We have to have our roof re-shingled. Sixteen years ago Dear Husband and I went up the ladders after work and on weekends to shingle this roof. At that time, I emphatically announced that I would not be going up onto the roof again, when it was time to re-shingle.
This has been an exceptionally dry, and HOT, summer. We waited for cooler weather to arrive before we began soliciting bids. I found three places, and DH found two more. Only one of his choices came through with a bid, so we had four to choose from.
I wasn’t surprised at the top two bids. Both the companies have a lot of employees, and several places where you can walk in to talk to them. With overhead like that, I knew they would be expensive. What really surprised me was that the lowest bid, from the smallest company, is slightly more than half the highest bids.
Usually, I’d be leery of that lowest bid. It’s been our experience that when a bid comes in that low, the bidder has missed something that will come back to be a problem in the future. But, this company actually gave us the clearest bid, enumerating what they would and wouldn’t be doing. Our only concern at this point, is whether we can get them to use the shingle of our choice, rather than what they used for the bid.
I spent an afternoon creating a spreadsheet to compare the bids. It gave me the areas where we need to ask questions, and also pointed up how much more the lowest bidder was willing to do. I called some of the people on his reference list, and they all seemed to be happy with the work. I have a copy of his roofer’s license. Once we grant the job, I’ll need to arrange for a permit, and have him add us to his insurance.
We’ll be talking with him today, to iron out the last of the details, and then I hope we’ll get started. Depending on the availability of the shingle, we could have a new roof in the next two weeks or so.
So, this is the first installment on “Buffy’s New Roof.” Hopefully there will be good news to follow, with pictures at ten. *G*
Another countdown for Buffy and her Dear Husband. Bring it on!
This part of the roof saga is easier than the last. I think the most difficult part will be reworking the soffit and fascia that the raccoons damaged, and replacing the vents they ruined. It seems that Dear Husband is up to the job, but I suppose he’ll tell me that it has to wait until Spring. And I’ll tell him that it has to be done before the boat goes in the water! Makes for a slightly longer countdown than you expected, doesn’t it??
I am hoping my next roof will be of musical galvanized tin, and preferably miles away from city life…Green Acres here we come!
Yeeeeeeee Haaaaaawwwwwwww!!!!
We have a lot of roof overhead but we also have a fair amount of attic that keeps us from hearing the music of the rain on the roof. I miss that sound. Because we have so many trees here, we’ve settled for the sound of the rain in the trees, instead.
Buffy, Good luck with the work on your roof. I am dreading the work that we will be having done to our house… that is windows, doors and interiors eventually…. when things get sorted out … like the Husband…. and the builder…. Ugh.
Good luck anyway. I hope all goes well.
They take a lot of sorting, I know! Make up your mind about what you want, and then stick to your guns. If it fits within your budget, there’s no reason not to do it. If you’re not satisfied with the job, keep after the builder until you are.
I don’t envy you the scope of work that you’ve listed, but you’ll have a lovely home when you’re done. Good luck!
We’re currently working on plans to extend The Coven by taking off the half of the roof over the single-storey bit and raising it to the level of the 2-storey part… so making a huge new room. So, yes, we’ll also be roofless for a bit – but not until the spring.
Good luck!
Boy, BW, make no small plans! I’ve seen that done on houses here, and couldn’t imagine living with all that going on. You’re wise to wait for warmer weather. In fact, you need to start working on a drought spell right now!
Yes, that is one long countdown, Buffy. As to listening to the rain–go to your skylights!
Good luck with the new roff! I hope ours out last me! LOL!
Cop Car, you’re right. We CAN hear the rain on the skylights. Elegant Mother can hear it on the half-rounds….the barrel roofline in her living room and bedroom. One really blowy days, you can hear it on the windows, too.
Joe…I wish this one had outlasted me! lol