How To Replace Your Roof on a Budget 2023

The first thing many homeowners worry about when there is a roofing emergency or when they notice that their roof is near the end of its life is “how much will a new roof cost?” As we have stated in our previous blogs, the answer will always depend certain factors. These include: the roofing system, pitch of roof, materials and labor, amongst other things which we will highlight in this article.

The team at Oscar Roofing provides the best, highest-quality of asphalt shingle roof replacements and repairs in Indiana since 2003. Part of our success stems from providing the best customer service experience for homeowners. Every member of our team works with honesty, integrity and expertise. Rest assured, when you work with us on your home project, you will never have to worry again.

So, to get back to our article at hand. How can we help with your roof project being affordable? Below we break down this question and answer more.

What are the Most Affordable Roofing Options

Out of all the numerous roofing materials in the market, asphalt will almost always be the least expensive and most budget friendly cost option out there. Asphalt is the most affordable type of roof material due to the low cost of materials that costs to make. Plus, asphalt shingles manufacturers make these in great quantities due to their high demand and production. Therefore, costs are driven down, making them a more economical option for customers.

Asphalt shingles are also less expensive to install, since the normal amount of equipment is necessary without bringing unique tools. Every roofer should know how to install asphalt shingles, its roofing 101. This means that asphalt shingles installations are more affordable than other higher end materials.

If you are not looking to break the bank or are planning on moving and selling your house soon, then asphalt shingles are the way to go. Something to keep in mind is that there are 3 different asphalt shingle types you can choose from. The cost prices of course vary with these different types.

1. Types of Shingles

1. 3-tab shingles– These are the oldest type of shingles currently available. Called 3-tab or flat shingles since it makes the roof look flat and uniform. You will see 3-tab shingles on older homes when the roof was first made. These kinds of shingles are quickly becoming a thing of the past as more and more people turn to the dimensional shingles for more durability and giving roofs a more aesthetically pleasing look.
   
2. Dimensional shingles – Dimensional shingles are also known as architectural shingles, these kind of shingles have two layers bonded together, with notches taken out to expose some bottom layers randomly, in order to give it the three dimensional look of higher and lower tabs along the roof rows.
3. Luxury shingles – Luxury shingles or premium shingles are the best shingle materials in the market. They have a slightly different design, such as slate tiles which give your home a more luxurious look. Luxury shingles are also thicker and bigger than regular shingles. Since these shingles provide more benefits than the others, they do come at a higher price. Luxury shingles will cost about twice as much as regular shingles.

On average, the cost of an asphalt roof replacement ranges in price based on size of the home. Many houses range between 1,700 to 2,500 square feet, so on average the costs range between $8,000 and $14,000. These are just average calculated price ranges, contact your residential roofing contractor for a more calculated quote.

What About Metal Roofs Options

Metal roofs are more expensive than any type of asphalt shingle. The cost of a metal roof does depend on the size of the building. On average, the cost of metal installation ranges from $300-$400 per square footage for fasteners only. Of course, these are just rough numbers. What is not included is the material costs, additional labor costs, cost of metal or aluminum, etc. Standing seam metal roofs for a 1,400 square foot home range from $900-$1,500 per square foot. Prices for certain types of metal roofs differ in prices, as well as if its a replacement or repair.

Picking the shingle of your choosing is just one side of what makes up the cost of your roofing project. Next, we highlight other factors that make up these costs.

2. Quality of Workmanship

A roof is only as good as the company that installs it. When you are planning on a roof replacement, the quality of labor and expertise is the most important factor besides the roofing material you pick. The adequate roofing contractor will not cut corners and will follow the essential roofing code of installation. They will use all materials necessary to validate their roofing warranty, both for their labor and the manufacturers. When reaching out to qualified roofing contractors, its important to know the following factors: How many years they have been in business, the materials they work with and what their justifications are for their price.

Never go with the cheapest option, and if a price looks too good to be true, then it probably is. We have heard stories of past customers who have had issues with their roof and then cannot locate or contact the last person who worked on their roof. If you splurge a bit more on the labor part, you will not only get a high quality roof installation but will also be provided with additional security in case you need to contact your roofing contractor again.

 

 

3. Design of Roof

Another thing to keep in mind is the design or pitch of your roof. All roofs come in different sizes and shapes, generally speaking, the flatter the roof, the easier the installation. Steeper roofs, specially ones that are very hard to walk on, can be extremely dangerous. Sure, they look beautiful, but it will take longer and very careful work to remove and install new materials on these roofs. Due to this, you can expect a roofing contractor to charge a higher amount due to the higher risk and longer time it takes to install shingles on a steep roof.

