Beating Broke

Personal Finance from the Broke Perspective

6 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofer

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If you’re familiar with the phrase, ‘having a roof over your head,’ you know just how important this truly is. It’s your first line of defense against the elements and falling debris. If a roof is leaky or unstable, it doesn’t matter how great the rest of the house is; it’s hard to live in. According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 129,000 roofers in the United States. Finding a great roofer in such a massive pool requires tact. You have to ask the right questions. Here are some you can’t afford to leave out.

1. Do They Have Insurance?

Even if your home is already insured, as a homeowner, you don’t want to end up footing medical bills or paying for accidental damages to other parts of the house during the roof repair or replacement process. Therefore, the roofer you end up with must show they’ve got an active workers’ compensation and a general liability cover that absolves you of any liability your current home insurance doesn’t cover.

2. How Was Their Previous Clients’ Experience?

Asking to see previous projects or to speak with previous clients is not the same as going on a witch hunt. Buying or replacing a roof is a big decision, and you should carefully research the roofer’s work history. Be objective and address any concerns that come up straight on. Ensure their previous work aligns with the outcome you desire for your home.

3. What Credentials Does the Roofing Company Have?

Determine the credentials and licenses your local authorities require roofers to hold. Once you have this information, ask your potential roofer to show you their licenses and certifications. This way, you can weed out roofing companies trying to cut corners. If something goes wrong in the engagement, you’ll have a better chance for recourse if you deal with a legally sound roofer.

4. What Materials Do They Use?

Roofing materials aren’t all equal. They vary in price and quality. Your roof should serve you for decades without leaking or caving. So, the materials should support long-term use. For instance, if you install new asphalt shingles, according to Select Construction Company Inc., you will enjoy an impressive ROI of about 62%, whereas aluminum roofing, though much more affordable, has a lower ROI.

5. What Sizes of Projects Have They Handled Before?

The American Roofers Guild reports that the average residential roof in America is around 1,600 square feet. Granted, an experienced roofer may have handled projects in their tens or hundreds. Still, their scale may have been smaller than the work you want to contract them to do. Conversely, they may be experts at massive projects and must become familiar with the nuances of working on a much smaller-scale project.

6. Can the Roofer Give You a Work Plan?

Before you agree to anything, the roofer should provide you with a work plan that includes timelines, working hours, budget, payment terms, communication plan, contact persons, and other vital details that place you at the heart of the project. You shouldn’t be caught off-guard by anything, so try your best to read between the lines of any document offered to you. If a roofer doesn’t have a work plan, don’t hire them. With professional roofers, you won’t have to ask; a work plan is part of their project routine.

Roofing is a complex job, but these questions should set you on the path to a smooth engagement with your roofer. Build rapport with the company you choose to work with so you can ask for clarification at any stage of your roofing project. If you’re unsatisfied with a response to an issue that’s important to you, that’s a red flag. Keep looking until you find a roofer who’s willing to answer any question you may have, and before you put ink on paper, visit the internet for online reviews and comments about a particular roofer. The proof of roofing is in completed projects and satisfied clients.

5 Ways to Invest in Regular Home Maintenance

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Being a homeowner comes with a great deal of responsibility. To keep your home from falling apart or becoming a safety hazard, it’s important to do regular maintenance. Whether it’s roof inspections, power washing, or preventing air leaks, there are several ways to maintain your home. While spending more time and money on your home may seem like a burden, it’ll pay off in amazing ways you may not have expected!

1. Inspect Water Sources

As water flows into and out of the home, you must be mindful of the source and plumbing. 13 million households in the U.S. use water from private drinking water wells. The last thing you want for you and your family is to drink water that’s been contaminated because you didn’t maintain your well. Waterborne illnesses can cause gastrointestinal problems. Your local plumber should do inspections to ensure your pipes aren’t corrosive or create leaks. Leaking pipes not only waste tons of water in American households each year, but they can also cause water damage to the home.

2. Clean the Exterior

According to Zippia, there are over 9,424 pressure washers currently employed in the United States. Any algae growth can be unsightly and can create damage due to moisture. Regular power washing is a great way to remove it along with dirt and other bacteria from the exterior. It also aids in your home’s curb appeal, which is helpful in case you ever sell your home.

