A roof provides structural support that keeps your entire home together, which means if you’re starting to see signs that it needs replacing like cracked, damaged shingles or it’s reached its 20th birthday, it’s probably time to get it replaced.
A new roof isn’t cheap, however. The average asphalt roof costs nearly $25,000, and if you want a metal one, it runs an average of $40,318, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2020 analysis.
To help make the financial sting a little less painful, there are ways you can cut the cost and save a little more of your hard-earned money.
Time it Right
If you can avoid replacing your roof in the summer or fall, it just might help you save a significant amount of money.
Those are the busiest seasons for roof replacement, which drives the prices up and can lengthen the length of the project too.
If possible, replace it in the spring or winter when you’re more likely to get a discount and companies have more open schedules to get it done faster.
Call Your Insurance Company
Most likely, your roof has experienced at least some weather-related damage over the years. If that’s the case, you’ll want to call your insurance company and ask for an inspection.
Depending on the type of coverage you have, you might be eligible for full or at least partial coverage of a roof replacement from your insurance provider.
Typical homeowners insurance will cover the cost if it’s damaged, but usually only if it’s the result of a sudden act of nature like a hurricane or another severe storm. Problems that result from wear and tear, or a roof that’s passed its lifespan, aren’t eligible.
Also Read: Is It Time to Replace Your Roof? Here Are the Red Flags to Look Out For
Apply for Homeowner Funding
Roof replacement grants are available that can be a big help to low-income homeowners and others. There are multiple options available such as the Weatherization Assistance Program run by the Department of Energy along with other funding programs.
By contacting one of your local contractors or roofing companies, they’ll likely know about these programs and can tell you about the options that will best suit your needs. Your local governments can assist as well.
Shop Around
Keep in mind that the first price quote you get isn’t always the final price. It’s important to get multiple quotes for your roof placement from different companies to compare prices. Once you have those, ask what type of discounts they can provide.
Some may be willing to match the lowest price quote you have, but you’ll want to be sure you’re comparing apples to apples, not only with the roof itself but the quality of the company and its workers.
You might ask about using cheaper materials, tell them you’re willing to delay the replacement until the off-season months, or are okay with it taking a little longer than usual in exchange for a discount.
Also Read: 5 Common Roofing Materials for Your Home
Do Part of the Work Yourself
If you have the right equipment, time, and are in good enough shape to get up on the roof (and stomach the height), doing part of the work yourself by removing old roofing before the installer comes can help cut costs.
Just be sure that your contract approves, you’re aware of the dangers, and take proper precautions. You might have to arrange for the disposal of the old materials yourself too.