, labour and other costs such as existing roof removal and disposal etc. This is to ensure you are getting the same services across all quotes making them easily comparable.
Step 3: Acceptance
When deciding on which roofing contractor to accept, always ask the question – When are you available to do the job? And what is the expected completion time frame? It is no good hiring someone then finding out they aren’t available to do the job for three months or they start the job then aren’t able to source the required materials for completion for 6 months.
Step 4: Roof Removal
An integral part of any roof replacement is removing the existing roof. Don’t overlook this aspect of the job as it does take time, and worst case, can unearth some unknown issues with the roofing system such as leakage, rot, insulation problems and Building Code structural issues (particularly in older buildings). It is also a good idea to ensure your contractor has organised to dispose of the old roofing materials they have removed in an appropriate fashion.
Step 5: Repairs And Prep
As we mentioned above, there can be undiscovered issues with your roof that contractors may find when removing the old roof. This may mean repairs have to be made to the structural aspects of the roof, or if changing the type of roofing, there could be additional preparation required to fit the new roofing materials, such as installing new underlay, roofing battens etc.
Step 6: Installation
The final step in the roofing process! If all the prep and planning has gone as expected, then installing your new roof should be fast, efficient and easily completed within a week in most cases. Your roofer will provide all the skills necessary for this part of the process including allowing for circumstances involving wet weather, scaffolding for access, fall prevention measures for safety, insurance, and any other elements needed to complete the job on the day.
How To Replace A Roof On A Budget – 12 Tips
Now you have a better understanding of the reroofing process, these top tips will help keep you on track to staying within the budget for a new roof replacement.
1. Plan Ahead. Proper planning is the key to a roof replacement coming in on budget, take a look at our planning advice below and keep in mind if you are short on time and haven’t planned ahead, you can end up making unsustainable decisions and incorrect assumptions that will cost you time and money. When planning for your new roof and aiming to keep within budget – you will need to consider the following factors:
-
- Roof Size. The size of the roof will largely determine costs. New roof pricing is based on a square meterage.
-
- Preferred Materials. Doing a little bit of research to get a rough estimate of how much your project materials will cost can pay off. Choose a couple of cladding options such as ColorSteel vs tile to offer a comparison. You will need to factor in upfront costs as well as any ongoing maintenance costs. Think long-term, it is always best practice to focus on quality, or you could well end up having to pay up again in just a few years’ time.
-
- Installation Costs and Time. Professional installation will provide quality assurance that the job is done right – first time and in an efficient manner. This is one of those jobs best left to the professionals!
-
- Legislative Requirements. Meeting legislative and building code requirements is a must with any building project to ensure the integrity of the building and for insurance purposes.
2. Low Doesn’t Always Mean Good. Automatically accepting the lowest quote isn’t always the best bet. Although it isn’t always immediately obvious if one quote is significantly lower than the others, it can mean there might be some hidden costs that pop up later and this can end up costing you more.
3. Consider Material Availability. Encountering supply issues has become commonplace of late, so confirming the availability of your chosen roofing materials could help keep the budget on track. If they don’t have the colour you want, choosing an alternative from in-stock colours will mean the job is able to progress immediately without holdups.
4. Take The Off-Season Advantage. One of the biggest uncontrollable factors in the reroofing process is the weather. Getting up on the roof requires some good weather, something that can be unpredictable in the winter months but stays pretty constant throughout the summer months, which is when most people plan to complete their reroofing projects and new roofing is in high demand. Aiming for the ‘off season’, which might mean late autumn, early winter or even mid-winter might mean you catch roofers in a slower period where they may offer better rates – it’s always worth asking!
5. Don’t Change The Plan. Making changes after the roof replacement project has already begun may not only end up delaying it but could also blow out overall costs. The only changes that should be made should only be as a result of damages that were not discovered during the initial roof assessment and inspection.
6. Choose Wisely. A little bit of research goes a long way – taking the time to investigate the different types of roofing materials available to you and their suitability for your location can help save you money. Even if it isn’t quite the look you were hoping for, some materials are significantly more affordable than others. Take a look at what’s available, do a quick pro/con list and keep in mind installation costs/conversion costs etc. then make a decision based on all of the factors involved. Online estimators can be a useful tool in determining how much it will cost to replace your roof with each type of material or get in touch with your local roofer for more detailed information.
7. Insurance Might Cover It. Depending on your current homeowner’s insurance policy and the how the damage to your roof occurred, you may be eligible to have some or all of your roof replacement costs covered by insurance. Weather or natural disasters usually mean your insurer will cover it, but anything to do with neglect and gradual damage is likely to mean you are responsible for the costs. Talk to your insurance provider to learn more.
8. Always Expect The Unexpected. Even if you plan well, hire professionals and have all your bases covered, there are always unexpected things that can pop up. The main issue here is that it is difficult to know exactly what condition the roofing system is in until the existing roof is removed – hence the unknown. There could be rotted timber, structural support issues and/or water damage etc. Planning for the unexpected will mean you don’t end up in over your head.
9. Consider DIYing The Prep. While tackling a roof replacement on your own is not recommended, taking a DIY approach to removing the old roofing to save money could be an option if you are a tradie, or have some handyman skills. This approach will cut costs and roofing contractors will be able to start immediately. However, do keep in mind there are a number of safety concerns, likely a longer time factor and you will need the right equipment. But most importantly of all – don’t start removing the old roof until you have absolute confirmation from your roofing contractor for the exact day they will be on site to begin the new roof – you don’t want to get into the position where you are without a roof for an extended period of time. You will also need to factor in the disposal of the old roofing materials and associated costs.
10. Communication Is Key. Ask questions! Keeping in contact with your roofing contractor and up to date with any developments will help avoid any issues relating to miscommunication. Plus they may even be able to offer some good advice on saving you money!
11. Think Long Term. A roof is there for a long time. It protects your most valuable asset and provides a vital piece of your home’s infrastructure – even though the cost might seem like a lot it is an investment in the future of your home.
12. Hire A Reputable Roofing Contractor. Finally, and most importantly, the best roof replacement on a budget tip of all is to find a reputable roofing contractor who knows what they’re doing! Hiring a handyman or general contractor instead of a professional roofing contractor is probably only going to lead to mistakes and you might find you end up with more repairs, more costs and more stress.
Financing Your New Roof
In some cases, roof replacement projects simply cannot wait. Especially where heavy damage has occurred. If immediate replacement is necessary and insurance doesn’t cover it, or you don’t have the funds, it can be necessary to consider roof financing. Rather than waiting until you have enough money saved up you may be able to arrange finance conditions through your roofing company, paying off the full amount in increments.
When it comes to replacing your roof on a budget, value for money is of the utmost importance – ensure you make a wise investment and get the job done right with Action Reroofing specialists in ColorSteel roof replacements.
