What a new roof costs — line by line
Asphalt-shingle roofing runs roughly $3–$5 per square foot installed, with labor about 60–70% of the job. Rather than one number, OurHomeSays shows materials, labor, tear-off, and permits as separate line items you can size to your roof — each an industry estimate with its assumptions stated. Adjust the inputs below.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement (approx. 1,800 sq ft of roof) — estimated cost
| Materialsestimate Assumes mid-grade materials at the quantity/size you entered. | $3,200 |
| Labor (60 hr × $70/hr)calculation Assumes standard access and no hidden damage. | $4,200 |
| Tear-off & disposal of old roofestimate Optional / situational. | $1,400 |
| Permitestimate Optional / situational. | $250 |
| Flashing / underlayment upgradeestimate Optional / situational. | $600 |
Honest range for this job
$7,720 – $12,063
mid estimate $9,650
Assumptions
- • Every dollar figure is a Tier-3 industry-survey ESTIMATE, not a fixed price or a quote.
- • Region multiplier 1.00× is a OurHomeSays cost-of-living adjustment, not a cited local price.
- • Mid-grade materials, standard access, and no hidden damage are assumed.
What changes the price
- • Local labor rates and how many contractors are competing for the work.
- • Material grade (good / better / best) and the exact quantity or size.
- • Hidden damage, code upgrades, permits, and disposal of the old unit.
What drives the number
Roof size (in 'squares' of 100 sq ft), pitch and access (steep or complex roofs cost more to work on safely), the number of existing layers to tear off, and shingle grade (3-tab vs architectural). Labor is the biggest share, so local rates move the total a lot.
Estimates, not quotes
These figures come from industry cost surveys by contractor-lead publishers and are a starting point, not a fixed price. Get at least two written quotes from local roofers, and confirm whether tear-off and permits are included.
When to call a professional
- • Roofing is height-and-fall work — get quotes from licensed roofers rather than attempting it.
- • Get two to three written quotes; confirm tear-off, permits, and warranty are included.
Common questions
- Can I roof over the old shingles?
- Sometimes, and it saves tear-off cost, but it hides deck problems and can shorten the new roof's life — many pros and codes limit it to one layer. Tear-off is usually the safer spend.
- Why is labor such a big share?
- Roofing is labor-intensive and safety-critical work at height; materials are a minority of the cost while labor typically runs 60–70%.
Sources
- Asphalt shingle roof, typical total: $5,700–$12,000 (larger homes more) (US, industry estimate). Tier 3 (industry estimate)estimate · has commercial bias
HomeGuide · verified 2026-07-26 - Asphalt shingle roof, installed: $3–$5 per sq ft (US, industry estimate). Tier 3 (industry estimate)estimate · has commercial bias
HomeGuide · verified 2026-07-26 - Asphalt shingles (architectural) typical service life: ~30 years. Tier 2 (standards/extension)
InterNACHI (Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart) · verified 2026-07-26