INTRODUCTION It’s not often that our home’s roof needs to be replaced, which is why homeowners can be intimidated by the thought of taking on a roofing project. If you’re about to undertake such a project, you’re bound to have a lot of questions on your mind, such as:
• How long will the project take?
• What can I expect before, during and after the process?
• Do I need to make any special provisions for my family? My furniture?
My pets? My neighbors?
A better understanding of what the process involves can make things easier on you and your family. From initial inspection all the way through to your final walkthrough, this ebook explains what to expect when you get your roof replaced.
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Part 1: Before a Roofing Job
Roof Inspection and Estimate If you’ve done your due diligence, you will have already researched and compared several different roofing companies and contractors. You should now be just about ready to interview those left on your short list to make a final decision on who should take on the project. So what’s next?
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Before proceeding with contractor interviews, it’s a good idea to first secure a list of things to ask your contractor from an independent trade organization. This checklist will guide you on which questions to ask and what information is relevant to your project. If they haven’t already done so, your proposed contractor(s) should come to your house and perform a thorough roof inspection and assessment to get an idea of the full scope of the work that needs to be done. This includes taking detailed measurements. Once the assessment is done, take the time to sit down with the prospective contractor in person and discuss any questions you may have about the re-roofing job. This will help you fully understand your options.
Receiving the Written Estimate In addition to walking you through each aspect of the job, your shortlist candidates should return to speak with you in person. They should present you with a detailed estimate that includes the costs involved for labor and materials, as well as any permits that need to be obtained. The estimate should also include specifics such as materials to be purchased, the scope of work involved and a full breakdown of charges. 3
If you’re happy with how the contractor has handled things thus far, you can sign on the dotted line immediately. If you need a little more time, it’s completely appropriate to ask for a few more days to consider the estimate, in which case the contractor should leave you with his contact information in case you have any further questions. Signing the Contract Once you’re ready to fully commit to a single contractor for your re-roofing job, you should expect them to work alongside you throughout the entire process. You’ll receive samples of materials and colors for your new roof, and the contractor should be willing to discuss in detail all options and benefits available to you.
Seasoned contractors are capable of obtaining materials from reliable sources without requiring a large up-front deposit. Be wary of a contractor who claims to have a “solid” reputation, but nonetheless asks for a large down-payment. Remember, too, that there’s usually a lag of about two to six weeks from the date of contract signing to the start of a job. This may vary depending on the contractor’s current project commitments as well as weather conditions. In the next part of this ebook, we’ll discuss what to expect while your roofing project is ongoing.
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Part 2: During a Roofing Job
It’s a Go! Once the proper permits have been secured and your roofing material of choice has been selected and delivered, work can finally begin! To properly set expectations and ensure that timelines are met, detailed information about the job must be prepared by your contractor and should form part of your contract. This information should include:
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• What you should be prepared for in regard to your home: noise, debris, storage of outdoor furniture and furnishings and delicate items in the home, protection of plants and shrubbery, and parking. • The expected project timeline, with specific start and end dates, work hours and days. • Permits and guidelines. • Payment/collection schedule. • Change orders. • Notices to neighbors. • Clean-up and debris collection. The duration of a roof replacement job will vary according to the size and complexity of your roof, the materials chosen and the weather. Most typical jobs take between 3-4 days, while larger, more complex work can last for over a week. Throughout its duration, your contracting company’s project manager should be highly visible and readily available to address any questions or concerns.
Handling Problems It’s all well and good if everything goes as scheduled, but sometimes, the weather can be fickle and interrupt momentum. 6
Extreme temperature changes and inclement weather can cause delays in roofing projects. The safety of workers should always be of foremost concern. High winds, rain storms, snow and ice can make roofing work dangerous, so stopping the work until the danger passes is always the smartest and safest thing to do. In addition, temperature changes can have an impact on the activation of sealants, and some manufacturers may void their product warranties under such conditions. These factors must all be taken into account when deciding whether or not to proceed.
On some occasions, work must be stopped or delayed if changes in the original contract are called for. This can happen if, for instance, you request a change in material or design, or when structural weaknesses that can affect the roof’s stability are unexpectedly uncovered. Your contractor should always advise you of anything that requires a change in the agreedupon contract. Well-drafted professional contracts anticipate unforeseen problems such as these. In the last installment of this ebook, we’ll discuss what to expect from your contractor after your new roof has been installed.
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Part 3: After a Roofing Job
It’s Done! Once the work has been completed, your contractor will sit down with you and go over any final details to do with the project. He’ll present you with your Warranty Packet and entertain any final questions you may still have. After that, there’s one additional thing that needs to be done: Before moving on to the next job, your roofing contractor needs to ensure that the job site is cleaned up thoroughly.
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Roofing Clean-Up The last part of a roofer’s job is ensuring the proper removal of any roof-related debris that resulted from the project. This debris typically includes roofing nails, shingles or tiles (or other roofing material), pieces of fascia and flashing, roofing underlayment and pieces of decking. Roofers will likely have a dumpster on-site, and may remove debris even as the job is in progress. Tarps will also be laid down to minimize the mess.
A clean-up procedure must be specifically outlined as part of a complete roofing job. Keep these tips in mind: • Only sign off on a roofing job after you’re satisfied with the clean-up. Ensure that any debris that wasn’t there prior to the roofing job is removed. • Have your roofer check for nails once more before leaving the site. It’s worth the little bit of extra time, as nails can be stepped on or become flying projectiles when run over by a lawn mower. • Has your lawn or landscaping been damaged by the roofer? Accidents can happen no matter how careful a roofer is, and damage should be dealt with to your satisfaction before you sign off on the project. 9
• Make sure any roofing tar -- which is sticky and hard to remove -- is cleaned up off of your sidewalks and siding before your roofer leaves. • Ensure that any debris that may have been left in the attic is cleaned up. • Have the contractor haul away the dumpster within 3 days of work completion. • Make sure that the contractor does a final assessment to inspect the roof for quality. Inspection and Final Payment As the homeowner, you should: • Confirm that a quality job and satisfactory clean-up effort has been completed. • After dumpster removal, inspect your driveway and yard in case any stray nails remain. • Make your final payment.
One of the most important investments you can make in your home -- your beautiful, wellinstalled new roof --is done! You’ve taken an important step in lengthening the life and value of your home, as well as increasing its curb appeal. When you’re prepared and know what to expect before, during and after a roof installation, the entire process will be pleasant and efficient, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you have a roof that will last for years to come.
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Earl W. Johnston Roofing 5721 Dewey Street, Hollywood, FL 33023 (954) 989-7794 www.johnstonroofing.com