Your home’s roof can take a beating, whether roasting in the sun during the summer, getting coated with ice in winter, and withstanding wind and rain year-round. In other words, it’s one of your house’s key MVPs. But eventually, roofs wear out and need to be replaced or fixed. You may notice a small (or big) leak. It could be 15, 20, or even 50 years, but at some point, your roof will likely need to be repaired or replaced. While costs can range widely, the average roof replacement currently costs $11,500.
In this guide, you’ll learn about roof replacement costs, as well as what your options are for paying for roofing expenses.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
The average roof lasts 25 to 50 years, though repairs (both minor and major) can pop up more often. Sometimes, damage to one part of a roof can nudge a homeowner to go ahead and replace the whole thing.
You likely got a general idea of the condition of your home’s roof during the home inspection, when you were buying your property. If now is the time to get the job done, though, you’ll want to understand the costs involved.
When looking at new roof installation costs, there are a number of factors that will impact the overall price:
• Size of the roof being replaced
• Material to be used on the roof
• Style of the roof (those with multiple eaves, lots of detailing, or steeper pitches could take longer and cost more)
• What part of the country you live in (cost of living can vary considerably)
• What time of year you are having work done (doing so off-season could potentially save you extra money; roofers tend to be most in demand in late summer and early fall).
• The size and style of the roof may contribute to the overall cost. The height and pitch of your roof are also important factors because there are additional safety and labor costs to consider.
The average cost to replace a roof is approximately $11,500 on average, but the price could range from $6,700 to $80,000.
When creating an estimate, roofers sometimes define costs per roofing square. One roofing square is equal to a 10-by-10-foot (100 square feet) area. So a 1,700-square-foot roof would be 17 squares. Currently, squares can range in price from $450 to $750, depending on materials and other costs.
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Getting a New Roof
Some pointers on getting a new roof:
• If you are replacing your roof as a part of general home maintenance, you may have a little more time to prepare for the costs associated with the repairs. It allows you to be more methodical about pricing the project out and selecting a roofer. And having a bit of a runway will allow you to start saving and develop a workable budget for the project.
• Get an estimate from several reputable contractors. When doing so, be sure to pay close attention to the quality of the materials specified in the estimate. It’s even better if you can get a recommendation from someone you know. Regardless, definitely check reviews and references carefully.
• Remember that, while a new roof can be a major expense, it can improve the value of your home for future sale, stave off ongoing repairs from leaks, and, of course, protect the residents.
Paying for Roof Repairs
If your roof is damaged, then you are faced with a different challenge than figuring the roof replacement cost.
• In the case of a natural disaster caused by an earthquake or hurricanes, you may even be eligible for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency“>Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Whatever the cause, it could be helpful to take photographs sooner rather than later to document the damage.
• Your homeowners’ policy or home warranty may include coverage that could possibly help defray some of the costs, depending on the cause of the damage and the age of the roof.
• If it’s determined that the damage is from normal wear and tear, then it will likely be considered regular maintenance and may not be covered. Many roofing jobs fall into that common home repair category.
• Also, if your roof is older than 10 years, you may only be eligible for part of the cost determined to be a depreciated value of the roof. Whatever the circumstance, it could be worthwhile to call your insurance company and find out if you’re covered and to what extent.
• And, before you start work, it bears repeating that it’s wise to get multiple estimates to help you make an informed decision and ensure that you’re getting the most value for your investment. You may want to consult with a few licensed roofing contractors and compare bids.
Recommended: How to Pay for Emergency Home Repairs
Ways to Help Pay for Home Repairs
Whether you are replacing your entire roof or just replacing a damaged portion, you may want to consider financing all or part of the work. One option worth considering: a personal loan.
• A personal loan can be a good option for some homeowners. With a personal loan, you’ll usually get a lower interest rate than credit cards. Also, with an unsecured personal loan, there typically is no additional lien against your property. Often, these loans can be processed quickly and with minimal fees.
• Another financing option homeowners turn to for home improvements is a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). The application for a HELOC is akin to that of a mortgage. How much you’re able to borrow depends on several factors, including the value of your home. You may also have to arrange and pay for a home appraisal.
As you consider your costs associated with a roofing or other home project, you may want to use a home improvement cost calculator to help you budget appropriately.
The Takeaway
Replacing your home’s roof is typically a big-budget home repair project; it often costs in the five-figure range. However, it’s an important investment in your home’s value and integrity. You can look into financing options such as HELOCs and personal loans to help you pay for the work.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.
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