High Costs

• Roof replacements are labor and material extensive. It takes a crew of five to six experienced workers to complete a normal roof over a two-day period. Costs include the tear-off rate for the previous roof, the cost to haul away all the debris and the delivery of and supplies for the new roof. In addition, once the old roof is torn off, there may be damage that was not visible during the examination. This will cost extra to fix. Damaged guttering and soffits are often fixed at this time as well.
  
  

Getting Bids

• Roofing contractors should be willing to give you a free examination and estimate for the re-roofing. Do not tell them that you are going with the lowest bidder, which is a mistake anyway. Oftentimes a contractor will underbid the job just to get it and then use substandard material or labor to make up the difference. A homeowner who takes the time to educate himself about how a roof is constructed and what it takes to replace it will always be in a better position to judge the various bids.
  
  

Roof Inspection

• A contractor should walk around the roof to look at the actual job. The roof should be measured, and any special features, such as dormers or an antenna, that need to come off and be replaced should be noted. These will cost extra to provide for. Walking the roof will help to reveal spongy spots and other areas that might prove to be problematic in fixing. If the contractor doesn't want to get up on the roof before he gives a bid, it is better to pass on his services.
  
  

DIY Tear Off

• Some contractors are willing to work with homeowners who want to do the tear off, or remove the old roof, themselves. This can save several thousands of dollars on the re-roofing but should only be done by people in very good physical shape. The temperature on a roof during a summer day can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit quite quickly, and the pitch of the roof makes it easy to lose your balance when you are in that type of heat.