If you’ve owned your home for a decent amount of time, you’re probably well aware of how costly its upkeep can be. For that reason, many homeowners become tempted to tackle as many of their own home improvement projects as possible without enlisting the help of a professional. If you’re considering a DIY project that involves installing a new roof without a roofing contractor, however, there are a few important do’s and don’ts you’ll want to keep in mind before taking on such a project.

Do weigh all your available options. It should be noted that installing a new roof is no minor feat. It involves a great deal of skill, a significant commitment of time and money and a wide variety of tools and equipment. A DIY roofing job isn’t completely out of the realm of possibility, but before you tackle such a task, it might be wise to at least get a quote and an assessment from a reputable roofing company. You may discover that it makes more sense time-wise and financially to just hire a roofing contractor.

Do plan ahead. If you do decide to handle your home roof replacement on your own, you’ll want to invest some time in planning out your project well in advance. Understand all of the materials you’ll need and what the job will entail before heading up and getting started. Creating a checklist can be helpful to keep you on track.

Don’t work alone. Replacing residential roofing is not something you should handle entirely alone. In fact, it’s important that you have at least one other person there to assist you, not only to ensure that the project is carried out according to plan and schedule, but also from a safety perspective. Having an extra set of hands and eyes will make the job much safer and more manageable.

Don’t forget safety gear. Any roofing professional will tell you installing a new home roof can be a dangerous undertaking. After all, it involves climbing ladders, walking around on a roof and handling tools and equipment. If you do decide to tackle your project without the assistance of a professional roofing contractor, be sure you’ve got the right safety measures in place, including a helmet, a sturdy ladder, and shoes with good traction.

Installing a new roof on your home can be done without the help of a pro, but it’s no simple weekend DIY project. Unless you have ample experience, it may make more sense to consult with a reputable roofing company. If you’re considering taking on such a project, we’d be happy to at least provide you with some advice and direction. Contact us today at 615-255-8288.