When it comes to managing a home, especially a home that you own, you don’t want to skimp and save too much when it comes to keeping it in good condition. Sometimes, a little investment is necessary to ensure a decent quality repair or renovation. When it comes to the roof that keeps the home dry and safe, doing it yourself isn’t always sensible for a number of reasons. You’re not likely to be a trained roof repair person, nor to have the equipment to keep you safe up there. But, there are ways to save on your roof repair.
Shop around for labour
You want to make sure that you’re getting a roof that knows how to do the job reliably and to a high standard. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to accept the first offer that comes your way. Take the time to compare the prices of different handymen in the area, check their credentials as well as the reviews that they have received and try to find the right balance between a good, affordable quote and a business that looks fit for the task.
Shop for materials yourself
You might not be the one putting them up, but you do have the final say over any of the materials being used on your roof. Whether it’s shingles or polycarbonate sheets, do the shopping for any of the materials used in the repairs yourself, be it for just a small patch of repairs or replacing an entire roof. It’s not true that every repair service is going to upcharge you on materials, but you might be able to find deals by going to suppliers different from their usual.
Consider using second-hand parts
Aside from finding new suppliers, if you just new a few roof tiles, for instance, to help patch up a roof, then you might be able to get them even cheaper by looking at tiles that have been pre-owned. This might mean reclaimed tiles, which is also a much more environmentally friendly option, or if you’re replacing your roof entirely, you can make use of roofing salvage services, which can either help you reuse some of the tiles that are still good, or can at least offer you a decent price for the materials from the salvage that you can use to pay for the repairs.
Check on your roof more often
While this might not help if you’re in need of roof repairs right now, it’s worth remembering in future: it pays to get your roof inspected routinely by a professional. If you get it checked once a year, you’re a lot more likely to spot potential issues before they become repairs. This way, it’s usually cheaper to make the minor fixes as needed than to have to pay for the more expensive jobs that come down the line when a problem goes unchecked.
When in doubt, rely on professional advice. However, hopefully, the tips above can help you avoid spending too much on the roof repairs you need.