Roofing Tip - 6 Steps Before Putting a New Roof on a Home

Changing the roof of your home is one of the best investments you can ever make in your property. Not only will a new roof improve the aesthetic value of your home, but it will also boost its market value in the event you decide to sell.

If you are in the market for a new roof for your home, there are several things you should do to ensure that your roofing project is as smooth and seamless as possible. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before the roofing contractor arrives.

Know your roof

Before contracting a roofing company, you should have a working knowledge of your roof and what it requires. This will provide you with a firm handle on the size and scope of your roofing project. Also, when you have a clear knowledge of what you are entering into with your roofing project, you are less likely to underestimate the cost of the project, a situation that can turn embarrassing if you run out of funds along the line.

To get the details you need, it may be necessary to climb to the top of the roof to take measurements, count the number of rafters, trusses, or sheeting boards, and generally figure out how the project will unfold.

Apply for applicable building permits

For certain types of houses, you do not need a construction permit to carry out roofing projects, but other types of homes and construction work still require that you buy a construction permit. You must identify the local building codes in your area and obtain the relevant permits before you start putting on a new roof. Failure to do this can have both financial and legal consequences. You may also require a construction permit if the roofing project will affect the existing structure of the house. If you are unsure of how to proceed, you can either visit the local building codes office or ask your roofing contractor to handle the process on your behalf.

Clear away valuables

Most people store valuables such as family heirlooms and other important items in the attic of their home, which is directly underneath the roof. If this is you, it is wise to clear away these items and move them to a safe place before the roofing project commences. Of course, a reliable roofing contractor will do all they can to minimize dust and debris during the installation of your new roof, but there is no avoiding the fact that it could get messy.

In the case of items that are too heavy to move, consider covering them with plastic sheets to protect them from dust and falling debris.

Inform the neighbors

While it is granted that no one will be against you replacing your old roof, there is no getting around the fact that a new roof installation can be messy and noisy.

Like every other city in the world, thrives on orderliness; therefore, before the roofers arrive, it is a good idea to let the neighbors in on your project. This way, they too can prepare for the commotion and noise that accompanies a roofing contractor. If you can, get a timeframe for the roofing project from your roofing contractor, so that the neighbors can have an idea of the extent of the project, when it will start, and when it will be completed.

Ensure proper access to your roof

Whether you are engaging a roofing contractor or doing it yourself, you need easy and unobstructed access to your roof. This means prepping your outside so that nothing gets in the way. This could mean clearing your driveway of vehicles, moving away outdoor furniture and equipment like grills, and pruning any flowers or trees that can hinder movement.

Regardless of how crowded your outdoors is, you must clear your sidewalks and driveways before the roofing company arrives.

Shop around

Unless you intend to install a new roof on your home all by yourself, you will want a roofing contractor that is reliable, professional, and affordable. There are many options for roofing contractors that meet these specifications so you may want to consider shopping around before choosing one.

When you consider bids from multiple contractors, don’t hesitate to ask them about past projects. Reviews from past clients, the community, and business regulatory bodies can also provide useful insights into the contractor’s expertise so that you can make an informed decision. Note though, even though the price is a crucial deciding factor for any project, don’t be hasty to settle for a cheap roofing contractor to the detriment of your new roof, because when prices are too low, chances are low-quality materials will be used.

Final words

Installing a new roof on your property can be a disruptive experience, and it may take a few days for you to return to your routine even after the roofing is done. Hopefully, the tips in this article will help make your new roofing project a lot less overwhelming.