Why repairs to your roof are high priority during house renovations
Are you on the cusp of planning a house renovation project? This can be a major undertaking in terms of time, money and effort, so it needs to be planned as meticulously as possible. For most homeowners, the mere thought of it can be overwhelming, and that’s one reason why you tend to put it on the back burner till it becomes unavoidable.
This is precisely the heart of the problem, because the longer you delay it, the more expensive, difficult and time-consuming it becomes. Deferring the work can cause serious damage to the structure, and also pose a safety problem.
Signs that your house needs renovation
You may notice certain signs that your home needs renovation, and it’s important to pay attention to these symptoms. The floors and walls look old and shabby, there may be cracks and peeling plaster. Tiles may be chipped, cracked or broken. The plumbing and electrical systems have become inefficient, and could pose a safety threat. If there is leakage from bathroom or kitchen pipes, dampness on the ceiling and walls, and poor drainage, these are signs that you cannot miss.
In many cases, your home has become inadequate for the changing needs of your family. Perhaps your kids are growing up and need their own spaces, or they have left home and you’re left with too much unusable space. Another possible scenario could be that you plan to sell, rent or lease out your house and renovation can give you a better return on investment.
How to plan a house renovation
If you’re confident and experienced enough, you can make this an interesting and fun project by making it a DIY plan. On the other hand, you may want to save yourself the time and effort by giving it over to a professional roofing contractor who can guarantee an excellent job. Contact easternmelbourneroofing.com.au for more information on repairing your old roof in Victoria.
Whatever the route you choose, the first step is to understand and accept why you need the renovation. This gives you clarity and a sense of purpose.
Get an assessment done to evaluate the type, location and extent of the problems. This will give you an idea of the variables involved. Many professional housing contractors are happy to provide you with an assessment and give you a quote for the project. Compare and contrast estimates across the board before you arrive at a decision. Visit a few clients of the contractors to get an idea of their work and methods. Read online reviews and cross check with local authorities.
The major aspects of the project would include budget, timelines, materials, getting the necessary permits, finding the extra help you may need and planning on alternate accommodation for the family while the work is going on. Set a clear timeline and start the project during good weather.
Highest priority: Repairing your roof
One of the reasons why roofing gets a poor deal when it comes to home renovations is because it is almost invisible ! You feel the roof is fine till a crisis happens, and then it’s a scramble to get it done immediately, and the cost, time and labor requirements can swiftly spin out of control.
Renovating your roof can significantly boost your property value and also increase the curb appeal. Instead of being a landmark eyesore in your neighborhood, your home can stand out as an aesthetic, elegant structure.
You will also get better sleep and peace of mind knowing that your family and your possessions are safe no matter what the weather is outside.
Given the kind of pests that we have in Australia, most commonly roof rats and possums, a sound roof is the best protection against them. A high quality roof prevents growth of fungi and algae that can damage the structure and create health problems for occupants.
Sprucing up an older home can give you more satisfaction and quality of life if you plan to continue living there. You can add more modern conveniences, energy efficient and green features, change the style and use the latest designs and materials available.
A renovated roof can significantly lower your energy bills. HVAC systems have to work harder, using more power, when there are cracks and gaps in the roof. This can lead to inflated utility bills.
Assess your roof’s age. Most roofs are built to last for decades with the right amount of care and maintenance. If your roof is older than 25-30 years, it may need extensive repairs. Evaluate whether a complete replacement is better and cheaper than repairs and restoration.
If you’re engaging the services of a contractor, take the time to do your research. Select a reputed local contractor rather than one who lives elsewhere. Word of mouth recommendations from trustworthy sources are your best bet.
Check the roofer’s paperwork, licenses, permissions and insurance. These have to be relevant and valid. In some cases, contractors provide you with a background check on the workers who will be involved in the project. This is a good idea because it gives you a feeling of security.
Before you sign a contract for renovations to your home, make sure that you have the roof inspected thoroughly. In far too many cases, homeowners have found that after the entire project has been completed, the roof develops leaks or damaged parts were not replaced.
Your contractor can help you to choose the right materials. Today, modern technology and design have helped to provide a vast selection of great roofing materials. You can make a choice from asphalt, concrete, stone, slate, terracotta, metal or wood roofing. Assess each material for cost, energy efficiency, durability and aesthetic appeal.
Making your roof the top priority in your house renovation project can yield the best returns.