Installing a new roof is one of the more expensive projects your house will eventually need, but don't let the estimates intimidate you. By working with your contractor, seeing what tasks you can take on yourself, and exploring your financing options, you can make a considerable difference in the final cost of your installation while still getting a quality new roof for your home.
Remove and Dispose of Your Old Roof
Because the cost of labor can add so much to your total, it's worth looking at ways you can reduce that labor cost. This can be done by taking on easy but tedious tasks that would otherwise be done by the contractor. One of these options is removing your own roof. How you do this depends on what material your roof is made of, but it will have to be removed before your new roof can be installed. There are some precautions to keep in mind, such as watching the weather forecast, but you should also make sure your contractor knows you want to do this and approves of it, as this could affect their scheduling. If you can do this yourself, however, your contractor can get to installing your new roof much more quickly.
The second step is disposing of the old roofing materials. This is another service that can come at a cost, which is convenient if you don't want to do the tedious cleanup yourself. If you can do this yourself, however, it's another good way to save money. Keep in mind that roof materials need to be disposed of in certain ways, like taking them directly to the landfill where there may be a fee. However, this can still end up cheaper than asking your contractor to do it for you.
Install a Second Layer
Apart from being the most commonly used material, asphalt shingles have a unique advantage in that, in certain circumstances, a second layer of shingles can be installed over the first. This, like removing your old roof yourself, is something you can do to save money in the short term. By installing a new layer rather than completely replacing the old layer, you can save a significant amount of money.
If you want to do this, your house will need to be inspected to make sure there are no structural problems; an extra layer of shingles adds much more weight to your roof, which could exacerbate any current problems like weakened or rotting wood. Your contractor can inspect your house for you and give their recommendation and advice.
In addition, a second layer doesn't typically last as long as just one new layer, and your next roof replacement may be a little more expensive as two layers need to be removed. In the short term, however, this is a viable option to get a perfectly functioning roof that should still last you several years.
Look for Financial Help
If you're concerned about the cost of a new roof, there are several ways you can pay for the installation that either let you pay over time rather than all at once, can provide money for your installation that doesn't need to be paid back, or both.
First, consider your financing options. Ask your roofing contractor what their payment options are like; if you have concerns, they may be able to work with you. If that doesn't work, consider a personal loan or taking a loan against your home's equity, which is a great option to use for home improvement.
Next, look for any grants you may be able to qualify for. These grants are provided by the federal government and can be used toward certain types of home improvement projects, and they don't need to be paid back. One example is the Weatherization Assistance Program given by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers grants specifically for rural areas, and the National Residential Improvement Association also gives grants for home improvement projects. There are many types of grants available, and it's worth applying for any you qualify for.
Contact roofing contractors in your area for more information about roof installation services.
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