Roof repair is a reality all homeowners must eventually face. It does not matter what type of material the roof is made of; it will undoubtedly eventually sustain damage that requires professional repair. As inconvenient as it is, roof care and maintenance is necessary to ensure that the roof will continue to provide protection for those living in the home. If not addressed quickly, the damage can spread and cost even more to repair.
Those reasons are why responsible homeowners should make it a priority to follow these steps to properly prepare for roofing repairs:
Step 1: Search for a Reliable Local Roofing Company
Although it is tempting to proceed with DIY roofing repairs, most of the time this causes more damage. Instead of going ahead with the repairs using only what tools are available in the garage, homeowners should call local roofers to assess the situation. The contractors will do a complete inspection and diagnose the state of the roof and the type of repairs it will need.
Hiring a contractor is a good step to take, but the hiring process should also involve some debating and considerations. Here are some good questions to ask potential roofers before choosing the right one:
- Ask about previous experience and reviews from clients. Trusted contractors will be happy to provide a list of their accomplishments while unreliable contractors will hide their past work.
- Ask about their certifications. All reliable roofers must have certification and accreditation as proof of their capabilities and qualifications.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Accidents can happen during the repairs, so it is best to know who covers for worker’s injuries and possible property damage in cases of an accident.
- Look into their years in the businesses. The best contractors have been providing services for the local area for more than a few years. This shows that locals trust them and the quality of their work.
Step 2: Professional Roof Diagnosis
Once a roofing contractor has been selected, they will most likely schedule an inspection of the roof. They will have the right equipment and safety gear to walk the roof and determine the amount of repairs needed. A skilled DIY handyman may also be able to do the assessment, but it is very dangerous to proceed with the roof check without having the correct safety equipment.
No one should compromise their health and safety to save a few dollars. A contractor from a local roofing company has the skills and equipment to do the job without risk.
Step 3: Set a Budget and Stick to It
There is no denying that roof repairs can be very expensive, especially when they come as a surprise. Not everyone has the extra budget to fix all the problems at once, which is why it is best to work with contractors who understand the importance of budgeting. Reliable roofing contractors can help create a plan that will address all the major repairs first and slowly work on the smaller problems as soon as budget permits.
Sometimes it is a good idea to request quotes from different roofers to compare prices and services offered. This will give homeowners a list of options to choose from according to their budget and repair needs. When a budget is set, it is also a good idea to give some extra budgeting just in case of any delays that can add to the cost of labor.
Step 4: Schedule the Repairs
Aside from determining which repairs should be considered as priority, scheduling when the actual repairs will take place is also important. Major roof repairs can take weeks to finish and this can disrupt the daily routine of the people inside the house. It is best to schedule work on days that is most convenient for the contractor and the people living in the home.
Summer vacations are generally considered a good choice because the kids can be sent to camp or stay at a friend’s or relative’s house which means the parents can concentrate on helping the contractors with the repairs. The rainy season and the winter months are the worst time for repair because it is hard for the contractor to work in those conditions.
Step 5: Prepping the House
Repairs are messy outside of the home and inside as well. Dust, stray shingles, and other pieces will be everywhere and will cover just about every surface above the area where the repairs are being done. It is best to keep expensive furniture covered using tarps, the same goes for the floors to keep them safe and protected while repairs are underway.
It is also best that houseplants are brought outside so that dust and debris will not settle on them. All valuables must be stored in a room located far from the repair area in case of rain showers that can cause a leak.
Step 6: Look into Temporary Living Arrangement Options
As mentioned before, major roof repairs are messy and dusty, which can make a house unfit for people to stay in while the repairs are being made. It is best for homeowners to look for an alternative living arrangement until the project is finished. Hotels are a good option, but can get expensive, especially when unforeseen delays start happening. The most affordable option is to stay with relatives or friends as long as the welcome is not overstayed, there should be no issues.
Since not everyone has the option of staying at a house for free, it is smart to factor in temporary living arrangements as part of the total cost of repairs to avoid going over the budget.
Step 7: Expect Delays and Know How to Deal with Them
Roof repairs involve a lot of different factors, all of which can go wrong at one time or the other. No repair project has ever gone through without a bump on the road. Sometimes materials are suddenly out of stock, rain might interfere with the work, or additional labor is required to complete the job. Understandably, it can get frustrating to deal with one hurdle after another, but the best way to deal with delay and issues that can slow down progress is to always have a backup plan.
Planning ahead will not ensure that the project will not encounter hiccups along the way, but they will not be as bumpy or complicated. In cases of such delays it is best not to panic or stress out. A good contractor will provide the necessary assistance to ensure the days of inconvenience are not prolonged.
Choosing a Roofer Matters
Hiring the right contractor to do the repairs will have a major impact on the entire project. Not only do they have all the right tools, skills, and training to fix roof problems the right way, but they also have insurance to cover any accidents and damages within the property. These are just some of the advantages homeowners can look forward to when choosing to work with professionals instead of doing DIY repairs.
Homeowners should also consider the value of local roofing companies who offer extended labor warranties for roofs they install. This added value will make roof care, maintenance, and repairs more manageable for the first few years. Not all contractors offer this type of deal which means the selection process should be taken seriously.
