How Much Does It Cost To Get A New Roof?
Most homeowners dread damage to the roof because of the cost implications that come with either a repair or a total replacement. As a homeowner, you can do everything you can to keep your roof in tip-top shape, but you will need to get a new roof once your current one has outlived its usefulness. The roof over your head should be in good condition; otherwise, you risk damage to the inside of your house and other health hazards related to a damaged roof.
While getting a new roof is quite expensive, you should be aware that it is quite labor-intensive and requires specialized skills as well. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of getting a new roof is between $5,617 and $11,933, while the national average remains to be $8,759. There are plenty of reasons that may influence the overall cost of reroofing your house, such as your geographical location and labor cost, among many other expenses. Here's a rundown of that.
Factors for cost
While plenty of factors will determine how deep you will dig into your pocket for a new roof, two aspects should stand out: labor and the cost of materials. HomeAdvisor details that labor costs up to 60% while the cost of materials follows closely at 40%. Here is a complete outline of the key elements that affect the cost of a new roof, courtesy of Bob Vila.
Labor and permits
When calculating the labor cost, you might come across the term square. This is a unit of measure that refers to an area of 100 square feet. Depending on your contractor, the overall quote might be in roofing square or the typical square feet measurements. Roofing labor cost ranges from $1.50 to $3 per square foot or $150 to $300 per roofing square.
Your quote for labor will depend on other factors unique to your home, like the extent of damage and environmental conditions. For example, extensive damage to the roof structure increases the project's overall scope and makes the job more difficult; therefore, contractors charge more for such tasks. Also, if the contractors have to work under extreme weather conditions for long hours, the price is likely to go up.
Geographical location
Different regions have their unique needs that often influence the amount and types of materials your roof needs. For instance, areas prone to hurricanes and extreme weather will require special materials, often costing more. Regions that experience a lot of rainfall need waterproof roofs. Another factor that often flies below the radar is how far you are from the supplier; the cost of transporting the materials to where you live increases by the distance.
Materials
There are different types of roofing materials that you can choose from. Your choice of shingle material will be a key determinant of how much your overall quote will be. It goes without saying that special roofing materials like copper will cost a lot more than the regular asphalt roofing shingles. While this is true, you also need to be aware that luxurious materials will dramatically improve the value of your house in the long run. Bob Vila notes that installing a new roof using regular shingles on a 2,000-square-foot home cost up to $2,500. However, the cost can inflate to a whopping $25,000 if you decide to go for luxurious copper shingles.
The steepness of the roof
The pitch or steepness of your roof will be significant in determining the materials and also labor cost. First off, a steep roof presents several complexities in the way of navigation and safety; they require contractors to use scaffolds to get to those hard-to-reach places safely. What's more, how steep the roof is will also determine the number of materials and also the type of roofing support structure. Relatively flat roofs will require significantly more supporting structures, so combining all these factors will greatly influence the price of installing a rooftop. It is also worth mentioning that you should never overlook the size of the roof. Remember, the bigger it is, the more materials you will have to buy.
Additional costs
Other than the regular cost of installing a new roof mentioned above, you will also need to consider other factors as well. Here are a few additional cost aspects, according to HomeGuide.
Permits
Roof replacements often require a permit in most regions. The prices usually vary from area to area but generally range from $150 to $500. You can collect and pay for the roofing permit by yourself, or your contractor can do it on your behalf. In the case of the latter, your contractor will factor in the cost of the permit to the overall quote of the project.
Removing the previous roof
It is not uncommon for new roofs to be installed over the existing roof. However, when the older roof is damaged, it needs to go. Again, the cost of removing the old roof depends on the size of your home. It will cost you approximately $1.63 per square foot to remove a roof for a single-story building, and the cost can get to as high as $1.96 per square foot for a three-story building.
Roofing materials disposal
Right after removing the old and damaged roof, the rubble needs to be disposed of somewhere. Depending on the size of your home, you are likely to have a huge load of waste material that needs to be disposed of. Also, you need to be aware that hazardous waste from the roof; for instance, asphalt needs to be disposed of at special sites. You will have to pay extra for a separate dumpster service, but talking to your contractor about the affordable options available within your region, as Bob Vila advises, could help you save some money.
Repair vs. replacement
Getting an entirely new roof is an expensive venture, and it would be absolutely reasonable for anyone to consider repairs for as long as it's going to take. However, a roof repair is not going to cut it for every situation. The severity of damage should be the determinant factor in whether you should consider a repair or a new roof altogether. On that end, Forbes Advisor explains that before calling in a contractor for a repair or a total roof replacement, getting a reliable expert opinion is advisable. This will save you the trouble of fixing patches that will serve you for only so long.
Minor damage to the roof could use a few patch-ups, and everything should work fine. However, if your entire roof is showing weakness from wear and tear or it is leaking from several places, then you seriously need to consider a replacement. If you are also contemplating selling your home in the near future, replacing your old roof will significantly improve your home value.
Benefits of a new roof
While getting a new roof for your home is expensive and does not offer immediate gratification, several benefits come with this upgrade. Let's have a look at some of these advantages, as mentioned by Crown Roofing.
Energy efficiency
If your monthly utility bill is always rising, your roof could be the problem. Cracks and holes on the roof could be why your HVAC system is overworking, but thanks to the advancement in shingle design in manufacturing, there are many durable and energy-efficient options. For instance, modern designs do not retain as much solar heat as their predecessors, keeping your home cooler and the HVAC system working at optimum conditions. This will, in turn, prevent your monthly energy bills from going through the roof.
Aesthetic appeal
A new roof not only serves the primary purpose of sheltering but also increases the curb appeal of your home. The different colors, designs, and additional accessories like a dormer will completely change the appearance of any home for the better. Crown Roofing also mentions that the rooftop accounts for up to 40% of the exterior curb appeal; that is how big a deal a new roof is to any home. A new roof will immediately give even an older building a much-needed makeover.
Increase of the home value
A home with a new roof is a buyer's magnet. This is because every house hunter knows and appreciates the time and resources that go into installing a new roof. Furthermore, no one wants to have to deal with the financial implications of buying a house and changing the roof immediately after. Installing a new rooftop adds to the value of your residence significantly; in fact, Forbes Advisor mentions that up to 60% of the cost of installing a new roof is recovered when reselling the house. Investing in proper roofing materials and other accessories increases the selling point and makes your home more competitive in the real estate space.