Ever notice the roof of a home while passing by? Whether or not your eye specifically lands on it, a roof is the “icing on the cake” and it adds significantly to the look and feel of the home. In fact, it showcases the owner’s investment in the home and it adds both architectural design and intrinsic value. A roof on an older or poorly-maintained home, however, may do the opposite. The roof may display missing shingles or appear weathered and worn, begging for replacement. In some cases, a sadly damaged roof announces that the home itself is in disrepair. If you’ve looked up at your roof and wondered what message it sends, it’s time to contact roof repair companies like Global Exterior Experts. Examine the following steps you can take to repair or replace your roof with a crowning beauty and design investment.
Make An Assessment: Consider the Condition of the Roof
Let’s first establish that in order to have a beautiful roof, you will want to consult with an experienced roof repair and replacement company. Because your roof is the icing on the cake and an exterior design feature, a Do-it-Yourself roofing project will not be the best choice. It is time for the professionals. Select a company that holds credentials, such as the status awarded as a Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, and one that holds a stellar record with the Better Business Bureau. Look at reviews and consider the areas of expertise offered by roof repair companies under consideration. Ask for an assessment of the condition of your roof and listen to suggested solutions for repair or replacement.
Add Value: Include Design Elements to Your Roof
You may have never before considered the “look” of your home’s roof. If your roofing company indicates it is time for replace your roof, this is the perfect time to walk outside and look up. Does your roof beautifully support your home while it invites others into your home? If not, consider design elements that could be added that will bring the customized features your roof needs. The following popular treatments may spark creative design ideas:
- Dormers – Small “dorm-room” structures draw the eye up and add interest to the slope of a roof. You may want to add two dormers for balance or three dormers if the roof is large.
- Eaves – Similar to an overhang, eaves extend past the walls to create a design feature or a point of interest.
- Skylights – If you are evaluating the interior of your home in addition to the exterior, one or two skylights in a replacement roof add a good deal of value to your home. A skylight often adds a design feature to the home, in addition to providing energy-saving features and beautifully filtered light throughout a large area in the interior.
- Gables – Similar a dormer, a gable is an architectural design feature. Gables nestle between the edges of a sloping roof. Gables can be an attractive, lower-cost addition to a roof.
Evaluate Roofing Solutions: Look Forward
The cost for repairing, replacing or adding design elements isn’t low. Some homeowners look at the estimates and choose to do nothing, ignoring the condition of their roof. The problem with that decision is not only a degraded roof that continues to slide into worse condition, but an investment that could be added value in the future is lost. If you look at the future and amortize the cost of the new roof or repaired roof out through years ahead, it becomes a reasonable, practical and excellent home improvement choice. The Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2023 indicates the value of a new roof is retained for years to come.
Become a Partner: Invest Yourself in the Project
As soon as you’ve decided to sign a contract with the roofing company of your choice, the typical question is “When will this project be completed?” Although a roofing company can provide an estimated timeline, this type of work can be delayed for several reasons. One way in which homeowners can help is by becoming a “partner” in the project. This role suggests you will assist the roofing company in being available as needed, making progress payments if required, and being patient if materials aren’t delivered on time or delays occur for unexpected reasons. If the former roof of your home is removed, poor weather conditions may require roof tarping and a bit of discomfort during a delay. By investing your energy and goodwill into the project, you can be assured every crew member will give you their best efforts.
If it’s time to look up and evaluate your roofing needs, search for an experienced roof repair company and ask questions as needed to know how to proceed. Get qualified estimates and consider what the costs will be compared to the long-term value added. Add design elements if your budget allows because your roof is the icing on the cake. And, remember that your investment today will produce an updated, stunning feature to your home that will last for many years to come.
