If you’re here, then you’re more than likely in the market for a new roof. Replacing your roof can be an overwhelming experience, as there are quite a few things to consider when designing a roof. Plus, a roof replacement is a large and important investment which involves some big decisions that can greatly impact your new roof.
At Elite Exteriors, we want to educate homeowners when it comes to their roof, so they can make educated decisions they’re confident in. The last thing we want is for you to end up with a roof that you’re unhappy with, especially with it being such a costly and significant purchase. In this article, we discuss 4 Things to Consider When Designing a Roof so you can make the best purchasing decisions.
Table of Contents
– Things to Consider When Designing a Roof
– Budget
– Contractor
– Materials
– Upgrades
– How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?
Things to Consider When Designing a Roof
When it comes to roof replacements, many homeowners believe it’s as simple as hiring a contractor, showing them the roof, and asking for a new one. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that. In order to get the job done right, homeowners will have to make some important decisions. Below are four things to consider when designing a roof, to help you with the roof replacement process.
Budget
The first thing to consider when designing a roof is your budget. Purchasing a new roof is a large investment, which means there is a decent amount of money involved. And the budget that you set in place will affect the rest of the decisions we discuss, and your roof replacement as a whole.
Of course, a larger budget means that more options are available to you when it comes to roofing materials, the contractor you hire, etc. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank for a proper roof replacement. High quality options are available at affordable prices.
And while we recommend shopping around, we do not recommend seeking out the cheapest prices possible. Searching for the cheapest option out there will more than likely result in a sub-par roof when it comes to craftsmanship, aesthetics, and longevity. And if you go with the cheapest contractor, their workmanship warranty will more than likely be poor or nonexistent, as well.
Doing this sets up your new roof investment for failure from the beginning. With that being said, if budget is your main concern, and you’re worried about how you’re going to pay for your new roof, have no fear. There are options available for homeowners who are wondering how to pay for a new roof.
Contractor
One of the most important things to consider when designing a roof is the contractor you hire. This is probably the biggest and most significant decision you’ll make when it comes to replacing your roof. The roofing contractor you choose to work with impacts every aspect of the job, from pricing to quality of the finished product.
Many homeowners believe that this is the easy part. Unfortunately, there are a ton of roofing contractors out there, and finding a great one can be difficult. We highly recommend doing some research on a few different roofing companies, and below are a few things you should do:
- Look for a local company, one that you know will be around should you need them
- Be sure that the company you work with is licensed, bonded and insured in your state
- Ask for referrals, or get recommendations from friends and neighbors
- Check out their reviews, especially the most recent ones
- Make sure they offer a 25-year to lifetime workmanship warranty
As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider when designing a roof and choosing a contractor. As long as you use the above tips and do your due diligence, you’ll be able to find a vetted, experienced, and reputable roofer to work with. For additional assistance with this, check out our blog, “5 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofing Contractor [For Professionalism and Peace of Mind].”
Materials
Next up on the list of things to consider when designing a roof is roofing materials. To find the right roofing materials, you will want to keep your budget, the style you’re looking for, and how long you want your new roof to last in mind. And there are many different roofing materials to choose from!
If affordability tops the list, we recommend an architectural asphalt roof. This is a durable, long-lasting roof type that is sure to add curb appeal to any home. However, if you’re wanting a roof that turns heads and you aren’t on a very tight budget, luxury asphalt shingles are a great option.
If budget isn’t a concern and you’re looking for a truly aesthetic roof, great options include a standing seam metal roof, composite roof, cedar shake roof, or slate roof. These are all premium roofing systems, and will come with a heftier price tag. With that in mind, the most common type of roofing material is architectural asphalt shingles, and a gorgeous roof doesn’t have to break the bank.
Upgrades
Last but not least on our list of things to consider when designing a roof are upgrades. When getting a roof replacement, there are materials and components necessary for a healthy, long-lasting roof. However, homeowners have the option to customize their roof by adding upgrades or upgrading materials.
So, when it comes to your new roof, you will need to decide if there are certain parts of your roof that you’d like to upgrade. Upgrades are available to improve both aesthetics and functionality. Either way, this is completely optional and at the homeowner’s discretion.
A common upgrade that we see is the addition of a metal accent to certain roof areas. Many homeowners also opt to get new metal for flashing, change out their roof vents, or even upgrade their entire ventilation system. Again, this all boils down to budget, as any additional upgrade will create an increase to the bottom line.
How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?
Now you know the top four things to consider when designing a roof, and that cost plays a huge role in this decision making process. Whether you have a set budget in mind, or are still unsure, it’s impossible to start making decisions for your roof replacement until you know how much a roof replacement costs. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find pricing in the roofing industry, but we’re here to help!
Most people in the roofing industry don’t like to lead with pricing out of fear of intimidating potential clients. Elite Exteriors, however, believes in transparency, and that an educated consumer creates peace of mind and alleviates stress for both the client and the contractor. This is why we’ve created a Roof Cost Calculator, so you know what to expect when it comes time for the bill.
Please keep in mind that the Roof Cost Calculator is here to give you a general estimate, not an exact price. This is because every homeowner has different wants and needs, and there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to pricing that can only be included after an in-person inspection. With that being said, our calculator will give you a rough estimate of how much your new roof will potentially cost.
—
Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier resource for unparalleled service, craftsmanship and quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only that, we offer NO-COST initial consultations and inspections. For more information, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or click here to fill out an online form.