Certain roofing projects are doable by experienced and courageous individuals. Others should be left to roofing professionals.
Regardless of the materials selected, replacing the whole roof will need the services of a contractor. Read more.
If your roofer allows, you may be able to save money by removing the existing roof yourself.
For minor repairs, you can do it yourself if you have the proper tools and a reasonable sense of balance in high locations.
Nailing down a few shingles, replenishing old caulk, or fixing roof vents are all tasks that you can probably do if you want to. However, roofing is a risky job that is best left to professionals in the majority of circumstances.
Acquirable abilities
The majority of roof repairs are rather basic. You may discover hundreds of instructional videos on YouTube by searching for “how to replace a shingle.” Variate your search words according to the work at hand. Spend an hour viewing a variety of pertinent television and you’ll almost certainly have the information necessary to complete your repair.
Never depend on a single video, regardless of how authoritative it seems. Another presenter may discuss a subject that has been neglected by others.
Now that you have the information, you must determine if you possess the necessary talents and temperament. Some of us are incapable of correctly painting a wall or assembling Ikea flat-pack furniture. If that describes you, you’ll need assistance from a buddy who has genuine home renovation expertise.
Tools
Make no attempt to save money by cutting corners with tools. For instance, if you’re changing shingles, buy in a roofer’s “flat bar” (a.k.a. “pry bar.”)
As one would anticipate from the realm of tool nomenclature, flat bars are seldom, if ever, flat. However, this does not negate their immense use. Could a big screwdriver and pincers suffice? Possibly. However, you can get a functional flat bar for less than $10.
Before climbing the ladder to begin work, ensure that you have all of the necessary equipment, nails, and specialty adhesive. It’s not simply inconvenient to have to repeatedly travel up and down to get items you’ve forgotten. When you’re moving, you’re most in danger of falling.
Are you able to save money by assisting your contractor?
If you’re afraid of the contractor’s quotation, you may consider reducing the final fee by doing part of the job yourself. Maintain a rational tone while discussing this.
You are virtually guaranteed to be a burden rather than an asset during the skilled portion of installing a new roof. The individuals who work on your roof are used to working in teams. Someone unfamiliar and inexperienced bumbling about is likely to do more harm than good.
However, your contractor may agree to allow you to strip the old roof in preparation for the replacement. Take advice on the length of time that will likely be required and any interim waterproofing solutions that may be necessary.
Solicit the assistance of your contractor in bringing their wheeled, larger magnet (or rent one yourself). You’re going to be removing hundreds of nails, and you don’t want to be picking them out of your lawnmower blades and your children’s body parts for years to come.
Collecting such items is a necessary element of the roof removal step, which you have accepted responsibility for.
Insurance and liability
If you want to enlist the assistance of friends to assist you with a do-it-yourself repair or replacement, be aware of your possible liabilities. Generally, your homeowner’s insurance will cover you if a portion of your roof falls on a visitor’s head. However, if your guests are climbing about on the roof at your desire, the situation may be different.
That is why respectable contractors are required to hold worker’s compensation coverage. Therefore, verify your policy. Even better, speak with your insurers. They may entirely decline coverage, leaving you to decide whether to take on the risk yourself. Alternatively, they may impose constraints.
Before construction begins, prudent homeowners get insurance certificates from their roofing contractors. This is a letter from the insurance company to the individual homeowner certifying that the contractor has sufficient general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Do not be afraid to request this; you will not be the first.
You should now have at least two more papers. Ascertain that you have a construction permit covering the job (if applicable) and a comprehensive quote/contract from the contractor describing exactly what you will get.
Purchasing a roof
If you’re doing a little repair on your own, you may replace a few shingles for less than $200 in supplies, which includes your non-flat flat bar. However, if you want a completely new roof, the cost could easily range from $5,000 to $14,000 — or even more, depending on your location, the sort of roof you choose, and the size of your property.
