No matter who you are, everyone wants the best deal. Whether it's a new car, a new house or a new pair of shoes, paying full price doesn't appeal to anyone. It's no different when it's time to buy a new roof. While every roof purchase will be different thanks to individual motivators, budgets and roofs, here are four ways to get the best price on your next metal roof.
1.) Do your shopping for a metal roof before you speak to a contractor or roofer and be very clear about what you want. Metal roof prices will vary dramatically depending on the type, thickness, style and availability, so the better educated you are about the various options, the smarter of a shopper you’ll be.
2.) Don’t just ask for “a new metal roof” - that’s like asking for “a new car.” There are just too many options and as a result prices are all over the map. You could pay as little as $2 a square foot or more than $40 for a job that fits the description of “a new metal roof.” If you follow step one, your initial shopping should help you narrow down the type of metal (steel, copper, zinc, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), the look you’re after (shingles, panels, tiles, etc.), and the type of installation you’re imagining (bargain basement like a farm shed, or architecturally impeccable like a high-end residence). The clearer you are about your desires, the easier it will be to eliminate useless options, saving you time and money.
3.) Buy your material from the source closest to the factory. Many manufacturers of metal roof materials will sell directly to the end user if asked - bypassing distributors, wholesales and even contractors. Many roofers who specialize in metal roofing are happy to have you handle the material purchase, as it reduces their out-of-pocket expense for a project.
4.) Manage the job yourself. Even if you can’t install your own metal roof, you can certainly keep a line-item record of the elements of the project. Know what you’re spending on materials, on labor, and on related expenses like permits, chimneys, skylights, antennae, and other elements that intersect with the roof. Tracking all of these individual components of the job will ensure you don’t pay a premium for an incidental expense.
BONUS TIP: If any of these tricks seem too confusing, seek the advice of an expert in metal roofing - not just a roofer who may or may not have enough experience with metal. People who make their living selling metal roofing are far better qualified to advise you, so don't waste your time on someone who has only rudimentary knowledge.
