Depending on the type of roof you have, it may need to be replaced as often as every 10 years or it may last you as long as 50 years.

At the end of the day, roof replacement is not something every homeowner will have to go through but for the ones who do have to replace a roof, it is a big project. If you are one of the lucky ones who gets to go through the process of replacing your roof, what are some of the factors you should consider when budgeting for the project?

How much does a roof replacement cost?

1) The first step is finding out the size of your roof because that will be the basis for your price estimate.

2) After that, you’ll want to choose the material you want to replace your roof with, and knowing what you will be able to afford depending on the roof size.

3) The last major cost factor is the roofing company itself (i.e. the cost of the labor, extra fees for material & equipment, etc.)

How does size effect the cost of replacing a roof?

The size of a roof is the primary means for determining the cost of replacing a roof. Roofers commonly charge per square roofing foot (10x10ft), however, the pricing cannot be based simply on the square footage: the style of your roof may easily increase the price of a replacement.

If you have a high roof, opposed to a flat roof, it will be more expensive. The steeper the roof, the more dangerous it is and the more equipment is needed.

If you are looking to replace a shingle roof, the average price is about $6.00 per square foot. Use this tool to calculate the size of your roof.

Average costs for material options when replacing you roof

After estimate prices for the size of your roof are determined, the next factor to be considered is material. The material used for a roof replacement make the pricing range vary greatly.

Here are some estimates on pricing, size and pitch aside. Click the link for more information on finding price estimates in your county.

• Asphalt shingle per 100 square feet: $120
• Tile per 100 square feet: $300-$500
• Wood shingle per 100 square feet: $800
• Slate per 100 square feet: $800-$1000
• Metal per 100 square feet: $1500

When choosing a material for your roof, consider the long term investment: although an asphalt shingle roof may be the cheapest, it will last you for about 20 years as opposed to a metal or slate roof that could last you up to 50 years. (Here’s more information on how long different roof materials last).

Considering a Roofer for Your Roof Replacement

The last major aspect in cost when replacing a roof is a roofer.

Here’s the burning question: What will you pay for labor?

All roofers prices will differ depending on the project and the time that will go into it but they will, most likely, all be based on square footage. Other factors that should be included in your quote should be size, pitch, and location.

Before you choose a roofer, as a homeowner, you will want to make sure they are licensed and qualified for the job. They should have proper means to evaluate the size and condition of your roof. Replacing your roof can be quite pricey and you want to make sure you get the job done the right way.

Depending on where you live, roofers charges will vary. Different counties may have different code requirements, either increasing or decreasing your overall price.