The Most Common Roofing Questions Answered

These are the questions that we get asked the most when clients have questions about their roof.

Q: How long do roofs last?
A: Asphalt shingle roofs can last anywhere from 20-35 years depending on the pitch of roof, weather/ sun exposure, and quality of shingles and installation.

Q: Can I replace my roof myself?
A: If you have no experience with roofing, you should hire a professional. Simple mistakes made could turn into major problems with water damage and mold issues.

Q: Are you a licensed roofing contractor?
A: Yes. Maryland roofing contractors are required to be licensed with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC).

Q: How much does roof repair cost?
A: The average cost of a residential roof repair can range from as low as $300 to as high as $6,000. Depends on labor, materials, and complexity of repairs. Emergency repairs due to weather events can also increase cost.

Q: Why does my roof leak?
A: A roof leak can be caused by many factors. Common causes: deteriorated rubber flanges on pipe collars, blown off shingles or flashing, exposed nail pops, deteriorated sealant along wall or chimney details, incorrect installation, shingles wearing out and cracking.

Q: What color roof should I get?
A: A roof color darker than the siding of house usually looks better.

Q: What is a roof inspection?
A: Homeowners insurance and mortgage companies sometimes require a roof inspection. An inspection by a licensed roofing will inspect roof for proper installation, active leaking, years of life remaining of existing roof system, and cost of new roof replacement or repairs.

Q: Insurance?
A: Usually, an insurance company will cover weather related damage to a roof. Sometimes they may cover the full replacement

Q: How do you protect my property?
A: Our installation crew will put up tarps from the gutter to the ground to protect the sides of house. Spread tarps to protect decks, patios, grounds, landscaping, or anything that could be damaged. Move anything away from house that may be damaged from debris.

Q: Insurance and licensing information?
A: Residential roofing contractors are required by state law to be licensed with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). The MHIC requires proper insurance and bonds for contractors to be licensed. The MHIC provides protections to the home owner from shady contractors.

Q: What is a roof square?
A: 100 square feet. The average size of a roof is about 1,800 square feet which is 18 squares.

A: The average cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof is $4.75 per square foot. The average replacement cost of an 1,800 square feet roof is $8,550. Factors that determine costs of roof replacement include: Square footage, layers of existing shingles, steepness or pitch, how many stories high, dormers, turn gables, plywood replacement, wall/ chimney flashing details, skylights, and product selection.

If you have any other questions about roofing please contact us.

The Most Common Addition Questions Answered

These are the most asked questions clients have about additions.

Q: What to consider when adding an addition to a house?
A: You should consider the design and functionality of the new addition and whether it will complement the overall design and functionality of the existing house.

Q: How do you know if an addition is worth it?
A: If the benefits of adding an addition outweigh the sacrifice of cost and inconvenience, then it is worth it.

Q: Do additions add value to a home?
A: Typically adding living space to a home will increase its value. Make sure the addition is well designed and built to code. Always acquire permits and inspections.

Q: What to do first when building an addition?
A: Excavate and pour a concrete footer and construct the foundation wall. The foundation wall can be constructed of concrete block or poured concrete. The footer and foundation should be set below the frost line, typically 30” or more depending on climate where you live.

Q: How much does a home addition cost?
A: Average cost of a 500 square feet one story addition will cost approximately $130,000. The cost of a new addition may range from $265-$400 per sq. ft. Factors that add cost are: basement/ crawlspace, one-story/ two-story, structural details, windows/doors, bathrooms, kitchens, heating/cooling requirements, and complexity of design.

Q: Do I need a permit to build a home addition?
A: Yes. In the unfortunate event of an insurance claim your homeowner’s insurance carrier may not cover any repairs if the addition was built without a permit. The value and bedroom count added to your home may not be valid if a permit was not acquired for the new addition. The county or city may require you to remove the addition if they discover you built it without a permit. Upon a tax assessment of the added value of your home you could be hit with tax penalties and interest for acquiring a permit.

Q: How long does it take to complete a home addition?
A: Building an addition on a house typically takes 4-6 months to properly complete.

Q: Is it cheaper to add on or build up?
A: Building a second story is a good option if there is no room to build out or if the second story affords a greater scenic view. The benefits should outweigh the costs and inconveniences. Building out usually costs less than building up. Building a second story to a one-story house has many challenges and extra costs. Consider you must first remove the attic insulation, wiring, hvac, roof structure, ceiling rafters, and sheetrock. Typically these components of the house may not be reused for the new roof structure of the second story. During the demo and construction, the first floor must be protected from damage and will not be livable.

Q: What is the cheapest home addition?
A: A one-story addition with a concrete block crawlspace foundation will typically be the most inexpensive option to build. How the structure and roof of the addition is attached to the house will be a determining factor of the cost of building. Bathrooms and kitchens will drive the cost upward. If the addition is an added bedroom, you may be required by the health department to expand and upgrade the septic system which could add tens of thousands to the cost of construction. Some homeowners may opt to purpose the space of the new addition as a home office rather than a bedroom to avoid septic requirements of an added bedroom. Although if there is any chance the home office will be used as a bedroom, make sure there are egress windows and smoke alarms installed for your family’s safety.

Q: How do I choose a reputable contractor for my home addition?
A: Hiring the right contractor will make or break the success of the project. Trust and communication should be established early between the homeowner and contractor. The contractor should be properly licensed, insured, and bonded. Require and check references/pictures from other projects the contractor has completed. Building a home addition requires extensive knowledge and experience in building code, design, project management, home building and remodeling. Typically, a general contractor/ builder with ten plus years of experience would meet the minimum qualifications. The builder should have a broad knowledge ranging from site work, foundations, rough/ finish carpentry, structural / truss framing, roofing/ siding, windows/ doors, electrical, fire protection, plumbing, heating/ cooling, insulation, sheetrock, painting, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, and safety/ loss prevention. Require a written order of operations of the phases of construction so the homeowner knows what to expect.

If you have any other questions about additions please contact us.