Smart Home Improvement Decisions
October 31, 2019 | By Mike Gonet | Filed under: Blog, Information
Best ROI Home Renovations
Recession fears often cause homeowners to think twice about home renovation projects and prioritize those that offer the best return on their investment.
To weather economic uncertainty, making smart home improvement decisions is a lesson that lingers for homeowners who lived through the 2008 housing bubble. That’s why, no matter what the economic future holds, it’s always a good idea to protect yourself by focusing on improvements that offer the best long-term savings and value.
Metal roofs fall into that category, helping homeowners maximize savings and protect their home over the long haul. To make good decisions on recession-resistant home improvement projects, consider these three essential tips:
1. Focus on efficiency
Increasing efficiency can help save money on utility bills year in and year out. Projects such as re-roofing with quality metal material with coatings that help increase efficiency offer homeowners excellent opportunities to save all year long. In fact, research indicates homeowners can save up to 40 percent on annual energy costs by selecting the right type of roof and installation practices.
While even basic, unpainted metal roofs will reflect more solar radiation than asphalt roofs, by choosing the proper colors and coatings, low-glare metal roofs are designed to reflect mostly non-visible, infrared and UV rays (the kinds that produce the most heat and are the most damaging).
The installation also counts. To maximize energy savings, proper insulation and airflow and ventilation are essential in all seasons. Check building codes in your area and make sure your insulation meets or exceeds standards. Good eve and ridge ventilation systems help maintain consistent roof temperatures, no matter what the roofing material. Paying attention to these important installation details also can help prevent expensive problems from occurring, such as ice damming in cold-weather regions.
The bottom line: Good installation practices and quality material will pay off significantly in the long run.
2. Think long-term
For large-scale home improvement projects such as re-roofing, be sure to consider all costs, not just the initial bid or price. While tempting, selecting the cheapest estimate can end up being much more costly over the long run.
For example, choosing a 15-year asphalt roof instead of a metal roof designed to last 50-plus years could mean having to replace it three times instead of just once. To make the most of your investment, consider long-term performance and factor in the extra material and labor costs that could result from selecting inferior materials or cutting corners on labor. The fact is, the insurance that comes from spending a little more upfront on better quality can save on major expenses, headaches and hassles down the road.
Save on long-term expenses by choosing materials that help reduce ongoing maintenance costs. Easy to clean and care for metal roofs naturally help prevent costly maintenance issues such as moss and fungus growth. To protect budgets, it’s important to weigh the savings that may result from choosing these types of lower-maintenance materials.
3. Protect your investment
Hurricanes, hail, wildfire and winter storm damage: they happen, and more frequently than ever. According to U.S. News & World Report, fixing up homes after a natural disaster barely used to register in home renovation data. However, in 2016-2017, spending on disaster repairs exceeded $27 billion in the U.S., as compared to $14 billion in 1996-1997.
A home’s roof often bears the worst of what Mother Nature can dish out. Insurance coverage for specific natural disasters is rising in costs if it’s even available at all. The best defense is a good offense. Make informed decisions about home improvement projects that can help guard against potential regional threats before they strike. That includes protecting yourself and investing in the best quality roof you can afford to help guard against regional threats.
For more information about how to make the best investment when it comes to re-roofing your home, arm yourself with knowledge before starting any project. Download MRA’s free Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide today or visit www.metalroofing.com for more information.
