Staying on Track With Your Roof Repair and Other Projects
Categories: Roof Repair | Roofing
Winter weather storms can be the most damaging to rooftops here in the Bronx, NY. Ice storms, freezing rain, snow buildup on roofs, melting runoff, and re-freezing all work together to degrade the roofing materials that protect your home.
Roof repair is one project that you want to have done right away. To delay will only cost you more in the long run. But before you hire a contractor, you may want to think about how to proceed with the project before you begin.
To keep from having complications during the project, plan your project in advance. Here are a few things you can think about doing before your project begins…
Write out your plan summary. – Whether or not your project succeeds or fails will depend on the choices you make from the beginning of the project to the end. This is the step where you think about goals, variables, possibilities, and implementation.
Research – Researching the projects on the internet or asking friends and relatives for advice is always a good step in your planning process.
Think Ahead – This is where you take into consideration the outcome of the project and how it should affect you. For instance, you may want a large addition to your home but budget constraints may only allow you to remodel an existing space.
Define the plan – This is where you write out the details of the project. Start by creating the plan summary (above) and then create a step by step plan that lays out the decisions and tasks involved. Decide what will be included and not included, who will perform what function, how it is to be financed, and lay out a time table for the items to be done.
Prepare a document file -You will need some form of filing system to keep important documents. You will want to be sure to keep notes, receipts, correspondence, and any bookkeeping information. Keep track of names and phone numbers.
Keep track of changes -Be sure to document your decisions, dates, and who you may have spoken to.
Design phase – Your budget will determine the scale of the plan you will be able to implement. You need to know how much money you will be working with so your designing will not bust your budget. Designers can be hired to assist you with your project. Otherwise, this is where you plan on what fixtures or materials will be utilized and how your project will look when finished.
Hire a contractor – Be sure to check your contractor’s license. You don’t want to hire someone that will risk your valuable assets, your home, your property, your health, or your project’s success. Check references and ask for photos of completed past work.
Questions to ask when speaking to contractor references:
- Were you happy with the workmanship and how the project was completed?
- Was the project completed on time and on budget?
- Did the contractor listen to you when you had an issue and did they resolve it?
- What was the contractor’s attitude toward you and your home? Was it respectful?
Once you’ve done some preliminary work for your roof repair or other home improvement project, you should find the whole process running smoother. There will always be problems that crop up or issues you hadn’t thought of, but in general a little planning in the beginning will go a long way and will help you stay on track.
