How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
Last updated: June 1, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
A new asphalt shingle roof typically costs between $8,000 and $20,000 for an average-sized home, or roughly $4.50 to $11 per square foot installed. The biggest factors are roof size, material choice, roof pitch, and how many layers of old roofing need to be removed first.
Premium materials like standing-seam metal or slate can push the total well past $35,000, while a smaller, simpler roof in a lower-cost region can come in under $8,000. The calculator below adjusts for your specific project.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $8,000 – $20,000
Low end
$5,000
High end
$35,000+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
a New Roof Cost Calculator
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Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing) | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Labor | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| Tear-off & disposal | $1,000 – $2,200 |
| Permits & inspection | $150 – $600 |
What Affects the Cost
Roof size and pitch
Larger roofs need more material and labor, and steep pitches slow crews down and require additional safety equipment, both of which raise the price per square foot.
Material choice
Asphalt shingles remain the most affordable option. Metal, tile, and slate cost significantly more up front but last decades longer and often cost less annually over the life of the roof.
Number of layers to remove
Removing one or more layers of old shingles adds labor and disposal cost. Some jurisdictions cap roofs at two layers before a full tear-off is required.
Roof accessibility
Steep driveways, tall trees, or limited access for dumpsters and material delivery can add labor time and equipment rental costs.
Decking condition
Rotted or damaged plywood decking found during tear-off must be replaced before new roofing goes on, which is typically billed as an add-on once the old roof is off.
Local labor rates and permits
Roofing labor costs vary significantly by metro area, and permit fees and code requirements (like wind-rated shingles in coastal areas) differ by municipality.
Cost by Roof Size
| Roof Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $4,500 – $11,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $6,750 – $16,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $9,000 – $22,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $11,250 – $27,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $13,500 – $33,000 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
DIY roofing is possible for small, low-pitch sections and can save on labor costs, but it carries real fall risk, may void material warranties if not installed to spec, and most homeowners insurance and mortgage lenders expect professional installation.
Hiring a professional
Licensed roofers carry liability insurance, know local code and permit requirements, can complete a full roof in 1-3 days, and typically back the work with a labor warranty in addition to the manufacturer material warranty.
Bottom line: For anything beyond a small, simple, single-story roof, hiring a licensed roofing contractor is strongly recommended given the fall risk and warranty implications.
Ways to Save
- Get at least 3 written quotes from licensed, insured roofing contractors before choosing.
- Schedule replacement in the roofer's off-season (late fall/winter in most regions) when demand is lower.
- Choose architectural asphalt shingles instead of premium materials if longevity isn't the top priority.
- Ask about installing over the existing layer if code allows and the old roof is in decent shape (only one layer, no decking damage).
- Bundle roof replacement with other exterior work (gutters, siding) to potentially reduce combined labor costs.
- Ask your insurer about discounts for impact-resistant shingles in hail-prone areas.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new roof cost on average?
The average new roof costs about $12,500 in the United States, with most homeowners paying between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on roof size, material, and pitch.
How much does it cost to replace a roof per square foot?
Roof replacement typically costs $4.50 to $11 per square foot installed, depending on material. Asphalt shingles are on the lower end; metal, tile, and slate cost more.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most asphalt shingle roofs on an average-sized home can be replaced in 1-3 days. Larger, steeper, or more complex roofs, or premium materials like tile and slate, can take a week or more.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?
Insurance may cover roof replacement if the damage is from a covered event like a storm or falling tree, but it typically does not cover replacement due to normal wear and age.
How often does a roof need to be replaced?
Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20-30 years, wood shake 25-30 years, metal 40-70 years, and tile or slate 50-100+ years, depending on climate and maintenance.