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Straight Talk About Your Roof

Local Roofing Expert Brian Huf Answers the Most Important Questions Homeowners Should Ask Before Repairs, Replacements, or Insurance Claims

If you’re a homeowner in Littleton, your roof is one of your biggest investments, and one of the easiest to misunderstand. Between insurance claims, wide-ranging estimates, and contractors promising “deals,” it can be hard to know who to trust.

We sat down with Brian Huf of Modern Roofing Group to ask the questions homeowners care about most. His answers are direct, practical, and focused on protecting homeowners first.
 

Q: Brian, how much does a new roof really cost in Littleton, and why do prices vary so much?

That’s one of the most common questions. In this area, most new roofs range from about $12,000 to $50,000. It depends on size, materials, pitch, and complexity. Every roof is different. Two homes that look similar from the street can have very different systems underneath. Ventilation, layers, and structure all matter. That’s why prices vary so much. We offer an online estimate tool so homeowners can get a starting point. It’s not a final number, but it helps people understand what range they’re in before calling anyone.
 

Q: What “hidden costs” do homeowners often discover after signing a contract?

The biggest unknowns are usually layers and damaged decking. You can’t always see how many layers are on a roof until it’s removed. You also can’t always see rotten or compromised plywood. Those issues only show up once work begins. A good contractor will explain this upfront and inspect carefully before giving a quote. We use a detailed checklist so nothing gets overlooked. Surprises usually happen when inspections are rushed.

Q: Is the cheapest estimate ever the best option? Where do corners get cut?

Most of the time, the cheapest bid ends up costing more. If a contractor comes in extremely low, they’re probably cutting something. That could be materials, labor, ventilation, or cleanup. Sometimes they underbid just to win the job, then add costs later. The worst time to discover that is when your roof is already torn off. At that point, you don’t have many options. That’s why price alone should never be the deciding factor.


Q: How should homeowners compare estimates fairly?

First, pretend all the quotes cost the same. Then look at what each one includes. Are they using the same materials? Are they addressing ventilation? Ice and water protection? Flashing? Are they asking questions about snow, hail, and drainage? A good estimate shows that the contractor understands how your specific roof performs, not just how to replace shingles. You’re hiring a process, not just a crew.


Q: Should homeowners file an insurance claim or sometimes pay out of pocket?

Always get your roof inspected before filing a claim. If you have active leaks or missing shingles, stop the damage first. Then get a professional assessment. You need to know what repairs actually cost before involving insurance. Adjusters don’t know your home the way a contractor does. If you file without good documentation, you might get an incomplete estimate that doesn’t cover the full repair. An inspection sets the right expectations from the start.


Q: Will filing a claim raise my insurance rates?

In Colorado, rates are already going up. We’re considered a “dual catastrophe” state because of hail and wildfire. It’s illegal for a carrier to raise your rate just because you filed a valid claim. Rates are based on regional risk, not one inspection. Homeowners should review their policies and understand their coverage. If something doesn’t seem right, get professional guidance before accepting it.


Q: What mistakes do homeowners make during the insurance process?

Waiting too long is the biggest one. Every policy has time limits after a storm or loss. If you wait months, carriers can say the damage is old or pre-existing. We recommend annual inspections in early spring. That creates a baseline. We document condition with time-stamped photos. If damage happens later, you have proof. That protects you.


Q: Should a contractor be present when the insurance adjuster inspects the roof?

Yes, absolutely. It’s much easier to agree on scope when everyone is on-site together. If the adjuster leaves and sends a desk estimate later, important details often get missed. Also, the person who inspects your roof is usually not the one who writes the final claim. Having your contractor there helps ensure nothing gets lost in the handoff.


Q: Have you ever told a homeowner they didn’t need a new roof, even if it meant losing a sale?

Many times. One homeowner had three replacement estimates and was selling their house. An inspector raised concerns that weren’t serious. We showed them photos and video of their actual roof. We documented its condition and remaining life. Then we made minor repairs instead of replacing everything. They didn’t need a new roof, and we told them that. Long-term trust matters more than short-term sales.


Q: What should homeowners look for in a roofing contractor?

Look for transparency, documentation, and education. You should understand what you’re buying. You should see photos, reports, and clear scopes of work. You should feel comfortable asking questions. If a contractor won’t explain things clearly, that’s a red flag. Your roof protects everything underneath it. Choose someone who treats it that way.



 

Meet Brian Huf
Owner of Modern Roofing Group

Brian is a longtime Colorado roofing professional who believes trust is built through transparency and follow-through.

Before starting his company, he worked for contractors across the state, gaining experience in residential roofing, storm restoration, and insurance coordination. Along the way, he saw where homeowners were most often confused or taken advantage of, and decided to build a company that did things differently.

As a U.S. Army veteran, Brian brings discipline, structure, and accountability to his work. He believes homeowners deserve clear answers, detailed documentation, and honest recommendations, even when that means turning down unnecessary projects.

Modern Roofing Group focuses on thorough inspections, photo and video reporting, and customized solutions based on each home’s needs. Brian is also a member of the Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance (RSRA), supporting transparency, accountability, and ethical standards.

For Brian, roofing is not about quick transactions. It’s about protecting homes, earning trust, and building long-term relationships within the community.
Reach out to Brian for all your roofing needs at 720-613-9927 or visit www.modroofgroup.com