3. Add Security

Do you feel secure with your doors and windows? The doors and windows of your house should properly be sealed to prevent air leaks, water leaks, as well as intruders. If a person steals property or services worth $1,000 to $1,500, this is considered class B felony theft. However, if a person steals property or services worth more than $1,500, this is considered class A felony theft. You can help avoid any type of theft by installing custom steel or iron doors. Upgrading your home security system with smart locks and video surveillance is a great way to ensure there are always eyes on your home, even when you’re not there.

4. Protect Foundation

You simply can’t live in a house without a strong foundation. The best way to protect your foundation is to be mindful of any vulnerability to water damage. That’s why you should never skip your annual roof inspections. In the event of inclement weather, such as heavy storms, you should also have your roof contractor check your roof afterward. Water damage can creep into the foundation and lead to mold. Mold is a health hazard to you and your family’s respiratory health. By preventing mold, you can avoid costly mold remediation services or hospital visits for asthma. You’ll also protect your home value.

5. Utility Bills

Paying utility bills is a part of home ownership, and the better you maintain your home, the less you spend. As mentioned earlier, leaky pipes waste tons of water, which can lead to a high water bill. When you have cracks and other vulnerabilities in your roof, windows, and doors, it makes it easy for air to come in and out of the house. Such exposure makes it impossible to truly insulate your home during cold winters and hot summers to keep the air temperature comfortable for you and your family.

These are just some of the ways that you can properly maintain your house. Property maintenance goes a long way in keeping you secure and safe for years. You’ll save money on costly utility bills, prevent mold, and more. For more information on how maintaining your property can save you money, contact our team today.

Here’s How to Paint Your Home on a Budget This Spring!

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Spring has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to give your home a fresh wash. Thankfully, you don’t have to go broke trying to make your home look nice. Follow the tips in this article on how to paint your home on a budget this season. With a little planning and a decent amount of elbow grease, you can transform your home’s exterior in a way you never imagined.

Power Wash Your Home’s Exterior

The first step in the exterior painting process is to power wash all the surfaces completely. It’s important because it helps clean and remove dirt. The clean surface allows for a smooth and even paint application when you’re ready. Renting a power washer is fairly inexpensive. The cost will pay for itself by making your paint job look more professional.

Saving on Exterior Painting Services

Did you know that the average cost for exterior painting services is around $3,000? Don’t let that number scare you off. You can get friends and family to help, or you can just DIY the whole project and save money. In addition, before you panic, understand that there are other ways to lower the price, too.

Find the Best Deals

One of the easiest ways to save cash painting your residence is by hitting the pavement and shopping around for the best deals on products and materials. Look for sales and discounts at your local hardware store or online. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for advice from store employees. They will often recommend the best supplies for what project you’re doing and how much you want to spend.

Choose the Right Paint

While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest paint you can find, remember that you often get what you pay for with these kinds of things. Investing in a higher-quality paint will save you money because you won’t be touching it up in the same short time you would have to a lower-quality product. Painting the exterior of your home has the potential of getting you a 55% return on investment (ROI). So, spending a little more on quality paint is always the smarter choice financially.

Invest in the Proper Tools

It may cost a bit more upfront to purchase or rent high-quality brushes, rollers, and other supplies, but these tools are a crucial part of a good paint job. They’ll make the job easier and help you achieve a more professional-looking result. Plus, if you have well-maintained tools, you can reuse them for future projects.

Set a Realistic Timeline

Before you begin the process of painting your property, get a plan in place. In addition, set a realistic expectation for a timeline for completion. Think about factors like how big your house is, the predicted weather, and any other commitments that might get in the way. By setting a clear schedule, you can avoid costly mistakes or delays that could increase the cost of your project.

Don’t Forget About Prep Work

Prepping your home’s exterior surfaces before you start the painting work is essential if you want a successful finish. It may include things like scraping off old paint, caulking gaps, and filling in cracks or holes. By taking the time to prepare, you’ll help guarantee a smooth and even paint application and most likely save time, energy, and money on touch-ups later.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to painting your home on a budget this spring! Plan ahead, shop smart, and invest in the right tools and materials. If you do it right, you will transform your home’s exterior without emptying your wallet. Remember, it’s not just about saving money. You should also be able to take pride in your home and increase its value. With a fresh coat of paint, your home will look completely renewed, and you’ll fall in love with it all over again!