1. Hiring An Unqualified Roofer
The single biggest mistake that a homeowner can make when it comes to a roofing project is hiring an unqualified, unlicensed, or uninsured roofing contractor to complete their project. Hiring a roofer that does not have the qualifications and knowledge to do the job right will likely mean that they complete the job incorrectly, causing more costly damage to your roof in the long run. Working with a roofer who is unlicensed or uninsured may also seem like a cost savings, but the liability and legal implications should something go wrong far outweigh a few dollars saved upfront.
Your home is likely the biggest asset you own, treat it as such. Always use licensed and insured contractors when repairing your roof, siding, or any other major piece of your property.
2. Delaying Roof Repairs
Many homeowners choose to ignore or delay minor damage on their roofs until they can better afford the repairs. This is something that no reputable roofing contractors team would advise. Delaying necessary repairs often leads to the damage becoming much more severe, likely requiring thousands of more dollars towards fixing the problem, if not a total replacement.
If cost is prohibiting you from acting on necessary repairs, talk to your roofing contractor about their financing options before choosing to delay. A&A Roofing & Exteriors offers a free estimate to assess the damage to your roof, and that’s a great place to start.
3. Poorly Installed Insulation and Ventilation
Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic play a huge role in the energy efficiency of your home. An attic that is poorly insulated will lead to increased heating costs in the winter and a poorly ventilated attic will lead to increased cooling costs in the summer. Talk to your roofing contractors about their insulation and ventilation recommendations to ensure that your heating and cooling systems operate efficiently to help conserve energy and save you money.
4. Failing To Inquire About Roof Removal Costs
At A&A Roofing & Exteriors we try to be as up front with our clients as possible regarding all of the associated costs of their new roof, however not every contractor has that mindset. One fee that is sometimes hidden in the fine print or not listed at all is the old roof removal cost. Be sure to inquire with your roofing contractors team about hidden fees and costs, especially if you do not see a charge for the roof removal listed.
5. Choosing the Wrong Materials
Quality of workmanship may be the most important factor in determining your roof’s longevity, but the second most important factor is the materials your contractor works with. Choosing high-quality shingles that are built to last in your area’s climate will help ensure that your roof’s lifespan is not cut short.
Oftentimes clients are tempted with cheaper options, but when it comes to roofing you don’t want to choose the least expensive option just to save a few bucks. In the long run, investing in high quality shingles will save you time and money.
6. An Insufficient Inspection
An insufficient roof inspection prior to your contractor beginning a roof repair or replacement job is sure to lead to more expensive repairs in the long run. Your roof is a complex system and is responsible for protecting the rest of your home from weather and other hazards. In order properly inspect for damages that leave your family vulnerable, your roof must be thoroughly inspected inside and out.
Unfortunately, in the roofing industry, time is money and many less qualified roofing contractors employees rush through the inspection process to churn out a quick free estimate and move on to their next appointment. If the inspection is rushed, there are likely issues or specificities about your property that the inspector missed. While this may lead to a lower estimate, it will likely lead to surprise expenses for you in the long run.
Before beginning work with any roofing contractors teams, be sure to carefully vet your candidates before choosing a winner. Hidden fees, mistakes made by unlicensed contractors, the wrong materials, and a rushed inspection can all cause you to spend more money fixing your roof in the long run. A&A Roofing & Exteriors offers a free estimate and roof inspection to all of our new clients, because we want you to know what is going on with your roof before we discuss your options.
