Unexpected Factors That Can Add Cost to Your New Roof

A roof replacement is one of the biggest investments you can make for your home. When setting a budget for it, it’s important to take into account unexpected costs so you will not be left high and dry by the end of the project. 

To help you navigate this home improvement, Shine Construction Inc. covers here the basic costs of a roof replacement along with some potential issues to anticipate.

Basic Costs of a New Roof

First and foremost, you need to determine the baseline of your roof replacement budget. The cost of your project will likely be influenced by the following factors:

Inspection and Permitting: In order to determine the scope of your roof replacement and provide an accurate estimate, the contractor will perform a thorough inspection of your current roofing system. Depending on where you reside, your roofer may also need to obtain building permits from the local office before starting the construction.

Roof Dimensions: The simpler the structure of the roof, the cheaper the replacement cost. Characteristics such as slope, size and level changes all have a significant impact on the total cost of your project. A roof with more hips, valleys and dormers will be more expensive to replace than a simple roof on a single-story home.

Roofing Materials: Roofing materials range from affordable options like three-tab asphalt shingles to high-end options like slate. In addition to the roof covering, building materials such as underlayment, sheathing and flashing are also essential costs to consider.

Labor: The size of the installation team, their expertise and experience, and the scope of the roofing project all factor into the cost of labor. Although price is a crucial element of the project, selecting a contractor should not be based on price alone. In the end, it is the quality of work that mostly ensures the success of the replacement.

Disposal: While it is possible to install a new layer of shingles on top of old ones, this reroofing technique can dramatically reduce the performance of the new roof, not to mention interfere with the roofing warranty. As such, a roof replacement will likely entail the removal and disposal of the old shingles, which adds to the final bill of the project.

Unexpected Costs of a Roof Replacement

Sometimes, the roofing contractor will uncover additional damage during the construction process. For this reason, it is advisable to set a buffer on top of the estimated cost of the project. Here are some unforeseen issues that you need to consider:

Leaks and Rot: Leaks, in some cases, can go unnoticed until all shingles have been removed during replacement. These leaks can cause moisture damage to other parts of the roof such as the rafters. If the contractor discovers significant damage due to leaks, the material and labor costs to replace the affected structures can inflate the original cost of the project.

Pests and Mold: Mold and termite damage can also be a cause of additional expenses. This is particularly common in dry and humid climates. Whether it is decay or insect infestation, any reputable roofer will choose to address the issue before proceeding with the installation of a new roof.

Poor Design: Water traps are one of the most prevalent problems that homeowners are faced with during a roof replacement. Referring to areas that are prone to leaks, water traps often result from runoff channels directing too much water to one area. This can lead to the premature deterioration of the shingles and other exterior structures like brick or siding. If your roofer unearths this issue, expect the cost of correcting the faulty design of the roof to be added to your overall roof replacement budget.

Code Noncompliance: Even if your roof was built according to the building codes in the past, those rules may no longer be applicable to new roofing. While bringing your roof up to code is great news for the sustainability and energy efficiency of your home, it is an added expense.

Roof Upgrades: For homeowners, getting a new roof does not only enhance the beauty and functionality of their roof but also increases the overall value of their home. In that vein, you may find that adding upgrades to your roofing system is also in your best interest. Common roof upgrades include installing low-maintenance seamless gutters, adding ventilation and insulation to the attic, and opting for a waterproof underlayment. Make sure you discuss these options with your roofing contractor as they can help you make decisions about the specific upgrades that can maximize the value of your property while staying within budget.

How to Keep Your Roof Replacement on Budget

Here are a few tips that can help you minimize additional costs that occur during the roof installation process:

Complete the roof replacement in the off-season. The demand for roof repair and replacement services is always high during spring and summer, so roofing costs are typically higher in those months than in the colder seasons when roofing jobs are in less demand.

Leave a 15-20% buffer in your budget. Doing this will allow you to take any unforeseen issues in stride without compromising the quality of your project. While this may seem like a large buffer, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Maintain open communication with your contractor. It is very important to be upfront about your budget restraints with your contractor. This will help them figure out the most practical way to reach your expectations while maintaining quality workmanship.

Contact Us for Residential and Commercial Roofing Services

Give new life to your home or business with Shine Construction Inc. Whether you need roof replacement or emergency storm damage roof repair, our team of experienced roofing professionals will work with you every step of the way to customize a solution that meets your specific needs. Just give us a call at (508) 278-3300 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.