If you need a roof repair, you probably already know it’s considered a major investment. While it might get costly, it’s also necessary to prevent further damage, and more expensive repairs down the road.
The good news is that with enough time, research, and planning, it’s an expense that you can manage. A roof repair doesn’t have to break the bank if you financially prepare for it.
How to prepare financially for a roof repair
Start planning early
One of the best pieces of advice when you’re looking at a Boynton Beach roof repair is to start planning early. Naturally, not every repair can wait for you to prepare for it. However, take as much time as you can to get ready for it. Planning a roof repair involves estimating costs, materials, time, and any extra expenses that might come up along the way.
Roofs can last a long time, so it’s best to avoid waiting to plan for repairs. If you start your planning early, you can have several years to save money and figure out how to handle repairs. Assuming a roof can last around 15 years, that should give you plenty of time while your roof’s in good condition.
Find the right contractor
The next part of preparing financially for a roof repair is finding the right contractor or company to work with. Now, that might not seem like it’s part of your financial planning, but it is. Where it comes in, is with your end costs. That means you’ll need to look around to get quotes and estimates for your repairs. Bear in mind that it’s not always the best idea to go with the cheapest option, but you can do cost comparisons to see what you can reasonably expect to pay.
Make sure when you ask for quotes you get all the details. The contractors you interview should be able to tell you what you’ll pay for labor and repairs, materials, and any other costs that might be included. They should also be able to advise you on the proper material to use, and how long the repairs will last.
It’s always a good idea to include an extra ten percent on top of any quotes or estimates you get.
Know what to save
Blindly saving for a roof repair is better than not saving at all. However, you could end up either putting more than you can afford in, or putting far too little than you’ll need. While roof repair prices can vary depending on your location, materials, contractor, and your home, there are some general guidelines you can follow.
Another common rule of thumb is that you should save around one percent of your home’s value monthly. While these are fairly reliable guidelines when planning on roof repairs (or replacements) there are always things that can come up, which can cut into those savings. Start a few years ahead if budgeting is tight to ensure you can pay for repairs when you need them.
Start with inspections
It’s a good idea to call in a certified roof inspector when your roof ages. They can let you know what to expect in the coming years, and how soon you might need a repair. A roof inspector will let you know if there are any issues with your roof, and if you need to prepare for urgent repairs, small fixes, or even an entire replacement.
Another benefit of seeing a roof inspector is that you’ll know what to ask when you talk to contractors about future repairs.
Conclusion
Roof repairs don’t have to be a huge burden. They’re certainly possible to afford when you prepare. Remember, roofs last a long time, so you can plan ahead and save before repairs become urgent. Make sure you start saving a few years ahead, get professional inspections, and find the contractors to do the repair. You can learn a lot about your roof by interviewing contractors, and find the right materials to keep repairs down in the future.
Gustafson Roofing is a local, family-owned roofing company that has been serving the Boynton Beach, Florida area since 1948. As one of the most experienced roofing contractors in the region, Gustafson Roofing provides a full range of roofing services, from installation of new roofing systems to repairs and maintenance. They are experts in roof replacements, installing various types of roofs, including asphalt shingle, metal, tile, and flat roofs. In addition to reroofing, the company offers roof leak repairs and inspection services to keep clients’ roofs protected. With over 60 years in business, Gustafson Roofing prides itself on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.