Need to install a new roof? Perhaps the one you have now has been leaking, and you are looking for the best deal for your next one. Unfortunately, fitting a new roof is not cheap; the average cost for a new roof installation in the UK is over £5,000, which depends on the size of the building. Prices can also go up to £18,000 for larger houses.
There are many things to look out for when looking around for roofing costs. When you consider how much it costs to replace a roof, this includes material and labour fees.
So how much is replacing a roof, and what other things should be researched in the process? We have listed seven things to get you started.
- Find out if the existing roof is under warrant
Have you recently purchased your home and noticed your roof wasn’t up to scratch? When something like this happens, you can find out if the existing roof is still under warranty. If your home is a new build, check the welcome pack you may have received upon purchasing the home. You can also contact the previous owners, who will update you on its history.
Furthermore, a builders warranty usually comes with a new home build. This covers permanent home fixtures such as electrical work, roof, plumbing, etc. It is important to note that new builders’ warranty covers only defects caused by using faulty materials or poor workmanship during construction that could have been avoided.
- Get a roof inspection
Generally, you should be getting your roof checked annually. Unless there is an obvious problem with your roofing, you won’t notice anything wrong until you get a thorough inspection. Therefore, getting your roof checked by a certified professional should be part of your home maintenance strategy.
When you keep on top of these annual roof checks, issues can get picked up a lot earlier and fixed before they worsen. Most importantly, a roof inspection will help determine whether you need a whole new roof or just a repair.
- Get multiple quotes
Have you been given a quote for your new roof and wondering how you can afford it? Don’t just settle for the first quote you receive; search for the best one. Compare the prices and what they offer before you make a decision.
You can search online directories and price comparison sites to compare the best offer. Then, when you have plenty to choose from, you have a better chance of getting the best deal.
In addition, review cost guides on how much to replace a roof.
- Consider repairing instead of replacing
Are you sure you need a new roof, or can you get a repair instead? Sometimes, you might need to repair a small part of your roof instead of scraping the whole thing and getting a new one fixed. If you can get it repaired – it’ll be much cheaper than getting a new one. An accredited roofer can find out what you need by getting it inspected.
- Consider financing
If you don’t have the money to pay for a new roof and need a new one – you can look into financing options. A new roof costs a lot of money, and sometimes it’s thrust on you in one go and cannot be pushed to another time.
For example, if your roof got blown off during a snowstorm, and you didn’t have insurance to pay for a new one – you will need to finance it yourself. In such a case, you can look into home finance options and loans anyone might need. Several options allow you to pay off the lump sum over time. As long as you have a regular income, along with a decent credit score, you should be able to get some help.
- Choose the right material
If you need a new roof, you should try to understand why the materials used for your current one didn’t last as long. Then, you can look into other long-lasting materials with a longer life span. Then, even if you might have to fork out more money for materials, you will know you will get your money’s worth.
Shop around and do as much research about the suitable materials to use. Ask friends and neighbours who have had their roofs replaced what they found when researching the best materials. You might learn a thing or two that could help you choose the best material for your new roof.
- Research and plan far in advance
Before you make any final decision on your new roof, plan and research in advance and try to put some money aside before your roof becomes an issue. If your roof issues catch you unaware, learn to plan next time.
How regular inspections can help you plan:
- If a recent inspection revealed that you need a new roof in a few years, you would have time to save for a new one.
- Regular inspections allow you to learn about issues you can fix without getting a new roof.
Regular inspections help you understand more about your roof.
In closing, there are many ways to find a good deal for your new roof. You should always research well in advance to find a good deal and ask friends and family who may have gone through a similar thing with their home. You can also look into financing options to help you if you cannot pay outright for the new roof.
