Are you bored and looking for a new hobby? Or are you trying to the expensive costs of hiring a professional roofer to fix a leak and considering patching it up yourself?
You're not alone. There's been a rise in DIY jobs within the few years, as homeowners spend more time in their houses and find motivation to work on maintenance issues themselves. From doing up the bathroom to attempting to fix a roof, these homeowners have opened up to a world of new possibilities.
That being said, some installations and repairs are best left to the professionals.
But is roofing?
Here's some advice from our central PA roofing team on whether you should DIY roof repairs or call the pros.
The Pro's of a Professional Roofer
Hiring professional central PA roofers is usually preferable over DIY for the following reasons:
- They are experienced and have a huge portfolio to back up their expertise. They take the pressure off you to complete a job successfully.
- They have safety equipment and know-how to access a roof correctly.
- They arelicensed and insured. If you get onto a roof to do work and you are not licensed or qualified, you run the risk of not being covered for an accident or damage to your home because you did not use the services of central PA roofers.
The Cons of a Professional Roofer
Even though hiring a professional roofer is safer and guarantees a job well done, using professional central PA roofing services has its downsides.
The main disadvantage is that professionals are more expensive than DIY. That being said, you're paying for high-quality work and you save time by not having to do the project yourself.
Here are some other disadvantages to consider:
- They may not be able to work on your schedule or perform work depending on the season
- Some roofers are not reliable and may run off with your money, like storm chasers. It's up to you to research the best central PA roofers to find the best company for your property.
The Pro's of a DIY Roofer
While it's easier and more efficient to hire a professional, you may enjoy the satisfaction of learning a new skill and completing a DIY project on your own. Other pros of being a DIY roofer are:
- It is cheaper than hiring a professional. You're not paying for labor, and you can buy materials at store price.
- You have control over the situation, and you can work at your own schedule.
That being said, you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself to get the job done right. If you have a misstep, it could lead to required roofing services from a professional and hefty repair fees.
The Con's of a DIY Roofer
Many of the cons of being a DIY roofer surround the following issues:
- Your roof may not be up to code.
- You do not have access to the same discounts on materials that a tradesman does.
- Depending on the city, you may have to remove the roof and have a professional redo it if it doesn't pass inspection.
- You may use the wrong materials when opting for a cheaper option.
- You could hurt yourself if you are inexperienced.
- Your DIY job may leak and ruin your home.
- You could hurt the value of your home with a bad roof.
- You may give up halfway through and end up with an eyesore of a roof.
The Bottom Line
A new roof is an exciting prospect, but it is something that is best left to the professionals, so don't go it alone. Look for central PA roofers in your area to ensure you have a roof that looks great and passes code!
Learn more about 5 Reasons Your Porch Roof Needs Replacing