A roof replacement project is time-consuming and requires a significant investment. Some unexpected factors can further increase the overall cost of your project, but knowing about them can help you plan your budget more effectively.
Today, we discuss some unforeseen factors that can drive up your roofing expenses.
Materials
Although roofs can be replaced with the same material you had before, some homeowners choose to upgrade or change the roofing material, color or design. Different types of roofs have varying levels of quality. Generally, the most expensive materials offer the best protection, but at a higher cost. Some roofing systems also require additional support structures, which will add to your expenses.
Slate, for example, is known to last for a long time and provides excellent protection from the elements. Hard slate typically lasts between 75 to 200 years while soft slate is good for about 50 to 125 years. Although they are durable and resilient, most homeowners tend to forget that this kind of roofing material is heavier than shingles and other more common roofing materials. Slate tiles are already expensive themselves, but since they require a reinforced support structure, this means additional material and labor expenses.
Material costs can also increase due to different reasons, such as scarcity of a specific material or transport costs. So, if you’re planning to upgrade your roof’s material, it’s best to do your research beforehand and look for a material that fits your preferences and budget. If the material you want is beyond your means, save up some more and wait until then to start the project, or find another roofing material that you can afford.
Design Changes
A reputable roofing contractor will always consider your preferences during the project. However, if you suddenly request changes after making an order to the supplier, this can incur additional costs. Remember that roofing estimates are based on what has been agreed upon before the project was started. Order changes or additional features will impact the costs of labor and materials as well as your project timeline.
Most homeowners often stick to their finalized plans. But if you think there are some features that must be added to your roof, but you can’t determine them just yet, you should add a buffer to your budget to accommodate for these additional features.
Local Climate
If you live in a climate that is colder or warmer than usual, you’ll also have to factor that into your roof replacement budget. Local climate can significantly affect the performance of your roof, so you’ll have to consider this when selecting a roofing system and creating your budget. Certain roofing materials and designs are ideal for specific climates, so you should consult local roofers regarding your best options.
For example, if you live in a colder area, then a roofing material that is more resistant to snow and frigid temperatures is best. Examples of this are synthetic and metal roofing. If you live in a warmer area, then heat-resistant materials – such as slate and clay tiles – will significantly improve the performance of your roofing system. Although roofing contractors usually provide clients with all the necessary information, there are times when they may need to adjust their estimates depending on your location.
Unexpected Structural Damage
Although roof replacements begin after a thorough roof inspection, there are times that hidden structural damage can show itself during the removal of old roofing materials. Structural damage can severely impact the stability and performance of your new roof, so this issue needs to be dealt with immediately to avoid complications. These additional repairs or replacements will cost you more, but if you want to get the most out of your new roof, you must address all underlying structural damage before installing the new roof. If you’re planning to have a roof replacement done soon, you should set aside an extra budget dedicated to unanticipated repairs to avoid delaying or halting your project.
Construction Damage
This rarely happens, but you should also prepare for property damage during roof replacement. A good roofing contractor will strive to protect your belongings and other parts of your property, but sometimes, accidents and unintentional damage happen. To avoid these unfortunate events, you should be proactive and invest in protective sheeting and tarps for your home. Cover your living areas and yard with protective materials to avoid damage from falling debris. Park your vehicles somewhere else, and if you have delicate furniture or fixtures in your home, place them somewhere else to keep them safe. Your storage shed or basement might be ideal for this.
Season
This is another factor that most homeowners often forget: some seasons typically see a higher demand for roofing services. In the U.S., it’s common for contractors to get a lot of requests during spring and summer. Due to this higher demand, their rates can also go up depending on their availability and other factors.
On the other hand, winter is generally not ideal for a roof replacement project, so demand for roofing services also goes down during this time of the year, resulting in lower rates. As a homeowner, it is crucial to do your research and schedule your roof replacement as early as possible. You can also be upfront and ask your local roofers which seasons they offer discounts or have lower demand to see how the rates during these times of the year can impact your budget.
Local Code Compliance
Your roof replacement costs may increase if you need to update your entire roofing system to meet the latest building codes. Roofing contractors are knowledgeable about this, and they can tell you if your roof’s design is no longer up to code. Of course, any additional work to make your roof code-compliant will increase your expenses. The cost of permits and processing fees will also affect your budget.
Are you in need of reliable roofers to perform maintenance or repairs on your roof? Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC is a professional roofing company that can provide you with the high-quality roofing services you need. We are dedicated to providing each of our customers with the results they need for their homes.
Schedule a roof consultation by filling out our contact form or calling us at (815) 964-2220. We serve customers in Rockford, IL, and other nearby areas.