When it’s time to get a new roof, a roofing professional will come to your home to give you a roofing estimate. But most homeowners anxiously wonder, what does that entail? And how much will it be?
According to Forbes, the average cost to replace a roof around $8,000 with most people investing $5,500 to $11,000. This wide range in cost is warranted and takes into account a number of factors discussed in this blog. However, a roofing estimate is more than the final number. A roof is one of the most important investments you will make in your home and
therefore you should look behind the dollar signs to consider the overall quality and value you will receive from your new roof. At Pro-Homes Services, we pride ourselves on providing fair and accurate roofing estimates. Like most roofing companies, each of the factors below can affect your roofing estimate.
Location
The location of your home has real significance in the final cost of a new roof. There are many variables at play, including, climate, rural vs. urban, licenses and insurance requirements etc. The cost varies from region to region, especially where materials are scarce and extreme weather is constant. When it comes to license requirements, laws apply at city or statewide levels, which can limit a contractor’s eligibility. While you may not have control over where you currently live, do your research and find a contractor that will work to get you a fair estimate.
Roof Size and Complexity
The size of your roof is the most influential factor in determining your roofing estimate. The bigger your roof, the more labor and materials used. Contractors typically measure the total square footage of the roof surface to determine the amount of materials needed. The complexity of your roof will also make a difference in calculating labor costs. If your roof has multiple facets, like bay windows, turrets, cupolas, valleys, hips, or a very steep pitch of your roof, your estimate will be more than that of a typical, gable roof. The more complex your roof, the longer it will take to complete in terms of work and man hours.
Cost of Materials
The kind of material you put on your roof is also a significant factor in your roofing estimate. Some roofing materials are more expensive than others. For example, an entry level product like asphalt shingles is less expensive than the high-end cost of cedar shake or solar roofing. When comparing roofing materials, remember to consider more than the cost. Think about your needs, including the number of years you will be living in the home. While any new roof will improve the value of your home and keep your loved ones dry and insulated, choosing quality over quantity will typically save you money in the long run. A good contractor will help you choose the material that works best for your home.
The cost of materials goes beyond just the shingles, or roof covering. Consider the other factors that will impact the final cost:
- Underlayment
- Ventilation
- Ridge cap
- Roof flashing
- Roof decking
Labor Costs and Dump Fees
Labor costs differ between contractors. The labor cost is comprised of the number of roofers on a crew (the larger the roof the bigger the crew), the skill and experience of each crew member, the length of time spent on the property, and the complexity of the roof and roofing job (including cleaning up and disposing of old materials). Contractors also handle the debris from your roof and incur a fee for the disposal as well.
Operating Costs
Like any trade business, the roofing estimate must also cover any overhead and operating costs for the contractor. They are unavoidable no matter the size of the job. A few of many, depending on the specifics of the contractor’s operation, are listed below:
- Payroll
- Worker’s comp
- Vehicles/gas
- License/insurance
- Taxes
- Administrative Costs
As you can see, many considerations affect a roofing estimate. And while getting a new roof is a huge investment, the payoff comes back tenfold when your home stays dry in a storm, insulated during a polar vortex, and safeguarded from what goes bump in the night! So be sure to get a fair estimate from the right contractor, with fair pricing, satisfied customers, quality workmanship, and the reviews to prove it! If you are ready to determine the cost for your new roof, give Pro-Home Services a call today at (630)-790-0800.
