When it comes to home improvement projects, a roof replacement is big investment and can be time consuming. The good news is that you will be able to enjoy your new roof for many years to come. The not so welcome news is that a major construction project like this can be disruptive and messy, which can lead to frustration if proper expectations are not set by the roofing contractor. Let’s go over some tips for what homeowners should expect during their roof replacement project:

Roof replacement is major and messy construction project 

When you're replacing your roof, you can expect to be involved in a major construction project. The process usually takes several days and involves many people--from the roofer to county inspectors. The work is disruptive and messy, so it's best to plan on staying away from home while they replace your roof. Depending on the municipality, homeowners are at the mercy of the city or counties permitting timelines. Unexpected delay due to permit issues are very common in many Florida municipalities. 

Roof replacement project involves many individuals including project managers, permit coordinators, county inspectors, roofers, waste removal companies, etc. 

In order to understand what you can expect when it comes time to replace your roof, it is important to know who will be involved in the process. The first people involved are the roofers, or those who actually do the work of replacing your roof. Roofing contractors are also critical players in this process as they manage all aspects of a project including scheduling and budgeting for materials, permits and inspections from county inspectors (who make sure you follow all local regulations).

Weather can have a major impact on project start and completion

Your roof replacement project may be delayed due to weather. In Florida, the weather can be unpredictable and roofers have to work around it. While we do our best to work around inclement weather, there are times when it's simply not possible. If it's raining outside, it is not safe for the roofers to be on the roof and it is also not recommended for the shingles to be installed during rain. The weather is out of homeowners and the roofers control it is important for the homeowner to expect delays in the roofing project if weather is not cooperative. 

In construction, things rarely go perfect, it is very important to be patients. 

In construction, things rarely go perfect. It is very important to be patients. Expectations should be managed and realistic expectations set for the homeowner.

The crew does their best to keep your property clean and safe while they work on it before they leave. They magnet sweep the property for any nails. During a re-roofing project, thousands of nails are removed from the roof. Due to the nature of Florida sandy sail, sometimes those nails may sink into the sand and not appear for moths after. It is absolutely reasonable to expect a nail here and there after your roofing project is complete. 

Expect your roofer to follow through on his promises.

Honest about the project

Honest about materials used

Honest about cost and time frame

An honest warranty

It is very reasonable of the homeowner to expect a quality installed and good looking roof. 

You should expect a quality job.

You should expect a good looking roof.

It is reasonable for you to expect that your new roof will last for many years, and not just one or two seasons before needing replacement again.

And finally, it's reasonable to assume that if the contractor promises something (like an extended warranty), then he'll follow through on his promise!

Conclusion

If you are a homeowner and considering roof replacement, it is very important to understand the process and what you can expect. It is not just about picking out a new roofing material or style; it's also about making sure that everything is done correctly so that the job will last for years. Roofing contractors should be able to answer all your questions before starting any project so make sure they do! They should also set proper and reasonable expectations to avoid any misunderstanding later down the road. At Honest Abe Roofing Orlando, we take pride in educating our homeowners on the process from beginning until the end. We do not leave until all of the homeowners questions have been answered. If you are in the market for a roof replacement in Orlando, feel free to give us a call at 407-887-7663 or visit us online at www.hoenstaberoofing.com/orlando-fl