Here we take a look at some common roof designs:

• Flat Roof: Flat roofs can be very cost effective and durable. Depending on the materials you choose, we usually suggest an EPDM or metal material. Since the flatness of the roof will cause water to pool in certain areas instead of falling down, you will need more durable materials to avid any leaks. This is where EPDM/rubber membrane and metal materials work best. On average, flat roofs cost between $1.80 up to $12 per square foot.
• Gable Roof: Gable roofs are more commonly found in residential homes. These are the typical roof design where two equal sides that have the same pitch meet at a single ridge right at the center of the roof. They are also referred to as pitched roofs.
• Shed Roof: Shed roofs have a design typical to a shed, part of the roof slopes down towards one direction. Typically parts of the shed roofs are flat except for the slope. This type of roof is simple yet effective and is becoming more popular amongst homeowners.
• Hip Roof: Hip roofs do not have vertical ends, meaning, the slopes on all sides meet at the peak of the roof. If the house is more rectangular in structure, then the slope meets inward, creating a ridge at the sides. These are common in residential homes.

4. Other Things to Consider

Energy Efficiency

Once your roof replacement is complete, you won’t have to worry about it for another 20-30 years. While you are thinking about the costs you are paying up front, you should also be thinking about how your roof can help you cut down costs down the line. There are tons of roofing materials that can help with insulation more than others. Always remember, lighter color shingles can help reflect roofing systems better than darker ones. Of course, the components of the materials matter as well. Nowadays, there are more materials made that help cut electricity costs down.

We also suggest to take a look at your insulation and have your roofing contractor let you know its state during their inspection. Having proper insulation helps in making sure that your house is not wasting unnecessary electricity costs.

Your Neighborhood or City’s Building Codes

Before installing a new roof, its a good idea to read on your city’s building codes or  see if your HOA has any requirements for your roof. Some HOAs are particular about upholding a certain standard on their neighborhoods and might require a higher end shingles. Knowing the building codes and regulations can help you determine what you want to accomplish for your roofing project. From solar shingles to building a whole other floor, you might have to ask for the city’s permission before getting started.

Double checking with your HOA or city can save you time down the road, especially if you need to get approval. Your roofing contractor can also help you answer any questions but a prepared homeowner will help you both in the long run.

5. How To Get Started On Your Roof Replacement

 

Now that you know what factors influence the price of a typical roof installation, its time to take action! Following these 4 steps, you are one step closer to your replacement install.

1. Get a Roof Inspection
2. Ask for their estimate/bid
3. Consider the materials you can choose from
4. Save money until you are comfortable to get started

Get a Roof Inspection

While we have talked about the best materials to use and what goes into a cost, we won’t know what the actual price quote is until there is a roof inspection. First and foremost, the roof inspection helps the roofing contractor see what they will be dealing with in terms of damage, roof pitch, size and materials quantity. Additionally, you might think you need a whole replacement, but the contractor might suggest only a repair is a better option. That would be good news! Either way, it helps to know what you will be dealing with down the road.

Ask For Their Estimate

Nowadays, many roofing companies, if not all, provide free estimates after their inspection. Try to get at the very least two estimates to compare prices as well as the materials they offer, project dates, etc. This way, you know what your money is going to, a simple calculation and break down of prices helps to see how the budget is allocated. Make sure that the company includes their license and insurance as well. A roof replacement is a big undertaking and you want to make sure that they have the appropriate insurance in case of emergencies.

Take Into Account the Materials

We already talked about how the materials can influence prices. In fact, besides the labor costs, this is the main price driving factor. Discuss with the roofing contractor what materials they offer, price variations and if there are any potential discounts. Plus, a good roofing company will want to help you save money.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the roofing contractor could find additional damage that might not have been evident from the outside. For example, plywood or decking costs are not included in the quote as its impossible to know the state of the plywoods until the shingles are removed. Keep in mind there could be some extras like these and more. Your roofing contractor should keep you updated if new items come up as soon as they find them.

Start Saving Now

Depending on your situation, you might be thinking about replacing your roof but its not an urgent matter. If this is your situation, then that’s great, it means you have time to save money for a couple of weeks or even months. Typically, its advised to save at least an average of 1-2% of your home value every month. Its also a good idea to look over your finances and see what expenses you can cut back on and which ones are necessary.

Do ask our prospective roofer if they offer financing options or payment plans, this can also help if you need the project done right away. Many roofers are willing to work with their customers and help them plan for their roof replacements.

6. Final Thoughts

We know that undertaking a new roof installation can be a hassle, not to mention expensive. That’s why we have broken down some factors that determine the costs and some choices you can make in order to make roofing costs affordable. Choosing a simple design and making sure you work with a reliable(although not the cheapest) and calculating roofing contractor is the best idea when it comes to saving down the road and having a quality roof over your head. Not to mention, they will take the proper measures to take care of your house and yard. Check out or checklist every homeowner should know before starting an installation.

Contact Oscar Roofing for your free inspection, Indianapolis! We are glad to help. Call or text us at (317)358-6625 or (812)545-1381.