On average, homeowners complete over six home improvement projects each year. Even if these are small projects, the cost adds up over the course of the year.
And if it includes a large project, like a roof replacement, it can leave you worried about the financial implications.
If it’s time for your roof to be replaced, your first thought is probably, “How much does a roof replacement cost?”
Well, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for a look at the value of a roof replacement and the different factors that influence roof replacement costs.
The Value of a Roof Replacement
Let’s be honest: replacing a roof is not most people’s idea of a fun home improvement project.
But, the truth is that while it doesn’t have the appeal of a beautiful kitchen or bathroom remodel, it’s a valuable investment.
Not only does a new roof keep your family and home safe from the elements, but it generally has a great return on investment (ROI).
The average ROI for a roof replacement falls between 61-66%, meaning you’re putting value back into your home should you decide to sell it.
How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?
The short answer is that it depends. But the good news is that you have more control over your roof replacement estimate than you might think.
That’s because no two roofs are equal and there are a number of different factors that impact the final cost. While some of these factors are out of your control, there are some decisions you can make to lower the cost of your roofing project.
Here’s a closer look at the factors that have the most impact on the final cost of your roof replacement project.
Size
How big is your roof? Since roof projects are often priced by square footage, the larger your roof, the more expensive it will be to replace it.
This is something to keep in mind during the house-hunting process as well. It almost always costs more to do a project in a large home.
Old Roofing Material
Before your roofing contractor can install your new roof, they’ll first have to remove the old shingles.
The harder it is to remove the old material, the more expensive that part of the project will be. And, if damage, like rotting wood, is discovered once the old shingles are removed, that can contribute to a higher cost as well.
New Roofing Materials
Once your old shingles are off, your contractor can begin installing the new ones. Of course, some materials are more expensive than others, so you should choose carefully.
For example, a metal roof tends to be more expensive than asphalt shingles. But, if you have your heart set on a beautiful metal roof, that can outweigh the extra cost. It’s all about choosing what’s most important to you.
Pitch
You might not have ever given a second thought to the slope or pitch of your roof. But, the steepness of a roof can have a significant impact on the cost of your project.
A very steep roof is more dangerous to replace, resulting in higher labor costs. Additionally, depending on the pitch of your roof, you may need extra layers of the underlayment system, which means a higher cost as well.
Difficulty
Similarly, the overall difficulty of replacing your roof is a factor in how much it will cost. Aside from the pitch, contractors consider the added difficulty in replacing a roof with skylights or a chimney.
Any added difficulties mean more labor, which directly impacts your final bill.
Contractor
You wouldn’t expect to walk into a car dealership and see the same price on every car, right? It’s much the same when looking for a contractor.
All contractors have different base pricing and it’s unlikely you’ll get two estimates that are exactly the same from different vendors.
Before choosing a contractor, read through past customer testimonials to get an idea of how the company operates and what it’s like to work with their team.
And remember, price isn’t everything. As the old saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
While you want the best price possible, you also want to work with a licensed and insured company like Fitz Roofing, who will do the job right the first time.
Location
Another factor that impacts the cost of a roof replacement is where you live. Houses in areas that are exposed to extreme weather conditions are more likely to receive roof damage than houses in moderate climates.
Also, the price of materials can vary from state to state.
Permits
As we mentioned above, no two roofing projects are identical. Depending on your home, you may need additional permitting for your roof replacement, which can add to the cost.
For example, we’re not all that far from the Gulf Coast. Homes near the coast may need additional permitting for hurricane protection, which adds to the price of the roof replacement.
Extra Details
Oftentimes, homeowners will use a roof replacement as an opportunity to replace their gutters or exterior fascia as well.
It’s great to get all of this done at once, but it will add to the final cost of your project, so keep that in mind.
Warranties
Once you get your new roof, you want it to be protected. This is where warranties come into play. While some warranties come standard, there are sometimes options that offer more protection for a small additional fee.
Weight the pros and cons of warranties before deciding which to choose.
Get a Free Roof Replacement Estimate Today
Now that you know the answer to the question, “How much does a roof replacement cost?” you have the knowledge you need to get started on your project.
Here at Fitz Roofing, we’d be happy to give you a free, no-obligation estimate on your project to help you make the best decision for your home.
