What do you think is the first thing people will notice when they look at your house? The entrance? The curb appeal? The yard? While all of these areas play a role in creating a good first impression, it’s your roof that will first be noticed. If you fail to maintain the roof for years or suffer the aftermath of a particularly turbulent windstorm, your roof will be the first to display the damage.
At some point, you’ll realize that there’s no way around renovating your roof, but there are a few things to keep in mind when the time comes. If you’re thinking about renovating your roof, here are seven things to keep in mind:
1. Figure Out What You Need: Renovation or Repair?
Although your roof may have suffered a certain degree of damage, that doesn’t necessarily mean it must be completely renovated. Sometimes, merely repairing the damage can suffice. So how can you know whether you need to repair the damage or completely renovate the roof? The best way to know is to contact a certified roofing contractor and schedule an appointment for inspection. The inspector will be able to assess the damage and recommend the next course of action, but be sure they’re trustworthy; you don’t want to fall victim to a renovation sales pitch when a simple repair job would suffice.
2. Choose the Materials that Fit Your Style
If you reach the conclusion that a roof renovation is needed, you’ll need to consider the new look of your roof. The style of your house can be greatly influenced by the materials used for the roof. You’ll have a wide array of options when it comes to materials; asphalt shingles, slate, metal, and cedar are just a few options. Take the time to research your options and find the materials the best fit the style you have in mind.
3. Compliance and Permits
Before you can start the renovation process, you’ll need to get a permit from your city hall. You’ll also need to check the laws of your local state to check if there are any limitations to the work done on your roof. Each state has its own rules and regulations; for instance, the State of Minnesota states that the designated building inspector must first inspect the building before re-decking any roof. You’ll want to find reputable and trust-worthy roofing companies MN-located to handle the permits. Furthermore, you’ll be able to entrust them with the code-compliance of your new roof. They’ll also handle the insurers to ensure you get the maximum claim you’re entitled to. In short, they’ll give you the peace of mind you need while they take care of all the paperwork.
4. Calculate the Cost of Renovation
A lot of factors can affect the total cost of the renovation. Upgrading the whole roof into a completely new look will be more costly than repairing the roof while maintaining the old look. The amount of renovation needed, the materials used, the complexity of the structure, adding new items (like solar panels), and the deal you make with the roofing contractors will all affect the total cost as well. Knowing the cost will help you prepare for any emergency expenditures as well.
5. The Duration of Renovation
On average, the renovation process can take 3 to 5 days to be completed. However, this duration may be extended for many reasons. Following the initial inspection, you may have to wait up to 2 weeks until you get a permit. The complexity of the renovations needed, sudden weather conditions, or requesting the addition of new features may also add a few more days to the schedule.
6. Keep the Noise and Debris in Mind
Renovating a roof is not a simple process. You’ll need to take into account the amount of noise that will result throughout the process so that you can alert the neighbors and your family members in advance.
Moreover, be prepared for the debris that will get scattered around in your yard and, probably, in your attic as well. You’ll want to cover your attic and check with the roofing contractors if they remove the debris, or you have to handle its removal on your own.
7. Research Your Options
Most importantly, take your time in researching your options. Schedule appointments with more than one roofing contractor and compare their proposals. Collect references and choose the one with the best reputation, skills, and package deals.
Renovating a roof is a complex and exhausting process. You’ll need to understand what the process entails so you can be well-prepared and avoid facing any unpleasant surprises. You don’t want to suffer any unnecessary expenses either, so be sure to identify the exact needs of your roof and check all your options.
