Roofs usually last 12-20 years and can be expensive to replace. But planning, estimating, and researching can help you determine the cost and save some cash. So, how much does a roof cost? There are many factors that impact the cost of your building project. Here are some tips for figuring the price of replacement.

• Preparation is necessary before the new roof can be added. Removal of shingles and inspection of existing plywood and flashing will factor into the cost. If your chimney or other existing brickwork will need tuckpointing can also be a factor.
• Materials don't always have to be expensive, but they can be costly. You'll need plywood, nails, shingles, and roofing cement, and could also require things like flashing, mortar, brackets for solar panels or other roof attachments. Don't forget to plan for labor costs (usually about three days for an average roof).
• The pitch of the roof will also affect the cost; the higher the pitch of the roof, the higher the cost. Contractors must add harnesses or other special equipment to the quote. Gable roofs are the easiest, since they have the smallest slant.
• You'll need to determine the type of roofing that will be used. Terracotta tiles are more expensive not only because of the material, but because they require specialized knowledge.
• Things like skylights, solar panels, and other roof attachments can add to the cost of replacing your roof. These should be mentioned during the initial talk with your local roofing contractor.
• Do you need to remove your roof? This is likely if your roof is damaged by weather, water leaks, natural disasters, extreme age, or other factors. Sometimes, replacing the roofing is necessary if you're changing shingle types. For instance, if you're switching from wooden shingles to asphalt, you'll need to remove the existing roof.
• If your roof was damaged by a storm or natural disaster, check your insurance policy to see what, if anything, can be paid by your provider. This could potentially save you thousands of dollars.
• Your local government may require permits, licenses, or other paperwork that can cost $100s of dollars. This information will be available through your local building inspector.
• Most quotes are determined using square footage and is calculated based on a 10x10 square. You can calculate the size of your roof by taking the square foot of your roof and adding half. So if your home is 2,500 square feet, your roof size should be roughly 3, 750 square feet.