Is This a Terrible Idea?

Question

So, I have about 400 - 500 sq. feet of roofing that needs replaced at a rental. Some of it is asphalt and some is shingle. There are about four different sections...three of them are porch roofs and one is just a very small patch where part of the living room protrudes out from the rest of the structure. The main roof has already been replaced by a licensed and bonded roofer.

So my question is, for just this small area and because they are just porch roofs and not protecting the main structure, would it be a bad idea to have a skilled handyman who has done roofing before replace these sections of roof? What's the worst that could happen in this situation if it's not done 100% properly? I'd like to save some money, but not at the cost of causing bigger issues down the road. Thoughts?

James Wise · Answer

If the handyman is qualified to do roofing then sure. The question is, is he qualified? You gotta size him up & make that educated risk. You need to do the same thing with any roofer who approaches you as well.

Brian Pulaski · Answer

Do you have any photos?

Some things I would determine on my own first: Is the flashing in good shape? Does it need drip edging or no? Are the existing shingles 3 tab and single layer? Does the town allow a second layer, or always a strip and reroof?

If he was doing a shingle tear off, and reroof there isn't much to ask. If you are supplying materials, get your ice and water (to code), shingles, felt, drip edge if need be and nails. I would make certain he is following manufacturers installation requirements. They usually specify how many and what type of nails. Make certain he removes the adhesive covering on the back of the shingles. Be on top of him to touch base if there is sheathing damage, and maybe have some plywood and materials on site to fix if need be. Make sure he is very cautious to keep the site clean (want to avoid issues with the town). One thing that may come up (not sure how often in your area), but if he has the proper fall protection. If you have a guy on the roof and he is not tethered or wearing the proper gear, it is a liability to you, and if someone sees it and makes a phone call, it could open a can of worms.

Tim Porsche · Answer

Thanks for the feedback everyone, lots of good advice! I've found a licensed roofer recommended by my realtor that will do everything for about $1,700 so I'm thinking of going with him. The more I think about it I agree with @Tony Conway's point...the savings will likely be minimal using a handyman instead.

This contractor I received the $1,700 quote from itemized it, and included a $480 dumpster charge which I though was a little high. Everything else looks good though. I'm seeing if we can eliminate that and I'll just take care of getting a dumpster there and removed myself. I'm thinking I should be able to get a 10 yard dumpster in the $250 - $400 range and save a few bucks that way at least.

Brian Pulaski · Answer

@Tony Conway part of what I see in this business is that the guys who have been doing it long and have "crews" can pay your rates ($110 + $55 = $165/SQ, plus dumpster). Those who have to simply hire a roofer are probably paying $300-350 a Sq (I just recently got a quote of over $400/SQ, but $350 was going rate in my last area). My guess would be that @Tim Porsche is getting quotes around that $350 range, and is entertaining hiring a handiman for maybe $20/hr and buying his own materials ($110/Sq or so.).

I tend to agree with the fact that these small roofs can sometimes pose more transitions/challenges due to flashing that a very basic roof over a normal house.

Tim Porsche · Answer

@Brian Pulaski thanks for the reply. These are all sloped roofs. I'd look into doing it myself but just don't have the time right now unfortunately.

Are there any specific questions you would recommend asking the handyman to make sure he knows how to do it properly if I would go that route?

Brian Pulaski · Answer

Are these flat roofs or sloped roofs? Honestly, if sloped roofs, installing ice/water, felt and then asphalt shingles is very straight forward (IE a LOT of homeowners do their own roofs). Why not research basic roofing, and either do it yourself or hire the handiman, but make sure he does it correctly?

With that said does the roof replacement need a permit in your area? If it does, and you need to have a licensed contractor do it, the town might intervene.

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