Tags: Roofing, Replacement
Like any other home modifications, roof replacement is an investment with numerous upfront and back-end costs. Besides the obvious cash that you must shell out, you must also consider the time and labor required (yes, these are costs). If you want to earn the highest possible return on this investment, you must factor in all three aspects of roof replacement prior to making any commitments.
Roof Replacement Material
Probably the single greatest expense is the actual material used. Typically, asphalt is the most affordable roofing material, costing anywhere from $50 to $150 per 100 square feet. Next up are metal, wood or concrete tiles (starting at $100 per 100 square feet). And at the upper end are ceramic, clay, and slate tiles that can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 per square 100 feet.
Roof Replacement Labor
Although replacing your roof on your own is probably the cheapest alternative monetarily, a professional contractor can save you energy and time; both of which have economic value. Unless you are extremely competent in roof replacement techniques, consider hiring someone else to do the job. It is important that you research contractors and ask for written estimates upfront, but the benefits of outsourcing the labor usually outweigh the financial costs of paying professional fees. Understand, however, that if existing tiles must be removed before new tiles can be installed, this will add to the overall cost, regardless of who handles the installation.
Durable Roof Replacement
As mentioned before, there are backend costs associated with roof replacement. Will your roof last for ten years? Twenty? Fifty? Obviously, the better the materials and craftsmanship, the less often you will have to pay for roof replacement. So even though a professional contractor installing slate shingles might be more expensive than if you installed your own asphalt shingles, you must factor in the lifetime value of any renovations.
Sources:
BobVila.com • Roofing Materials • Jun 02, 2009 • http://www.bobvila.com • http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Roofing_Materials-Miscellaneous_Roofing_Topics-A1937.html • 2009 BobVila.com