ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — If a new metal roof is on your fall project list, August is a good time to start turning that idea into a plan.

At Best Buy Metals, we work with homeowners, contractors and building professionals on everything from residential roof replacements to barns, garages, workshops and commercial projects. While every job is different, they all have one thing in common: There are important decisions to make before the first panel goes into place.

Here are a few things we recommend considering now if you’re planning a fall metal roofing project in Asheville or elsewhere in Western North Carolina.

Start with accurate measurements

Before choosing materials, you need to understand the roof itself. Accurate measurements are an important starting point, but don’t overlook the details. Roof pitch, valleys, hips, ridges, chimneys, skylights and other features can all affect what your project requires.

If you’re a homeowner working with a roofing contractor, this is a good time to begin those conversations and understand what’s being recommended. Contractors and experienced DIYers can use the planning stage to develop material lists and identify the panels, trim, fasteners and accessories they’ll need.

Choose the right metal roofing system

Metal roofing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We offer a variety of options, including through-fastened panels, standing seam systems and specialty metal roofing products. The right choice depends on the building, the look you want, your budget and the needs of the project.

A barn or workshop, for example, may have different priorities than your home. Some homeowners prefer the clean lines and concealed fasteners of standing seam metal roofing, while other projects may be well suited to through-fastened metal panels.

A little planning now gives you time to compare those choices and find the system that makes sense for your project before work gets underway.

Give yourself time to choose a color

Choosing the color of a metal roof can be one of the more enjoyable parts of the process, but it’s worth taking your time.

Here in Western North Carolina, rooflines can be a prominent part of a home’s appearance, particularly on mountain and hillside properties. Think about how the roof will work with your home’s siding, brick, stone and trim, as well as its overall architectural style.

Looking at available colors and finishes early gives you time to narrow down your choices instead of making a last-minute decision.

Remember that a roof is more than panels

It’s easy to focus on the metal roofing panels, but they’re only one part of the project. Depending on the roofing system and building, you may also need trim, closures, fasteners, underlayment and other components. Working through those details ahead of time can help you develop a more complete material list before installation begins.

This is also the time to think about delivery and the job site. That’s particularly important here in Western North Carolina, where steep driveways, mountain roads, limited access and tight building sites can create additional considerations for getting materials where they need to go.

Get ahead of your fall roofing project

Using August to work through measurements, roofing systems, colors, materials and logistics can help you head into a fall roofing project with a clearer plan.

At Best Buy Metals, we help homeowners, contractors and building professionals find metal roofing and siding products for projects of all sizes. Whether you’re replacing the roof on your home, building a garage or workshop, or preparing for an upcoming customer project, our team can help you explore your options and determine what materials you’ll need.

Visit BestBuyMetals.com to explore our metal roofing systems, colors and project resources and start planning your fall project.