Investing in a new roof can be more expensive than you think, particularly if you don’t calculate all the factors that can impact the cost. Even an online roofing calculator can’t provide you with the little details you need to get an estimate.
Read on to learn more about the factors that impact the cost of roof replacements.
8 Factors that Impact Roof Replacement Costs
While most roof replacements are different, there are a few underlying factors similar across the board. Let’s take a look at a few of them now:
Size & Scope
The size of your home’s roof directly impacts its replacement cost. The larger your roof’s size, the more materials you’re going to need and the more work, the roofer, has to do. That all adds up in the end.
The Slope of Your Roof
Residential roofs may have steep slopes, low slopes, or a combination of both.
This mixture makes replacing the roof more difficult, as it requires the roof to undertake accurate applications to ensure that it is safely installed.
In standard practice, the steeper the roof, the more expensive the replacement cost, and this is typically due to safety reasons.
Choice of Materials
Some roofing materials are better than others due to differences in their materials, performance, warranties, design or look, and other factors, such as longevity and maintenance.
For example, asphalt is considered on the cheaper side but still offers a wealth of advantages. Slate, on the other hand, is extremely expensive, but it’s pretty much the best material in the industry.
Depending on the material you choose, it will impact the type of work the roofer has to do. They might need to follow special application instructions or use specific components to meet the warranty requirements.
Removal of Old Roof
You can’t start putting on your new roof if you haven’t removed your current one. You’ll have to pay for the work, and depending on the type of material, the work can either be slow or fast.
You’ll also have to consider what to do with the waste once you’ve removed the old roof. You can contact a junk removal company or donate the materials to other services.
Labour Quality & Hire
Roofing contractors charge either hourly rates or a project-based fee, depending on the size, slope and material choice. In many cases, the total cost will include labour and materials as part of the deal.
However, the price ranges because contractors base their work on their experience, qualifications, and workmanship. The better the worker, the more they’re going to charge. But the advantage is that you’re going to get the best service possible.
Geographical Area
Depending on where you live also has an impact on the roof replacement project. This is rather simple: the expense of materials and contractor rates are different among geographical regions.
You might pay more in big cities, as opposed to small local towns. The same applies to the area you live in, as some suburbs are more costly than others. This leads perfectly to our next factor…
Local Building Permits & Requirements
Some local areas have been deemed ‘historical’, so you have to maintain the look and style of specific homes. That requires you to comply with the local regulations, which will impact the style, quality and construction of your roof replacement.
You’ll also be required to get a building permit for roofing installation, which must be certified and obtained by the proper municipal authorities. You have to factor in the fees associated with the permit and requirements. In many cases, the roofing contractor will acquire it for you, for a small additional fee.
Unexpected Situations
Unfortunately, many issues can arise during the project, which might set you back in terms of labour work, additional services and expenses.
Examples could be leaking ceilings, damaged gutters, soffit and fascia, or hidden asbestos that you never knew existed.
Therefore, it’s best to put some money away on the side just in case situations arise where you need the extra funds.
The Bottom Line
There is no true way of knowing how much your roof replacement will cost you unless you talk to a professional contractor.
They can assess the condition of your roof and determine what is required for it. It’s best to speak to several different contractors to gauge what the cost can be, compare each of them to see what’s the best deal before making a decision.
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