So, it’s time to replace your roof. Whether your current roofing is past its prime or has been damaged in a storm, you likely have a lot of questions about the replacement process—especially the budget you need to plan on. Whether you live in a historic Ann Arbor neighborhood, the upscale suburbs of Bloomfield Hills, or anywhere across the greater Detroit area, your roof’s condition plays a key role in maintaining your home’s curb appeal and property value.
So, let’s take a look at how your estimate is calculated. At John McCarter Construction, we visit your property, inspect your roof, and put together a formal, detailed quote based on several factors, including these:
9 Factors That Affect the Estimate for Your Roof Replacement
- Size of House
A major factor in your new roof’s cost is its overall size. Roofing material is priced per square foot, meaning the larger your roof, the more materials and labor it takes to complete the work.
If you want an idea of what to budget for, multiply the length times the width of every section of your roof, then add those numbers to get its total square footage. Your roofing contractor measures this carefully to provide an accurate estimate.
- Pitch and Shape of Roof
A steep roof requires more intricate work to remove old shingles and apply new materials than a relatively flat surface. Specialty tools are needed to stay safe on super-steep surfaces. On the other hand, low-slope roofs require a special membrane to increase resistance to water leaks. These elements affect your estimate, but they protect your home and are well worth it.
- Decking Damage to Repair
When your old roof is pulled up, hidden damage may be found beneath the shingles. There may be wood rot in the roof deck, insufficient ventilation, or cracked beams in the attic if your roof replacement is a result of storm damage. These issues must be tackled to ensure your home is protected from structural damage. Sure, they add to your budget, but your house’s value and performance will be safeguarded.
- Multiple Layers of Roofing to Remove
On older Michigan homes, it’s not unusual (sadly!) to encounter double or even triple layers of shingles. We now know that this approach to re-roofing only makes shingles less durable. The best process is to remove all materials down to the roof deck and then apply new roofing.
If your home has more than one layer of shingles, it’ll take longer and involve more labor to remove everything. Plus, there will be twice as much debris to cart off, which may raise the cost of disposal.
- Ventilation Needs
Without the right amount of ventilation in your attic, Michigan’s temperature changes and humidity can create problems for your roof. Poor airflow makes your attic damp, and this can lessen the lifespan of roofing materials as well as encourage mold growth.
To address this, your roofer may recommend that additional vents be installed. This added step will impact your estimate, but it’s worth it to keep your home free of excess moisture and give your roof a longer life.
- Choice of New Roofing Materials
There are several types of roofing you can select, which will impact the cost per square foot of your replacement. For instance, traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles are easy on your budget (comparatively speaking), but they don’t last as long against hail and harsh weather as sturdier options. Architectural (dimensional) shingles cost more, but they level up your roof’s visual style while also offering stronger protection against rain and wind.
Remember, too, that specialty materials such as cedar shingles, ceramic tiles, slate, and metal roofing have higher price points than asphalt. Of course, there are many reasons you might choose one of these beautiful options—including style, historical accuracy, or added weather resistance. Chat with your roofer about the best materials and product lines for homes located in southeastern Michigan before you finalize your decision.
- Accessibility and Ease of Labor
As a general rule, one-story houses tend to be easier for your roofing team to work on, so the labor is likely to cost a little less than for homes with two or more stories. If there are a lot of trees close to your house, this can make the roofing crew’s access a little more complicated, and branches might even need to be removed so the work can be done right.
- Specialty Features to Accommodate
Complex roofs with lots of valleys and dormers are, of course, visually interesting, and many homes have them. But they do require more materials and labor from your roofing team. Your project will involve more effort and customization, which adds to the overall estimate.
Likewise, chimneys, skylights, solar panels, and other features offer lots of value, but they also require attentive care. Applying flashing around them has to be done carefully to create a strong, water-resistant seal—and the more features that need flashing, the greater the work involved. These factors into your labor expenses.
- Timing and Weather
The time of year can impact your roof installation. If you’re looking to meet a lower budget and you aren’t under a time crunch, it can pay off to wait until the off-season (late fall, winter, early spring). Just be aware that you might have some weather delays due to snow or rain during those months.
Maximize Your Investment in Your New Roof with Expert Guidance and Installation
Every roof is unique, and so is every homeowner! The roofing materials you select, the size and complexity of your house, the time of year, and more will be combined to produce your personal estimate.
But don’t stop with costs! Instead, ensure you get a top-notch roof replacement by choosing an experienced, local team with a track record of success to install your new roofing. At John McCarter Construction, we have more than 30 years of expertise in installing new roofs that give Michigan homeowners confidence that their home is in great shape. We’ve worked with homeowners throughout southeastern Michigan—from Grosse Pointe to Novi—providing roof replacements that stand up to Michigan’s tough weather while enhancing each home’s beauty and efficiency. Reach out to meet with us and receive a free roof replacement estimate.
