Roofs that are over 15 years old are are usually halfway through their service life. You should begin planning and saving up for roof replacement as early as now, so that you don’t need worry about your safety and comfort being compromised over the long term. If you start saving up now, you can more realistically fit this expense into your monthly budget, making your roof replacement project so much easier on yourself. These are a few things to keep in mind:

• Consider the materials. If you’re thinking about switching to a different roofing material, make sure you research your options thoroughly. Your choice of material can affect the overall project cost. In addition, your existing roofing structure may have to be adjusted or replaced completely to accommodate heavier materials, such as tile or slate. Before making a decision, be sure to consult a roofing expert to educate yourself on your best alternatives.

• Set div a contingency fund. Always have a contingency fund on hand to cover incidentals and other unforeseen expenses, such as repairs to your underlayment or replacement of rotten or insect-ridden wood. Ideally, your contingency funds should be up to 20% of the total quoted price of the project.

• Work with a reliable contractor. Make it a point to hire someone who has the experience and know-how to make sure your roofing budget is spent on the right things, without cutting corners or otherwise compromising your upgrade expenses.

• Avoid spur-of-the-moment decisions. As much as possible, resist the urge to make sudden changes to your initial plan, as doing so might result in bigger costs. Unless you can adjust your budget and change your schedule, it’s crucial to stick to your original plan.

Roof replacement is a major undertaking, but the project needn’t break the bank. Just keep these tips in mind to help keep your roofing budget from running wild.

Which roofing material is best for you in terms of your budget, style and personal needs? Watch out for the last part of this three-part blog series for more information about your roofing material options.