13 Tips to Save Money On Your Residential Roof Replacement

Unfortunately, replacing a roof is a home-improvement project most homeowners dread. However, it’s a necessary upgrade that can revive the look of your home and keep your family safe. Before going into a roof renovation project, it can be beneficial to educate yourself on the process and find cash-saving tips. Maybe the replacement is a necessity, but you’re strapped for cash. You may be wondering how to pay for a roof with no money or how to reduce the costs of the replacement. Take a look at our comprehensive guide on a few things you should know about residential roof replacement, so you understand how to save money on a new roof.

1. HOW CAN I SAVE MONEY ON A NEW ROOF?

The best step you can take in replacing a new roof is being prepared. Know how to spot the signs when your roof is about to expire. Most roofs last between 20-25 years. When you know your roof is going to need a replacement soon, you can start saving and budgeting for the project to come. Planning will also allow you to take on some cost-saving tactics like taking the time to find an affordable roofing company for hire, timing your replacement during the right season and choosing the most affordable materials for the roof.

2. WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN REPLACING A NEW ROOF?

Before you replace your roof, ask yourself if perhaps the roof can last with just some repairs. Repairs are much more affordable and if you don’t plan to live in the home for very long, it may be the more cost-effective choice. This option is particularly applicable to people who have roofs that are only 10-15 years old. Always consult with a professional when making these determinations.

3. CAN I REPLACE MY ROOF MYSELF?

It’s not recommended that you replace your roof on your own. First, if you make any mistakes, you can cause significant damage to your house or the family members in your home. Second, if there are any home insurance claims down the line and your insurance provider finds out you didn’t hire a professional roofer, it may make your claim completely void.

Now, what you can do is complete some of the prep work before hiring a roofer. Part of the roofing process includes tearing off the shingles of the old roof and disposing of the materials. You can tackle this process yourself and only hire the roofers for laying the new roof.

4. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A NEW ROOF?

You will want to decide what kind of materials and what style of roof you wish to purchase. If you’re looking to save money, you could consider an overlay. This is an affordable option where the new roof is put on top of the old roof. Unfortunately, an overlay isn’t an option for every home, so consult with a professional roofing company first.

5. CHEAPEST TIME TO REPLACE A ROOF?

The timing of your roof replacement project can save you a lot of money. Roof replacements are most popular in the summer and fall. Busy seasons drive prices up and can lengthen how long the project takes. Try to aim to replace your roof in the winter or spring when a crew may be more likely to give you a discount and have a more open schedule to fit you in.

6. HOW TO GET A NEW ROOF FOR FREE?

Before you purchase a new roof, check if your current roof is still under warranty. If it is, you can receive a new roof entirely for free! This option is usually only applicable to fairly new homes.

If your roof isn’t under warranty, the next step is to call your insurance company and ask for an inspection. Your roof has likely seen some weather-related damage over the years. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be eligible for partial or full coverage on your new roof from your insurance provider.

7. HOW CAN I PAY FOR A NEW ROOF WITH NO MONEY?

Ideally, you plan for your roof replacement, save up and pay for it upfront. Sometimes, however, emergencies happen. If you don’t have the cash to pay for a residential roof renovation upfront, you can consider financing the project. Many roofing companies offer financing options in-house or through a financial partner. Additionally, credit cards, personal loans and lines of credit can all help to cover the upfront costs of the project as well.

Pro Tip: Check out if your state offers incentives for installing an energy-efficient roof! This can offset some of the costs of the project.

8. HOW DO YOU NEGOTIATE A NEW ROOF?

In the service industry, the first price on a quote you get isn’t always the final price. Get multiple quotes from different roofing companies so you can compare prices. Next, ask those roofing companies what sort of discounts they can give you. Tell them you’re willing to delay the project to off-season months, ask about using cheaper materials and possibly being okay with them using a smaller crew; taking a little longer to finish the project.

9. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PRICE TO TEAR OFF AND REPLACE A ROOF?

The price of a roof replacement project can vary significantly based on materials used, the region that you’re in and the type of roof that you decide on. On average, a simple asphalt roof replacement will range from $7,000-$12,000. While a more high-end roofing project, such as different types of metal roofing, can be $15,000 and up. 3

10. WHY IS ROOFING SO EXPENSIVE?

Simply put, the materials used for roofing are expensive. Additionally, the skilled labor required for a roofing project is also costly. It costs a lot of money to run a roofing company legally. If you get a quote from a company that is substantially lower than others, be sure to check their license and insurance. You don’t want the burden to fall onto you if you hired an uninsured roofing company and something were to happen. Also note, that if a company is substantially cheaper than other, they are more than likely making up that difference somewhere, and that difference could end up costing you big in repairs down the road.

11. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPLACE A ROOF?

Ultimately, how long it will take to replace a roof can depend on:

• The weather
• The crew size
• The crew’s availability
• The condition of the old roof
• The size of the roof
• The materials used

People should expect, with a crew of five people, for the project to last between one to three days.

12. HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE TO REPLACE A ROOF?

You can replace a roof with two people, but ideally you would have at least five. Having a few extra bodies helps cut down on the time of completion substantially.

13. HOW LONG WILL MY NEW ROOF LAST?

A new roof should last between 20-30 years; depending on the type of roof that you choose to go with. Any company that you hire should go over the different options with you. A more expensive roof today, could end up saving you money in the end!

Now that you have a better understanding on how to save money on your residential roof replacement, you’re ready to find an affordable roofing company near you! One affordable option, if you’re in Wisconsin and parts of Minnesota, is ReNew Roofing LLC. Here at ReNew Roofing, we offer a 50-year warranty on our roofs, 25-year workmanship warranty, we only use top-quality materials and we have financing options for those who need it. Contact us today for a free estimate.