Seeking a Roof Estimate? Here Are the Main Factors That Impact the Cost of a Roof
For most consumer products, the final price is very straightforward. Many services also have an upfront charge that will not vary. When homeowners seek a roof estimate, however, they will quickly find that quoted prices for a full replacement will vary quite a bit.
The reason why this happens is that there are so many factors that go into planning a roof replacement. A variety of variables can greatly affect the final total, which can make it difficult for homeowners to budget. At Skyline Contracting, one of our top priorities is clear communication and educating our customers. To help readers better understand what goes into a roof estimate, we’re breaking down some of the main cost factors. Let’s get started.
Size of Your Roof
Perhaps the easiest cost factor to understand is the size of your roof. The larger your roof is, the more a replacement will cost. This is because the roof replacement will require both more materials and more time.
This doesn’t necessarily mean a larger roof will always cost more than a smaller one. Complexity is another important variable to consider, as a large but simple roof may take less labor to replace than one with more complexity or steep pitches.
Materials Used
Roofs used to not have much variation, particularly in terms of materials. Today, however, homeowners have a plethora of options available to them. While this is great when it comes to customization options for your home, it does make getting a roof estimate slightly more complicated.
Basic asphalt shingles are generally the most affordable upfront, while designer or damage-resistant varieties will cost more. Homeowners looking to upgrade to metal or tile roofing should also expect a significantly higher cost.
Before planning a roof replacement, it’s always a good idea to consider your priorities and current budget. While metal is generally a better long-term investment than shingles, it also may not be feasible given the higher price tag.
Health of Your Roof
It may come as a surprise, but your current roofing system plays a role in your final roof estimate as well. This is because a roof is composed of several layers, and depending on the quality of each, you may or may not need to remove and install additional materials.
For example, roof decking can often be left as-is. However, if there are signs of water damage, it must be removed before proceeding. This process adds to both material and labor costs.
Waste Disposal
While not a huge factor, waste disposal costs will also figure into your roof estimate. Replacing a roof is messy work, and your roofer must take the time to clean up and remove waste from your property, which will include the cost of renting a dumpster and hauling materials away.
A word of warning here: some roofers may attempt to lower their estimate and reduce waste disposal costs by offering to install your new roof over the existing system. While this is technically allowed—most roof codes allow for up to two layers of roofing to be installed—it is not always the best idea and can reduce the expected lifespan of your new roofing.
Ultimately, you’ll wind up paying for it in the long run as the next time you get your roof replaced, the roofing company will need to tear off both layers before starting.
Need a Transparent Roof Estimate? Call Skyline Contracting!
At Skyline Contracting, we believe in constant communication, transparency, and honesty. When we provide a roof estimate, we clearly delineate all costs associated with your project and do our best to ensure our customers know exactly what will be needed for their roof replacement. We understand the process can be confusing and frustrating at times, so we’re always happy to answer questions.
If you’re in need of a roof replacement in Gainesville, GA, Skyline Contracting is the roofer homeowners trust most. Reach out to us today to schedule an inspection and get a full estimate for your project.
