Scope and Size Your Next Major Home Repair Project
Planning your next major home repair project? Here’s how to size & scope it correctly.
Homeowners can’t avoid major repair projects forever. Eventually, your roof, HVAC system, foundation, etc. will all need work.
But if you don’t know how to properly “size” and “scope” these projects, they can break your budget.
80% of homeowners overspent by at least $500 on home improvement projects last year. Projects that were probably scoped incorrectly.
There’s a simple solution…
By knowing how to size & scope your next project you’ll avoid budget busting surprises. You’ll get the job done right the first time without needless expenses.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why scoping your project has never been more important
- The 3-step process to proper scoping
- How To Get An Accurate Size Estimate
- How to work with a roofing services company
- How to avoid blowing your project budget
Why Project Scoping Is More Important Than Ever
Home repair and renovation prices are skyrocketing.
Repairing and replacing America’s roofs cost homeowners nearly $31 billion in 2024 alone. That’s nearly 30% higher than in 2022.
When home repair prices are this high, not scoping your project correctly is disastrous…
… costly.
The only way to know your home project won’t blow a hole in your budget is to know exactly what needs to be done before work begins. Whether that means you need to fix your roof in Greenville or install a new HVAC unit.
Professional roofing services companies always know how to properly scope your roof repair before giving you a quote.
The experts start with a roof inspection. They know exactly what to look for to get an accurate idea of the repair needed.
If you don’t know how to properly scope your project, you won’t know what needs to be repaired until a contractor says it does.
And that costs you money.
Think of project scoping like a home repair blueprint.
Without one, your project has no direction.
With one, you know how much material you need, how long the project will take, and how much it should cost.
Proper Project Scoping Process
Now that you know why scoping is important. Let’s walk through how to do it.
If your project is a roof repair, start at the roof. Literally.
Climb up there and walk around. Take pictures of your roof from different angles.
Do you see that small leak in your ceiling? It might just be a tiny roof problem.
Or it might not be.
There could be rotted wood beneath that leak. That leads to even bigger roofing issues.
Inspect your roof thoroughly and document anything that looks out of place.
You should do this with any home repair project. The better you can visualize the problem, the better idea you’ll have of the repair needed.
Understanding your project’s “typical scope” is also important.
For roofing projects, that means knowing a new roof isn’t just new shingles.
Underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and roof repairs may be needed as well.
Once you know the typical scope of your project. It’s time to get a professional opinion.
Walk around your roof again and write down everything you noticed. Then call your local roofing services company to inspect it as well.
Compare what they say needs work vs what you saw. If the numbers don’t match up, there’s a problem.
You want your roofing contractor to identify the same issues you did.
If not, make sure they explain why. There’s a chance they’re right and you missed something.
Either way, don’t settle on one opinion. Get at least 3.
How To Get An Accurate Size Estimate
The size of your project matters.
Order too few materials and you’ll have to halt work to get more. Order too many and you’re throwing money away.
If you guessed that ordering exactly what you need is ideal. You’re correct.
But that’s rarely the case.
No one has time to make multiple trips to the supplier. Order too few materials and your contractor will charge you to return.
Here’s how contractors measure a roof for repairs and replacements:
Contractors use “squares” as their unit of measure. One square equals 100 square feet of roofing.
The average roof is around 15-20 squares. Take into account things like roof pitch and complexity.
Professional roofing contractors will always add 10-15% onto your material order for waste. Things come up.
Make sure you do the same.
Keep these tips in mind when sizing any home project:
The more accessible the work area is. the less you’ll pay for labor.
Sloped roofs take longer than flat roofs. Roofs with multiple angles or hard-to-reach places are more expensive too.
Old homes commonly have issues that aren’t visible until work begins.
New building codes may require you to upgrade materials or add extra labor.
Working With a Roofing Services Company
While it may be possible to size & scope your project on your own. Having professional help doesn’t hurt either.
It’s important to know how to work with a roofing services company.
Always get your contractor’s estimate in writing.
Your estimate should include:
- The total project cost & an itemized breakdown
- The timeline with specific start and completion dates
- Payment schedule and expectations
- Warranty information
- How change orders will be handled
You should do your homework on the roofing company as well:
Look at their licensing and insurance certifications beforehand.
Ask for references of similar projects they’ve completed.
Check their online reviews, but Google how they respond to negative feedback as well.
This will tell you how they handle unhappy customers.
Ready to apply what you learned?
Reach out to a trusted local roofing services company. Properly scope your project together and get accurate repairs estimates.
You’ll thank yourself when your project is done exactly how you want without breaking your bank.
Common Mistakes That Will Blow Your Budget
Let’s talk about why homeowners usually overspend on home projects.
The number one reason is starting work too soon.
Don’t get me wrong. You’re excited to get your home project started and finished.
But you’ll learn things during the scoping process you didn’t know before. Things that will cost you more money.
Don’t let your excitement make you rush important steps.
Here are a few other common home project mistakes:
Failing to get multiple quotes. Don’t trust the first price you’re given.
Always get 3 quotes from different contractors.
Then compare them to one another.
Only you can determine which price is right for you. But at least you’ll have an idea of what the market looks like.
Not looking for signs of bigger issues. You don’t want to replace your roof only to find out your decking is rotted.
Take your time during the inspection process.
The smaller issue you see may be a symptom of something much bigger.
Going with the cheapest price. Hey, we all love saving money.
But if your contractor gives you the cheapest quote. They will probably cut corners somewhere.
Make sure you know where.
Don’t forget to budget for the unexpected.
Things happen. Even if you scoped everything perfectly.
Always have a contingency fund for your home project.
Budgeting for 15-20% more than your expected project cost covers you if something comes up.
And if it doesn’t, that’s just more money you saved.
Bringing It All Together
Now that you know how to size and scope your home repair project. You’re prepared to begin.
Just remember these simple steps:
- Inspect the problem area
- Know the typical scope of your project
- Get 3 professional opinions before starting work
- Measure your project twice, order materials once
- Work with reputable contractors who give detailed written estimates
- Provide proper scope documentation when obtaining those estimates
Remember why you’re keeping such detailed records. You’re done rushing into projects blindly.
This planning will pay off when you start your home project and it’s completed like you envisioned.
Your bank account will thank you in the long run too.
