It’s no secret that a new roof can be a costly investment. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that the cost of hiring a professional to do the job can add up as well. In this blog post, we will discuss five costs to consider when hiring a roofing contractor. 

By being aware of these expenses, you can budget appropriately and make sure that you are getting the most for your money!

Cost #1: Cost of Materials

One of the biggest expenses associated with roofing projects is, of course, the cost of materials. Whether you are using asphalt or metal shingles, you can expect to pay a premium price for high-quality products that will last longer and look better than cheaper options. 

In addition to product costs, you should also factor in the price of underlayment, flashing, and other auxiliary products that might be needed to complete the job. These additional materials often make up 10%-20% of the total cost, meaning you can easily underestimate how expensive your project is going to be by overlooking these costs.

Cost #2: Labor Costs

While having a roof installed might not seem like the most labor-intensive project, it actually requires a lot of manpower and hours to get the job done right. The reason for this is that every roof installation must be customized to fit the specific home in question. 

This means that each project has a different layout, different preferred materials, and a variety of other factors that contribute to the complexity of the job.

Because of these variations, roofers typically charge by the hour rather than by square foot. This is because they must account for all of the extra time it takes to complete each individual roofing installation. It is important to keep this in mind when budgeting for your project, as many homeowners underestimate labor costs and end up paying more than anticipated.

Cost #3: Roofing Inspections

Before a roofer can start installing a new roof, they must first perform an inspection of the existing structure. This is done to make sure that there are no preexisting problems or damage that could lead to leaks or other issues down the road. If any repairs are needed, they must be made before installation can begin. 

The price of roofing inspections varies greatly based on a number of factors: the size and complexity of your roof, the distance traveled by the roofers, etc. To find an accurate estimate for your roofing inspection, you should consult multiple roofers in your area and compare their quotes. Some companies also offer free roof inspections which are worth taking advantage of!

Cost #4: Permits and Other Fees

In addition to the actual cost of the materials, labor, and other expenses involved with a roofer, you also have to factor in any permits or fees that might be required for the job. Depending on your area, a roofing project may be subject to city regulations and inspections which will add to the overall cost. 

It is important to contact your local building department or planning office in order to see if any permits are needed for your project. This way you can budget accordingly and avoid any last-minute fees that could potentially cause your project to be delayed.

Cost #5: Insurance

Although often covered in other costs, it is important to mention insurance as its own separate expense. In the roofing industry, there are a number of risks associated with installation and roof repair projects that can lead to accidents or damages if you’re not careful.

To protect yourself from having to pay for any accident-related expenses out of pocket, it’s a good idea to make sure that you are working with a roofing contractor who is fully insured. 

This way if anything were to go wrong on the job, your insurance company would be responsible for covering any damages or injuries and you can avoid having to pay anything out-of-pocket in case of an expected incident.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the costs you should consider when planning your roofing project. No matter what, it is essential to discuss all of the details with your contractor before signing anything so that you know exactly what you’re getting into and can budget accordingly!