Replacing your roof is a big and costly project that should be taken with a grain of salt and some dabs of caution. As a result, the first thing you need to do is figure out whether your roof actually needs a complete replacement. Oftentimes, leaks, holes and other damages can be fixed, patched up and repaired at an economic rate. To avoid incurring unnecessary costs, invite a roofing expert to inspect your roof, and if possible, join your inspector on the roof to examine its condition firsthand.

Err on the Side of Caution

Most professional roofing contractors offer free roofing inspection to attract new customers. As a result, you are never obligated to hire a roofing contractor because he/she inspected your roof. Instead, use this opportunity to ask questions and when in doubt, schedule a roofing inspection with another reputable company for second opinion and the possibility to negotiate competitively.

Find the Right Contractor

Once you have determined that a roof replacement is necessary you should start looking for the right contractor for your valuable project. A great roofing contractor is:

• Someone with years of professional experience in the roofing industry.
• Someone who is local and understands the climate of your region.
• Someone who can communicate your roofing problems competently and recommend the right course of actions with confidence and precision.
• Someone who offers reasonable and competitive quotes.
• Someone you can trust.

According to Better Business Bureau, “A reliable roofing contractor must be able to provide credentials for you to testify.” They also need to be in the local business long enough to establish a reputable presence in the community. Conduct some research online and see if the company is registered in any public directory so you could read the reviews. Finally, ask for referrals from friends and family to enhance your contractor screening experience.

Secure a Contract

Never write a check or pay a dime unless you and your contractor have signed a legally-binding contract. A contract, a legal document that protects your rights, can include everything from the cost to the schedule needs to be specified for a seamless working relationship. Read the contract carefully, while paying special attention to those fine prints. Seek help from friends who are familiar on the subject. Sign only if you fully understand the terms and feel completely satisfied with the proposal at hand. Never be afraid to challenge the terms of the contract diplomatically. Negotiation is part of the business process, and a professional roofing contractor/company will be more than happy to interact with you.

Try New Materials? Give Metal Roof a Shot

When it comes to the roofs, homeowners are prone to stick with the familiar roofing materials. Little do they realize that asphalt shingles fall short of metal roofs in longevity, durability and even beauty! Although slightly more costly than asphalt shingles, metal roofs outlast their counterpart by 2 to 3 decades with virtually no upkeep on your part. Demonstrating excellent thermal performance, metal roofs can dramatically decrease your utility costs, while increasing the curb appeal of your home.

The project officially begins the moment you signed the contract. From there, you need to keep efficient communication with your contractor to stay on top of the project. On a different note, you will also need to be prepared to endure the bangs and voices over your head for a few weeks. So if you cannot bear loud noises, you might want to plan some outdoor events so your ear drum and sanity will remain intact.