When it comes to replacing a roof, homeowners often wonder whether they should stay home during the process or make arrangements to be elsewhere. As a roofing company, we’ve observed both scenarios, and there are important factors to consider in making the right decision. Here’s what homeowners need to know.
The Importance of Being Present
Why Staying Home Matters
Staying home during a roof replacement allows you to closely monitor the work and ensure everything is done according to plan. Being present also gives you a chance to address any questions or concerns you have during the process.
The Risks of Not Being There
Unfortunately, we’ve seen situations where homeowners weren’t home during a roofing project, and didn’t realize until it was too late that they had a problem.
We recently helped a homeowner in North Olmsted. They had a new roof that was less than a year old. When it was installed, the homeowners went on vacation leaving the contractor to do the work. When they returned, the roof looked fine at first glance so they thought everything had been installed as agreed. However, the contractor had not removed the old shingles or installed the necessary underlayment. Instead, they simply added a new layer of shingles.
The following winter, ice dams formed, causing significant water damage inside the home. The insurance company refused to cover the damage, because the roof wasn’t installed properly in the first place.
This could have been avoided. Most reputable roofing companies don’t operate like this. If you’re considering a roof replacement, talk to your contractor about how the work will be done. Ask what kind of documentation they can provide about the installation process. Ask them how they warranty their work and what role they can play if you have an issue in the future. Make sure you’re comfortable with their answers. If not, find another company.
Managing Pets and Children During a Roof Replacement
Noise and Disruption
Roof replacements are loud. The sound of hammering, nailing, and other construction activities can be very disruptive, especially for pets, children and people who work from home. If staying home, it’s important for homeowners to plan for this disruption. Pets sensitive to noise, such as dogs that fear thunderstorms, may become extremely anxious. Children may also find it difficult to concentrate or rest with the constant noise.
Making Arrangements
You may want to make arrangements for your pets, and kids and plan an office work day, if possible during the project.
Ensuring Accountability
The Value of Being On-Site: Things May Look Different Than You Think
Given all this, a word of caution to homeowners who think, “I’ll stay home and make sure the crew does a good job.” While having the homeowner present can add a level of accountability, it’s essential to remember that unless they’re an experienced roofer, they may lack the necessary skills and knowledge to oversee proper installation.
For example, is the homeowner prepared to personally climb onto the roof and perform a thorough inspection? Are they well-versed in local codes and regulations for roof installation? And if they do identify a problem, do they have a plan for resolving it?
The reality is that most homeowners are not equipped to manage a roofing job on their own. That’s precisely why they hire a professional roofing company like Spartan StormShield. Companies like these have teams of skilled, experienced roofers who bring the expertise needed for a safe, high-quality installation. Furthermore, they take on the responsibility of addressing any issues that may arise, providing homeowners with peace of mind and a hassle-free experience.
Communication with the Crew
It’s important for homeowners to know who the project manager is and to establish communication with that person. Believe it or not, most companies just sub out the work and never have an employee of the company on site during install. The best roofing companies introduce the crew foreman and project manager to the homeowner, ensuring that there is a clear point of contact for any questions or concerns. This helps the project run smoothly and ensures that the homeowner feels confident in the work being done.
Should You Stay Home During Your Roof Replacement?
Deciding whether to stay home during a roof replacement is a personal choice that depends on the homeowner’s comfort level with the contractor, the potential disruption to daily life, and the ability to manage pets, children, and your remote work environment during the process.
If staying home, homeowners should establish clear communication with the roofing crew and set expectations for how the work will be done. Staying involved ensures that the roof replacement is completed smoothly and to the homeowner’s satisfaction.
