
South Elgin, IL, DIY Roof Replacement Vs.
Professional Roof Replacement:
Comparing DIY Roofing To
Professional Work:
Which Is Best?
You need a roof replacement in South Elgin, IL, but you’re having trouble finding a good local contractor. Finding a residential roofing company has been difficult, making you think, “I can handle the roof myself.”
But can you? Handling your own roofing isn’t only a matter of skill: DIY work can be difficult and costly. You might be better off hiring a contractor.
However, we here at Apex Exteriors are willing to honestly and fairly compare DIY roof replacement and professional work. We’ve been in the industry for over 30 years and can tell you plenty about roofing.
Keep reading to learn whether DIY or professional roof replacement is the better choice for Kane County homeowners.
DIY Roof Replacement: Pros And Cons
We mentioned that DIY work can be difficult and costly, but the reality is more complicated. People with construction skills and experience CAN save on labor costs and source materials.
However, these people are likely not the average homeowner; they’ve probably worked in the roofing industry for years. It makes sense that they’d better understand construction techniques and connections with suppliers.
To summarize, the pros to DIY roof replacement are potential cost savings, albeit with conditions. Now, here are the cons:
There Could Be Extra Costs
People with experience still must pay for construction permits, and you need a permit to replace your house’s roof. That aside, you might need to purchase specialized tools – even an experienced person may not have what they need on hand.
An inexperienced person may not get the job done right the first time, leading to leaks and structural issues. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to spend more money calling a residential roofing contractor to make repairs.
You can even void your roof warranty with DIY work. Always check your warranty before doing any kind of work on your roof.
Roofing Is Complex And Time-Consuming
Replacing a roof is a large, complicated project. You NEED expert skills and specialized knowledge to do the job. Roofing can also take a lot of time.
Someone with experience may not have a team, so the work may take longer than if a residential roof company handled it. Replacing a roof can be time-consuming for inexperienced people who lack the proper skills and a team.
DIY Work Can Have Safety Hazards
Roof work can be dangerous, but someone with experience can reduce the risks. They’ll know proper safety techniques and will either have or can buy the proper equipment. An inexperienced person wouldn’t have safety training or equipment.
Professional Roof Replacement: The Pros
A residential roofing company will have a team of contractors with skills, experience, and supplier connections. They can work faster and more efficiently. Professionals will also have licensing, insurance, and bonding.
Licensing tells homeowners that a company meets specific qualifications, construction knowledge, and standards, such as:
- Building codes
- Safety standards
- Proper construction techniques & installation methods
Licensing means a contractor can handle permits, so you don’t have to. Insurance protects you and your property in unforeseen circumstances.
Bonding, or a surety bond, protects clients if a company can’t fulfill its obligations. Customers can make claims against bonds for loss compensation.
A roofing contractor will likely offer a warranty, which protects you from paying for product defects and labor. You’ll get all of this and peace of mind because you’ll have assurance that your roof is correctly installed.
Professional Roof Replacement: The Cons
The only real cons to choosing professional work are that it’ll have higher upfront costs and may take time to find the right contractor. A roof replacement can be scheduled anywhere from the same week you call to a few months out.
Residential Roof Replacement: Who
Are You Choosing For The Job?
You can do the job yourself, but it would be easier, safer, and cheaper (in the long run) if you choose Apex Exteriors instead. We’re a licensed, insured, and bonded company with over three decades of experience working with residential roofing.
Our teams are experienced and work with only the best materials and warranties. We back our roofing systems with a 5-year installation warranty because having a safety net is essential.
You can’t go wrong with Apex Exteriors. Call us at 847-531-8960 or visit us online to schedule a free estimate.

