Key Considerations for a New Roof in Grand Rapids Michigan
If your roof is in need of replacement in Grand Rapids Michigan, there are lots of different factors you need to consider. From the materials you want to use to your budget, and even the time of year you want the job done. To help you from getting overwhelmed with all the different factors that go into getting a new roof in Grand Rapids Michigan, you need to make sure you consider certain things.
Key Considerations for a New Roof in Grand Rapids Michigan
Unlike other components in your home which only last a few years, the roof on your home can last a few decades. So most home owners will only replace the roof on their home once or twice. This can leave a lot of things up in the air when it comes to getting a new roof. Especially now that the technology behind roofing materials are advancing rapidly and new products are coming out quickly. There are some things you’ll want to consider when getting a new roof which we’ve included below:
Do Some Basic Research First
To give you the best chance of getting the roof you need, you should know a little bit about a roofing system. If you are relying solely on the knowledge of a contractor, you may be subject to their biases. Look into the different parts of a roof, what materials work well in your climate, and what options will be best for you.
Figure Out Your Budget
Before hiring anyone, you should look at your finances and how much you can afford to spend. Knowing what you can afford will help you determine whether you can take on your dream roof, or if you will need to make sacrifices in certain areas. You may also need to take out loans or borrow money, so it is important to know where you can go for options and provide you time to go through the process. If your credit score isn’t good, you should start working on it as soon as possible.
Get an Inspection
Just because a roof replacement will remove your old roof and any existing problems with it, doesn’t mean there isn’t something else going on you need to address. By getting a professional inspection you can check over the areas prone to problems and prevent anything from impacting your new roof once it is installed. Look for moisture damage, structural issues, insulation and ventilation levels to make sure everything is as it should be.
No matter what condition you think your roof may be in it’s always best to get a complete roof inspection by a qualified roofing contractor. At Grand Rapids Home Pros we can inspect your roof and give you a free quote and consultation on any findings. Plus, we can also repair or replace the roof if needed. Contact us today for more details.
Make Sure You Are Improving on Your Current Roof
You always want to strive for better durability, energy efficiency and moisture protection than you previously had. Whether that means choosing different materials, adding features like flashings, or going with a more reflective material, there is always a way to better your roof’s chances of staying healthy for decades.
Find the Right Person for The Job
You can be as prepared as possible, but if the person doing the work isn’t right for the job you will still have problems. The person or company you hire for your roof replacement needs to be licensed and insured, as well as have experience with roof replacements. Being able to talk to their past clients and see how they would rathe the roofer’s work is always important. You should also check the Better Business Bureau and look for any complaints files.
Create You Contract
You absolutely have to have a contract to protect yourself and your investment. The contract should include:
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- A detailed description of everything being done by them
- What materials are going to be used and how much of it
- Copies of their license and insurance information
- A payment outline (how much is due, what is the down payment, when is everything due)
- A timeline of when everything will start and finish
- The permits pulled for the job
- The responsibilities of both parties
- Consequences for not adhering to the contract
- The signatures and date of both parties