Avoiding Reroofing Mistakes

Homeowners can have successful reroofing results if they avoid certain pitfalls. Here are some things to think about.

Reroofing is a popular remodeling job that can make a big difference in a house. Perhaps the old roof has worn out and either looks unsightly or is leaking. Maybe the neighbors recently had this process done, and their house looks like it's had an amazing makeover. Whatever the reason for redoing the roofing, homeowners should make sure it's done right. There are several mistakes that individuals routinely make that cause their remodeling job to go askew.

In order to have a successful job done, it's important to avoid these common mistakes:

- Hiring the wrong contractor: Before hiring a contractor, a homeowner should get at least three estimates. The roofers that are interviewed should have good reputations and references that can be checked out. Word-of-mouth referrals and driving by to see roofs they've replaced can be great ways to learn about their quality of craftsmanship. It's also wise to check with the BBB and the Board of Contractors.

- Not understanding what's involved: There are multiple steps that must be done, including tear-off, underlayment, installing the shingles, and adding flashing. If there are any leaks or rotten boards beneath the old roof, they'll have to be repaired before the next layer is installed.

- Not getting the contract in writing: Verbal contracts don't hold up under scrutiny. In fact, they're not worth much. Things must be written down, specifying all details such as clean up, dump fees, taxes, labor, and materials.

- Paying everything up front: It's customary to pay a portion up front and the rest at the end of the reroofing job. Half and half is a fair amount. There have been instances of people paying everything up front and never getting the job finished or even started.

- Choosing the wrong material: Some materials will align better than others with the architectural design and the region. Clay tiles are great for hot climates but are quite heavy so the structure must be strong enough to hold them. Wooden shakes might look great on a cabin, but they require lots of maintenance and will easily become engulfed in forest fires.

- Putting too many layers over an existing roof: It's acceptable to put one or sometimes two layers of shingles over an existing roof, but any more than that is unwise. Even a triple layer might be too much weight for a house to bear.

- Letting price be the main decision making factor: Getting multiple estimates and then simply choosing the cheapest one isn't wise. Sometimes a person gets exactly what he or she pays for. Contractor reputation and skill outweighs cost. Remember, this is an integral structural component of the home. If it's done in a shoddy manner, everything beneath it will be affected. Leaks can lead to mold, mildew, electrical shorts, ruined drywall, trashed flooring, and destroyed furnishings.

Reroofing a house can add to property value and curbside appeal. Getting it done right the first time will be money well spent. As long as a homeowner avoids the common mistakes of hiring the wrong contractor, not understanding the process, agreeing to verbal contracts, paying everything up front, choosing the wrong materials, putting too many layers on, or letting price be the deciding factor, the remodel can be a success.

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