Refinaincing vs. home equity loan

Is that the original roof? If so you can cover it one time with new shingles which is obviously a lot cheaper, like a new roof and within code.

 

yeah, i guess when i said replace, i meant do what ever the cheapest option is to get it fixed. i don't think i'd have to replace the actual roof. the house was built in 92. still, replacing just shingles still cost a good bit right?

 

Shigling over the existing shingles is called "covering" and is within building codes to do it once. It is usually less than half of the cost of stripping and re-shingling. I used to do it on flips years ago so the pricing may have changed a lot but I used to get say a 2000 sf home covered with 30 year architectural shingles for maybe $1500 all in.

If your house was builit in 92 with what I'm guessing were construction-grade or "tab" shingles you are due and covering them should not be a problem. I would recommend upgrading to a 30 year architecural shingle. The actual material will only cost you a couple hundred more but they are much more durable and add to your curb appeal big time. The 30 year warranty that comes with them is a good selling point also.

Get multiple estimates!!

 

Umm you can buy a really big tarp at Wal Mart and some bungee cords.....

 

That would really increase the property value and please the neighbors in the meantime.

 

LOL.

 

If you got a really large one it would hang over the edge of your roof and protect your sofa and recliner from the elements. I know the roof of the porch does that but some times the rain will still get to them. If you run out of bungee cords you can always use a pink flamingo to hold the edge of the tarp down, sort of like a tent stake.

 

Lawn jockeys will also work in a pinch.

 

Complete different topic - Hardwood Floors...

So, the previous owners of our house tried to do the floors themselves. Not a terrible job but definitely not professional. What am I looking at to have the floors stripped/sanded/redone? It's a 2400 sqft home but only the first floor is hardwood. There is the kitchen and then three other rooms. Will I have to move all the furniture or will the people that do the work do that? Can I even live in the house when the work is being done? Thanks for any insight.

 

I've only done it once and we only had one room refinished. It was a long time ago but I remember not being able to stay in the house a night or two. They use about 5 coats and the fumes are bad.