If the time has come to replace your home's roofing, you may be preparing to gather project estimates and assess the expected costs. For homeowners new to roofing replacement, those costs can catch you somewhat unaware. It's in your best interest to understand the factors that affect your roof replacement and what you can do to help minimize those costs. Here's a look at what you need to know.

Consider Off-Season Replacement

A popular time for roofing replacement is from mid-summer through around the middle of fall. The weather is optimal during this time for roof replacement projects. As a result, this is the busy season, which means you're likely to pay more because those services are in higher demand.

Instead, you should reach out to a local roofing contractor as winter weather is giving way to spring. This might allow you to get your roof replacement done before the seasonal rush begins. By booking it while the demand is lower, you'll typically save some on the estimate. 

Get Several Quotes

Especially for those who have never had to have roofing work done before, the costs associated with this can be surprising. That's why it's important for you to get multiple quotes before committing to any roofing contractor for the job. 

Getting several quotes will give you the chance to see that each contractor is within range of each other. Narrow down your choices from those contractors who quoted within a similar range of each other.

Just make sure that you know what's included in the quotes before you make your choice. For example, look for a roofing contractor who also includes disposal of the old roofing materials as part of the costs. This saves you from having to deal with that disposal afterward.

Call Your Home Insurance Agent

You may also be able to reduce the cost of your roofing replacement by reaching out to your home insurance agent. Not only will homeowner's insurance sometimes cover the cost of the replacement (except for your deductible, of course), but you might also save some portion of the cost if you can extend liability protection in case of injury while the workers are on site. Talk with your insurance agent about the basics of your homeowner's insurance as it applies to your roofing replacement.

These are just a few of the things that you should know before you book a roofing replacement job. Talk with a roofing contractor for more info.