How to Decide between a DIY Project or Hiring a Contractor

We covered the pros and cons of taking on a DIY roofing project versus hiring a professional roofing company in the introduction of this blog.

But if you’re desperately trying to save money on the cost of a new roof, you may be stuck between a rock and a hard place.

If you feel confident in your roofing ability and have the time to spend on a DIY project, doing it yourself may be the wisest decision to stick within budgetary constraints. If you haven’t the faintest clue about roofing or don’t have the spare time to take on a major renovation project, hiring a contractor is a better decision by far.

Yet many times, this brings us back to the almighty dollar. What if you can’t afford a roofing contractor? You may be surprised to find that with careful planning, you can have the best of both worlds.

You can start by shopping around to find the most competitively priced roofing company in your area. From there, you can use several tips to cut down on the total cost of a roofing project, like:

  • Ask for a detailed cost breakdown to better understand labor and material expenses.
  • Choose a contractor that you trust to avoid any unpleasant financial surprises.
  • Book a roofing company during the off-season for discounted rates.
  • Shop directly from manufacturers and outlets for low-cost roofing materials.
  • Check if your neighbors need roof repairs or replacements to secure a bundled rate.
  • Choose quality roofing materials that will cost less over time.
  • Request that contractors reuse metalwork and flashing that are in good condition.

Finally, consider a hybrid project where you do some of the work yourself. If you are finding it hard to afford a good roofer for your home or business, you can communicate with a contractor to determine if you can save money by installing trim or gutters yourself to cut down on labor expenses.

Now that we’ve tackled the major topic of how to evaluate your roofing needs, it’s time to move on to roof replacement. Read on to find out what you need to know about assessing wear and tear on a residential or commercial roof.