Having your roof replaced due to age, water exposure or storm damage is a significant and time-consuming home renovation project. A roof replacement can take a few days or a few weeks, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the job. During this time, you will need to make arrangements for where you want to stay.
If you have relatives or friends who live nearby, you could take your family to stay with them. However, if the work takes more than a few days, you may feel you are imposing on them. Staying in a hotel is another option, but it can be expensive depending on the length of the job. Because of these factors, and those we’ll explore below, it’s important to determine whether a roof replacement is the right choice.
Can You Stay Home?
Staying in your house throughout the process is a possibility. There are things you and your family will have to live with, like a lot of noise and people walking around your property. But there are a few advantages to being on-site during your home’s roof replacement.
Safety Concerns
Roofing work can be dangerous, especially if you have children or pets who might be running around the property. Keep a close eye on your family and ensure they stay away from the work area. Have a family meeting every day and let them know what parts of the house are being worked on and what areas of the property are off-limits.
Noise
A roof replacement can be noisy because it’s possible that old shingles will have to be removed. Be prepared for loud banging and hammering sounds throughout the day. If your children are in school, they should be away for the bulk of the day. However, roofers get started early, meaning you will have to deal with some construction noise during your morning routine.
Pets do not always mix well with noises they are not accustomed to. Keep your pet put away or confined to one part of the property as much as possible. You may also consider asking a friend to pet sit for a few days.
Dust and Debris
Replacing a roof can create a lot of dust and debris, which can be a nuisance to clean up. Make sure to cover any sensitive items, like electronics or furniture, with plastic or tarps to protect them. The workers will do their best to collect debris to reduce the chance of someone stepping on something that could hurt them. However, you should be aware whenever you are walking outside.
Access to Your Home
Your roofing contractor will need access to your home, which may require them to use ladders or other equipment. They can tell you when they do your roof inspection what areas they will need access to. Clear any obstacles around your home to make it easier for them to complete their work.
There will also be a need for workers to come into your home from time to time. Be sure your family closes and locks the doors when they need privacy, and be aware that there will be traffic. Your contractor will try to keep trips inside to a minimum and will let you know when they need to come in and what they will be doing.
Parking on your property is another detail that will be affected. Park your vehicles away from the house when workers are on site to avoid damage by dust and debris. Workers will need to park closer to your home to have quick access to their equipment. Consider parking on the street or in a neighbor’s driveway when workers are present.
Unexpected Delays
Working on a roof is contingent on things like weather. If there are thunderstorms or inclement weather during the roof replacement process, there could be delays you had not planned for to keep your workers safe from wind and lightning. Let your family know how long the work should last, but be sure they understand that nothing is set in stone until it is complete.
Overseeing Work
One advantage to staying in your home during your roof replacement is that you can monitor the progress of the crew. You can communicate with your roofing contractor throughout the project to ensure everything is going smoothly. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask your contractor for clarification.
Choosing the Right Contractor
You will need a reliable and reputable roofing contractor to perform the work. Do your research and read reviews online to find a contractor with a good track record of quality work and customer satisfaction. You should also get multiple quotes from different contractors to ensure you’re getting a fair price for the job.
When You Need to Make the Right Call…
While staying at home during a roof replacement can be a bit of a hassle, there are some benefits to the experience as well. You can closely monitor the progress of the project and ensure everything is done to your satisfaction. Following these tips and working closely with your contractor, you can keep your family safe and minimize the disruption to your daily routine.
Advantage Construction can conduct a roof inspection, provide a comprehensive assessment of its condition, and recommend the best course of action for your specific needs. Don’t put your safety and comfort at risk – call Advantage Construction today for a reliable roof replacement.
