Roofing pros generate a $56 billion industry today. These are the professionals you rely on after your roof gets beaten up by a hail storm, or when you need a fresh set of gutters.
Your roof is the first line of defense in a lot of ways, so you should understand what it takes to get it repaired. Of course, cost matters are probably the first thing that comes to mind.
These tips will teach you all about the average roof repair cost.
What Is the Average Roof Repair Cost?
Start by understanding what the majority of homeowners pay to get their roofs repaired. Repairing a roof after a storm will cost between $900-$1,200 for most homeowners.
You’ll also need to consider whether the roof repair falls under a homeowners insurance claim or if you’ll have to pay it all out of pocket. From there, consider several factors that will dictate the price you pay.
What Things Affect Your Roof Repair Cost?
Like any other type of repair, there are always several factors to consider. Each of these details will affect how much your repairs cost:
The Severity of the Roof Repair
Not all roofing repairs are created equal. You might have a minor repair, such as a seasonal inspection or cleaning of your gutters. You might need the most expensive repair there is, which is a total roof replacement.
The more materials and labor involved, the more you can expect your repair to cost.
Whether It’s an Emergency
You’ll also pay more for emergency roof repairs than you will for typical, non-emergency repairs. Emergencies cause roofers to work hard on a short turnaround time, often after hours and in inclement weather.
However, emergencies must be addressed quickly, which is why there are plenty of roofers you can hire for these situations. Keep the information of an emergency roofer handy and find out if they charge any additional fees.
Your Roofer’s Rate
Most roofers issue charges on a case-by-case basis, starting with a cost estimate. The cost estimate is usually rooted in a set hourly rate for labor, along with the cost of supplies, disposal, and other matters.
When you talk to a couple of roofing contractors, you will quickly learn just how much their rates can vary. Ask for an itemized list of charges so that you can decipher them and see which aspects might make the project more expensive.
The Terms of the Loan
Since roofing work can potentially get pricey, lending is available. You might look to pay for your work through an FHA home repair loan, USDA home repair loans, or others.
When you get a loan, you’re also subject to interest rates and fees. This will affect the price to repair a roof compared to paying cash.
The Materials Used
The materials used for the roof repair will play a huge factor. Expect the price to go up if your existing roof materials are difficult to find a match for. If you’re building a new roof, consider which materials to go with.
Examples of some new roof materials include:
- Tile
- Slate
- Stucco
- Clay
- Metal panels
You’ll pay more for a replacement since you’re outfitting the entire roof with brand-new materials. This is the biggest difference between reroofing vs roof replacement. Decide on which material is the most protective for your home, and consider the price you’ll pay.
How to Get the Best Work Done
So, how can you get the best roof work for the best roof repair price? There are a few tips to keep in mind, including:
Choose the Best Roofer
Simply put, there is no substitute for choosing the best roofer that you can find. Start by looking into their credentials, including certification by the National Association of Roofers (NAR).
Canvas your neighborhood and take note of which homes have exceptional roofs. Ask your neighbors which roofers they’ve hired and how satisfied they are with their service. From there, begin scheduling some consultations with professional roofers.
Get Multiple Price Quotes
Some homeowners make the mistake of pushing forward with a roofing project without getting enough quotes. You won’t get the best price until you put some legwork into searching for quotes.
Keep the price sheet that you get from each roofer and ask about price matching or outdoing the competition. The lowest price doesn’t have to be the make-or-break decider, but definitely compare the prices that you’re quoted around the community.
Add a Warranty
Since roof repair work is so potentially expensive, protect the investment with a warranty. A warranty on your roof work lets you know that the craftsmanship will hold up and that you can get it redone if it doesn’t. Ask about the difference in price when either getting a warranty or leaving it off.
Find out how long the warranty is in effect and choose one that is cost-effective.
Do Your Homework on Your Roof Repairs
These points let you know all about the average roof repair cost. When you live in a home long enough, it’s only a matter of time until you’re going to have to invest some serious money into this kind of work.
Let the tips above get you started so that you can find the right team of professionals to take care of your minor and major roofing repair work.
If you’re trying to get the most from your roof, basement, plumbing, and other parts of your home, read through our other articles to learn more.
