Home Roof Replacement Tips – Top 3 Ways to Prepare

If you’re getting ready for a new roof, you won’t want to miss this guide. Our expert roofers in Hamilton will walk you through the three most crucial roof replacement tips so you can enjoy the process with complete peace of mind. 

Your roof is one of the most essential parts of your home. It protects everything from your loved ones to your family heirlooms and expensive electronics, so a roof replacement is a worthwhile but costly expense—the average cost to replace a roof in Canada runs around $10,000. 

When faced with such a considerable expense, some careful planning and preparation can help you save on replace roof costs without sacrificing quality, make the most of your roofing budget, and enjoy a more seamless and stress-free process. 

Read on to learn more from our team's best roofing experts. 

3 Expert Tips: How to Prepare For a Roof Installation 

1. Research Costs and Build a Budget

If you’re confused by roof estimates, you’re not alone. Roofing contractors build these estimates based on complex factors interacting to build your final cost estimate. 

How much does a roof cost?

The most crucial factor is the size of your home, as contractors divide the total square footage of the roof’s surface area by 100 to get the roofing square number. The cost per square contractors give you usually includes the full package—all materials and installation are included. 

Your roofing material is the most variable cost for a new roof. How much you pay depends on the material you choose - the uber-popular asphalt shingles offer the best price per roofing square, while metal, wood, slate, and other options are more costly. 

Your roof’s slope and pitch can affect costs, too, as steeper roofs are more labour-intensive. The longer and more intensive the work, the more you’ll pay for roofing labour. 

Your neighbourhood and location can make a difference in your costs because the cost of living affects labour costs, and local building codes and permit requirements can vary by region. 

Quality Versus Price

Of course, choosing the lowest bid is tempting because new roof costs add up quickly. But you have to think about costs over time, not upfront costs. If you cheap out and choose a low-quality company roofing contractor, your roof might fall apart years before the expected lifespan is up. Prioritize quality to get the most life out of your roof, and choose high-quality, affordable roofers that offer the best prices. 

Planning Your Budget

• Start Saving Early. Regardless of your option, your roof replacement will cost you thousands of dollars. If you know you’ll need a new roof within the next 5-10 years, start stashing cash away in a high-interest savings account so you can fund the expense as early as possible. Nothing hurts more than paying interest on a big expense and significantly increasing costs. 

• Consider Financing Options. Plenty of roofing companies offer financing plans. If you’re facing a roof replacement and don’t have the cash, compare those financing options to those offered through banks and other lenders. If you can secure a low interest rate, even 1% less can save you hundreds or thousands over time. 

• Build a Cash Cushion. Unexpected expenses can crop up during the roof replacement process, so save 10% more than you need as a contingency fund or cash cushion to lessen the financial blow. 

2. Finding the Right Roofing Contractor

You wouldn’t buy the first car you see on the lot or purchase the first home you tour. Shopping around for the right roofing contractor is crucial to make an informed decision you won’t regret later. Look for proven track records, positive customer views, and proper business insurance and licensing. 

A reliable contractor won’t leave you guessing how their costs break down. If they’re not offering transparent pricing or walking you through how they estimated your costs, it’s a big red flag - move on to another contractor. 

How do contractors estimate your roof replacement cost?

• Roof Square Footage. Most contractors will measure your roof dimensions using satellite imaging or drones for pinpoint accuracy on your eaves, pitch, facets, and more. 

• Recommended Materials. Your contractor is a roofing expert, so they’ll determine the price of a new roof with the best materials for the job, including ventilation, underlayment, and shingles. 

• Warranties. If any eligible warranties apply to your roof, the contractor will adjust the price accordingly. Much like any other warranty, you can pay more for that added security and peace of mind - if something goes wrong, you’re covered against any other costs.

• Labour Costs. They’ll calculate the team size and hourly costs required for the job and multiply those costs by the total estimated hours. 

What do I need to know about installing a new roof?

Don’t trust contractors at their word - find out what other people say about them. Ask for references and check their roofing portfolio to see their work in action and find out how past clients felt about the services and the quality of work. 

3. Selecting the Best Roofing Materials

What is the most expensive part of a new roof?

The type of roofing material you choose impacts how your roof looks, functions, and lasts. It is often the most expensive part of your estimate. Compare and consider different options and calculate the costs of those materials over their lifetime.

Popular Roofing Material Options

• Asphalt Shingles. Asphalt is the most common option for a reason. These shingles are versatile, inexpensive, and durable in a wide range of weather conditions. 

• Metal Roofing. Metal roofs are strong and durable but cost more than asphalt options. 

• Cedar Shakes. Cedar shakes balance beauty with durability, but this natural material needs more maintenance than most other roofs. 

If you need help determining which roofing materials you need, talk with your roofing contractor about your options. Their expert opinions on your local climate, architectural style, and budgetary needs can help you determine what’s best for your home. 

What should I look for after a new roof?

The timeline for your roof replacement varies based on several factors, including weather conditions, job complexity, and the size of your roof. 

How many days does it take to install a roof?

While your replacement will likely only take 1-3 days, manage your expectations and prepare for potential delays. Don’t book your replacement days before you leave for vacation so you don’t feel stressed if the timeline extends.

SameDay Roofing: Best Roofers Near Me

Your new roof is a big investment, but it’s one you can make with confidence through planning and ample preparation - it’s well worth the cost to protect your home and everything inside it. 

Ready to start preparations for your new roof replacement project? Let's chat and get started on a free roofing estimate - call (905) 902-7663 today.