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Given the high cost of a new roof, demolition and new construction are quite labor intensive and therefore expensive. Read here 6 tips to keep the cost of a new roof from getting out of hand.
1: It all starts with an inspection
Have your roof professionally inspected. During the inspection, the roofer will clarify the following points:
- Inventory of the existing roofing materials
- Remaining warranties on existing roof materials
- Cost estimate for repairs
- Cost estimate for complete renewal
- Opportunities for technical improvement or expansion
- Innovative materials to save costs or speed up renovation
Often a roof looks worse than it really is. Unimpressed by moss and lichen, a roofer can determine the true extent of wear and tear on a house roof in a few steps. If the roof just needs a thorough cleaning and a few tiles replaced, the roofer will tell you. However, if the weathering of the roofing is already too advanced and re-roofing is inevitable, you can also rely on this assessment. For roofs that are less than 20 years old, it’s worth taking a closer look at the roofing materials. Many manufacturers nowadays give this period as a guarantee that their material will last. Of course, this depends on the warranty that was in place at the time of installation. However, if the roofer finds that a tile roof needs to be replaced after only 20 years instead of the promised 40 years, talk to the manufacturer. Often you can negotiate substantial discounts or even get parts of the roofing for free, giving you a good deal on your new roof.
2: Energy renovation and subsidies.
Your roofer will also be happy to advise you on the following points:
- The current energy condition of the roof
- Minimum measures for energy renovation
- Use the full potential of your roof
- State and municipal subsidies
Even if a roofing material still looks healthy, it may need to be replaced. Especially if asbestos sheets were still used in construction, a complete and professional renovation is inevitable. Insulation is of particular importance to the energy advisor. If it is inadequate or completely lacking, you should carefully consider the measures: Even if the life span of the roof covering has not been fully used, a renewal of the roof covering can be an intelligent measure. Insulation under the rafters is much more expensive than insulation above the rafters, which is installed before the roof is re-roofed. So if you want to convert an old barn into a home, for example, covering, insulating and roofing with new roofing materials could end up saving you money.
The roofer and energy advisor will also show you ways to use the full potential of your roof. The spectrum ranges from innovative roofing materials to technical upgrading with photovoltaic, thermal or roof wind systems. Prepare a thorough cost-benefit analysis. Even if you don’t want to install anything on the roof now, take precautions. In any case, plan your roof in such a way that a technical expansion can be carried out later as easily as possible.
The energy advisor can give you excellent tips on how to get financing for the new roofing.
3: Find a reliable roofer
The most important criterion when choosing a roofer is reliability. When it comes to roofing materials, insulation or roofing technology, there are many ways to save money. But bargain hunting is misplaced when looking for the best professional. A qualified craftsman from a master craftsman company has its price – but it’s worth every penny. A well-coordinated team of master craftsmen, skilled tradesmen and experienced construction workers work hand in hand and with the highest efficiency.
The concentrated skill of a well-coordinated team gives you a good and confident feeling that the work will be done properly. When you hire a professional roofer, you also get a four-year full guarantee that the work will be done correctly. This is something that a janitorial service or similar unqualified company cannot offer you.
4: Make an exact budget plan
Based on the plan of measures that you prepared with the roofer and energy consultant, the roofer will calculate the cost of a new roof in a quote. This includes labor, material prices and any additional costs such as scaffolding. Regardless of whether you finance the roof with a loan or pay from your own funds, establish a budget before placing the order. This budget should include a 10-20% cushion that you can use to cover unexpected additional costs for a new roof.
5: Adjust your insurance policies and use them properly
If parts of your roof need to be re-covered after a storm, check your insurance coverage. Storm damage is only partially covered by homeowner’s insurance. Discuss with your insurance agent what comprehensive protection for your home and roof might look like. For example, if your roof is damaged by a flood, this is what is known as “natural hazard damage.” This is not covered by normal storm and cloudburst insurance. Therefore, you should consider whether natural hazard insurance is an option for you. This way, you can already compensate for a large part of the cost of a new roof through the insurance.
6: Save on the cost of a new roof with the right material
Depending on where your property is located, the demand for roofing materials is quite limited. So the first way to get a new roof for your home is to go to the local building authority. There you will find what roofing materials are allowed for your building. Local building codes are quite strict and consistently enforced. The material, shape, color and form of the roof are usually prescribed or limited in scope. If you violate these regulations, you risk a fine or, in the worst case, even forced demolition. Save yourself this unnecessary hassle and cooperate with the building authorities by observing the prescribed material selection.
Use the specifications to choose the material intelligently. Roof tiles, for example, now come in very large sizes. The larger a tile is, the less you need per square meter. Most of all, this means that the work is done faster. The difference between a small slate roof and an area covered with large tiles can amount to several working days.
Conclusion: Don’t skimp on the wrong materials: whether it’s metal, concrete tiles, clay tiles or slate for your pitched roof, or plastic or bitumen membranes for your flat roof – each material has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of price, installation and durability. Together with the expert knowledge of the roofer, you must determine which material is the best value for money for your very personal roofing project. The following factors play a role: the building regulations of your municipality, the view and your personal preferences, your budget, as well as the weather conditions of your region.
