Will DIY Roof Repair Save You Money?

We've said before that there are issues of quality and know-how that might discourage you from doing your own roofing work.

Would it save you money if you did it yourself? Not necessarily. Consider these factors:

• Cost of materials. You're going to pay more at your local home center than a pro will, or you'll get lower quality materials, or both.  Probably both. 
• Cost of tools. We already own all the tools needed to do the job. Do you?
• Cost of safety equipment. Our guys all own harnesses, and we have all the safety gear we need. Do you? You don't have the kind of insurance we do, either. 
• Cost of your time. You do pay a pro for the time spent in fixing your roof. Your time is worth something, too. Here's the difference: it will take you longer. Not only do we have the experience to do the job faster, and to do it right the first time, but you'll very likely have to stop and make more trips to that local home center for things you didn't realize you'd need.
• Opportunity cost. Don't forget that the time you spend working on your roof is time you won't spend doing something else. What's the value of the things you would have been doing? If you're taking time away from your family, count that too. 

You won't have a warranty for your work, either.

If roofing is your hobby and you love to do it, that's one thing. If not, you won't be saving as much as you think you will.