How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

Sometimes, a simple roof repair isn’t enough, a roof replacement is necessary.

Several factors go into the price of a new roof, and only a certified contractor can give you an accurate price quote.

However, the national average right now sits at approximately $8,000 for a new roof replacement.

On the low end, it could be as little as $5,000 – but most are closer to $10,000 or slightly more.

In some circumstances, homeowner’s insurance may help cover the cost of a new roof replacement.

Roof Labor Cost (By Sq. Ft.)

Generally, you’ll pay more to have your roof installed than you’ll pay for the materials themselves. Of the total cost for a new roof, labor accounts for approximately 60 percent.

Typically, labor is billed at a “per square” rate (a roofing square is a 10 x 10 area, equivalent to 100 square feet). Installation fees can range from $150 to $300 per roofing square or around $1.50 to $3 per square foot.

Labor will be higher in areas where demand is high or qualified laborers are hard to find. Labor costs are also affected by the shape of the roof, geographic location, and features like a steep pitch, skylights, chimneys, etc.

Despite the rising costs of labor, installing a new roof is not a DIY job, and should only be completed by a certified professional.

Roof Material Cost (by sq. ft.)

The raw roofing materials account for approximately 40 percent of your new roof cost.

Measured by a roofing square, raw materials cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 per square (or $1-$15 per square foot).

Several factors influence material costs including the size, geography, and structure of your roof.

These average costs provide an idea of how different roofing materials compare to one another:

  • Metal = $15.25 per square foot.
  • Asphalt = $4.68 per square foot.
  • Tile = $9.30 per square foot.
  • Slate = $27.63 per square foot.
  • Shake = $7.58 per square foot.

These average costs vary for different roofing materials.

How to Calculate the Cost of a New Roof

If you have your roof size, material cost, and labor estimates, you can calculate the cost of a new roof in your area. If you’re not sure how big your home’s roof is, you can use an online calculator to estimate based on your home’s square footage.

The cost of a new roof = (Material sq. Ft cost + Labor sq. Ft cost) x Roof Size

For Example:

  • The homeowner wants to install a metal roof on their 1,800 sq. ft roof.
    • ($15.25 sq. ft. + $4.15 sq. ft.) x 1,800 = $34,920
  • The homeowner wants to install an asphalt shingle roof on their 2,000 sq. ft roof.
    • ($4.68 sq. ft. + $4.15 sq. ft.) x 2,000 = $17,660

6 Factors To Consider When Calculating Roof Replacement Costs

Material, size, and labor are the three main factors in the cost of a new roof, but other factors play a role as well.

1. Geographical Location: The geographic location of your home makes a huge difference in the price tag for a new roof.

The main factor here is labor costs. Labor will cost more in New York or California than it will in Ohio. However, if your home is particularly remote you may also end up paying more for time, travel, or shipping costs.

2. Underlying Damage: Anytime you remove any portion of the old roof, it’s important to inspect the underlayment and base layer. This is one of the biggest reasons why we don’t recommend DIY installations.

Any underlying damage must be fixed before a new install. Without this important step, you risk your entire investment. Any underlying damage will increase the cost of your roof replacement.

In order to check for underlying damage, you must remove the old materials before placing the new materials.

3. Complex Roof Designs: Roof features like designs like chimneys, skylights, dormer windows, or a particularly steep grade can affect the cost of the roofing labor and supplies

4. Removal of Old Material: According to building codes, you can only have two layers of asphalt shingles on your roof.

More than this causes a risk of structural issues. For most roofing contractors, removing the old material first is the best installation method because it allows you to inspect the roof underlayment and check for structural issues. Removal of the old material is rolled into the cost of your new roof.

5. Accessibility to the Roof: This is simply accounting for the time and labor it requires to get on the roof and get the job done. For example, a single-story home requires less harnessing, fewer ladders, and less time than a taller home with limited roof access.

6. Environmental Conditions: If you’re forced to replace your roof in either extreme cold or heat, it can affect the rate you’ll pay for your new roof because you’re roofing in the “off-season”. Sometimes you can get a deal during these off-months because the roofing contractors aren’t as busy.

Getting a Return on Your Investment

It’s important to keep in mind that a roof replacement isn’t a sunk cost, it’s an investment in your home.

If you plan to sell in the future, the new roof will boost the sale price of your home, providing one of the best ROIs in home improvement. Still, the sudden cost of a new roof can be shocking, especially if the damage isn’t covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

Don’t be afraid to get a second, third, or several estimates before you choose a contractor. Because most roofing contractors offer free inspections and estimates, it allows you to find the best option for you.

Always ask for an itemized list of costs and compare each quote to be sure you’re not paying for something you don’t need. Because of the large upfront cost, many contractors will work with you on financing options that work with your budget.

We are here to work with homeowners in our community to make roof replacement a little easier. Enjoy clear estimates, honest pricing, and expertise you can rely on, give us a call today!