Often, the best option for getting a new roof is to work with a local roofing contractor. These professionals have much experience and are invested in seeing their community thrive.
Several grant options provide free roof replacement. These programs are designed to help low-income families maintain their homes.
Insurance Agent
Working with a quality roofing contractor like Advocate Construction a Littleton Roofing contractor, is essential if your roof is damaged. They will help you document any damage, provide a detailed repair estimate, and even assist with filing an insurance claim. Having this information on hand will give you the best chance of getting full reimbursement for the cost of repairs or replacement.
Before submitting a claim, be sure to read your homeowner’s policy. Some policies exclude storm damage, while others only cover a portion of the cost of replacing your roof. You may also need to inspect your home for other damage before filing a claim.
If your roof is damaged by hail, your insurance company will likely agree that it needs to be replaced. However, they may be hesitant to cover the cost of installing a new roof if your old one needs to be well-maintained. In this case, you should work with a local roofing contractor to provide them with evidence that a severe storm caused the damage.
Personal Loan
Personal loans are another viable financing option if your insurance claim doesn’t cover the cost of your new roof or you don’t have enough equity in your home to use a HELOC. These unsecured loans typically have fixed interest rates and shorter payment terms. However, they can also have higher credit requirements than other financing options.
Credit cards are another standard financing option. You may qualify for a card with an introductory 0% APR period if you have excellent credit. This can help you pay off your roof costs without paying interest for 12-18 months.
You can also check with local big-box home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, which often provide unique roofing financing options. These companies may offer financing directly through their lenders or partner with a specific roofing contractor to provide financing options for their customers. The timeline from application to approval varies by lender. Regardless of your financing method, work closely with your roofing estimator so that all costs are accurately estimated. This will help you stay on budget and avoid costly change orders later in the project.
Government Grants
The government has several different programs to help families with roof replacement. These include single-family home repair loans and grants, weatherization assistance programs, and the Housing Preservation Program. Some of these programs have strict eligibility requirements. For example, they may consider your family’s total income when determining whether you can qualify for free roof installation or replacement.
Some government programs specifically target seniors, disabled, and low-income families. Others focus on specific types of homes. For example, the Louisiana Strong Homes program offers grants to harden residential structures against severe storms.
Some programs also offer rebates for implementing energy efficiency improvements. These rebates are based on electricity savings modeled in a Home Energy Audit. You should contact your local government energy coordinator to learn about these programs. You can also get free roof replacement with federal disaster relief funds. These grants address damage not covered by insurance and ensure homeowners can stay in their houses.
Homeowners Association
Following your homeowner’s association (HOA) roof repair and replacement rules is essential. Your HOA could fine you or force you to redo the work if you do not. In extreme cases, they may even kick you out of the neighborhood.
Fortunately, you can avoid this by getting your HOA approval before starting the project. This way, you can ensure that your roofing contractor and chosen materials are within your community’s guidelines.
Many HOAs have specific architectural guidelines to maintain a uniform look. In addition, they may have rules on shingle colors and roof materials that you can use. By discussing your needs with the HOA board, you can ensure that your roof renovations are within their guidelines. Be patient, though–HOA committees have their responsibilities and homes to care for. Therefore, they often need a faster response when approving or denying changes to your home’s exterior.
