Roof Replacement Checklist: 8 Things Homeowners Need To Prep For

Roof replacements need careful planning and consideration. New roof installations, on average, can cost around $11,500. It’s not something you want to jump blindly into.

A roof replacement checklist is essential for ensuring everything goes according to plan, budget, and time frames. We’re here to help you with just that.

By the end of this guide, you’ll learn the fundamental steps to roof replacements, what you need to prepare for, and how to choose the right roofing contractors for your needs.

The Homeowners Roof Replacement Checklist

Big projects like roof replacements are best left to the pros. But that doesn’t mean you get to do nothing. You must participate to make the process easier for your family and contractors. Here’s what you need to do:

Contact Your Insurance If They Cover Roof Replacements

Roof replacements are expensive. Your insurance should have a large chunk (or even the entirety) of the roof replacement. But this depends on your policy.

For example, if you need a roof replacement due to extensive damage from things like hail or storms, you might have an easy time getting your insurance claim approved.

But insurance companies won’t approve claims if you’re doing roof replacements for aesthetic purposes or if your roof got damaged due to neglect.

Find Local, Licensed, and Experienced Roofers

You want to get estimates from local contractors with experience. Local contractors likely know the ins and outs of documentation, such as building codes, to streamline getting permits. These are important if you want to know your roof replacement options.

Clarify what type of permits are needed for your roofing project. Ask if the contractors will get them, or if you must do it yourself. Permits must be obtained ASAP to avoid any delays.

Clarify What’s Included in the Roof Replacement Service

A lot goes into roof replacement, including cleanup, removal, and reinstallation of items like satellite dishes or solar panels. Ensure these services are included in the roof replacement.

The last thing you want to do is argue with contractors about extra labor costs. Before committing to anything, have them outline all deliverables and ask beforehand.

Prepare for an Inspection

Before contractors begin tearing your roof apart, they need to do inspections to ensure that the foundation of your roofing system is intact and can handle the weight of a new roof.

You can help streamline the inspection by walking the perimeter of your home and pointing out areas contractors need to protect or avoid.

Point out electrical outlets for power tool access, prepare extension cords if outlets aren’t accessible, and prepare dumpsters to dump debris and old roofing materials in.

Be Clear If You Want Additions To Your Roof

Are you planning to remodel your roof completely? Do you want it to stay relatively the same? Or are you already choosing a roof shape?

Be clear about your expectations of your contractors. They can help you determine if your plan is feasible enough, given your home’s structure, budget, and timeframe. The same goes for color, material, and any add-ons you want, like insulations or better ventilation.

Exterior Preparations

Roof replacements get messy with all the debris, dirt, and roofing material. Remember to protect your outdoor furniture, lighting, and other types of home decor.

Consider mowing your lawn to help improve visibility when debris eventually falls in your yard. The last thing you want happening is stepping on a nail on the ground or injuring roofers.

Keep vehicles like cars or bikes away to avoid potential damage. Most importantly, take a walk with your contractors and point out exterior areas they should be careful with.

Interior Preparations

The inside of your home needs to be prepared. In some larger roof replacements, your family might need to move out. But in cases where you don’t have to transfer, you can:

Move or cover valuable and vulnerable items in your attic
Place a drop cloth on the floor to prepare for dust clean-up
Remove TVs, monitors, or fine china in cabinets attached to walls.
If you’re working from home, consider alternate working stations
Plan for noise and ensure pets are prepared or transferred temporarily

You can always ask your contractor about the specifics of the project. They can advise you on what to prepare, how noisy it can get, or how messy the project can be.

Final Inspections and Roof Replacement Aftercare

When contractors finish replacing your roof, ensure that it’s up to standard and done within the set expectations of written quotes and estimates. Don’t forget to get warranty info.

Find a safe and secure place to keep all the paperwork. This will make it easier to get roof repairs in the future if issues arise.

You can also do a quick inspection of the roof yourself if it’s easily accessible to you. If anything feels off or if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask contractors while they’re still on site.

When the job is done and up to standard, don’t forget to leave a review and rating for the contractors. They’ll appreciate all the word-of-mouth marketing they can get.

Professional Roof Replacement

While it is best to leave roof replacements to the pros, homeowners still need to do their due diligence in preparing their homes for the project. To recap, here is the roof replacement checklist every homeowner should know:

Contact your insurance if they can cover a portion or the entirety of the roof replacement
Find local, licensed, and experienced contractors
Clarify what’s included in the roofing contractors’ services
Prepare your home for roof inspections
Be clear about any additional instructions or add-ons you want on your roof
Prepare the exterior of your home by removing any valuables like furniture or vehicles
Cover up valuable items in the attic and remove or secure wall-mounted appliances
Run a final inspection with the contractors and ask questions while they’re on site

If you’re looking for licensed, local, and experienced contractors, look no further than Dynamic Remodel & Repair. Get your free estimate today.

Ready to Get Your Exterior Home Improvement Project Started?

If you’re looking for a dependable exterior home improvement company, look no further. We can provide you with the best solutions for your home.