How pricing works
What moves a roof-and-solar price
Two roofs of the same size can cost very different amounts. These six things move the number most.
Roof area and pitch
The roof is measured in squares of 100 sq ft. Steeper roofs need more safety gear and time.
Shape and penetrations
Hips, valleys, dormers, chimneys and vents mean more cutting and more flashing.
Layers and deck
A second layer costs more to remove. Deck rot shows only after tear-off, so it is priced per sheet, in writing.
Material and fire rating
The product line sets the price and the warranty tier. Fire-rated products and ember-resistant vents cost more than the base roof.
The array
The number of panels, how the racking is mounted and whether the array is split across slopes decide the detach-and-reset price.
Access, permit and season
Dumpster space, trees, permit fees and fall demand all move the number. Winter snow can push a job back.
A sample estimate
Three jobs, line by line
A one-story home with about 24 squares of roof (about 2,400 sq ft), one layer to remove, 14 panels on the south slope.
Roof onlyOne layer off, plain gable and hip roof. | Roof, solar-readyThe roof plus mounts laid out with your solar company. | Roof, panels resetThe roof plus 14 panels moved off and back on. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tear-off and disposal | |||
| Deck check, first four sheets | |||
| Underlayment, ice barrier, drip edge | |||
| Shingles, starter and ridge | |||
| Flashing, vents, pipe boots | |||
| Crew labor to install | |||
| Permit and plan check | |||
| Flashed mounting blocks and rafter map | |||
| Detach and reset 14 panels, mounts flashed again | |||
Example only. Decking found rotted after tear-off is billed per sheet at the written price, and only for sheets replaced. The electrician's disconnect and reconnect is billed by your solar company.
The estimate
What is in it, and what is not
Set it beside any other quote, line for line.
In the estimate
- Tear-off and disposal
- Deck check and a price per sheet
- Underlayment, ice barrier and drip edge
- Shingles, ridge, flashing, vents and pipe boots
- Permit and plan check
- Cleanup and a magnet sweep
- Workmanship warranty terms, and the manufacturer warranty registered
Not in it, unless we find it
- Decking beyond the stated sheets
- Rafter, fascia or soffit repair
- Chimney masonry, skylights and gutters
- Repairs inside the house from old leaks
- The electrician's disconnect and reconnect of panels
- Upgrades an inspector requires
The visit
What happens when we come to look
About an hour for most homes, longer for large or steep roofs.
- 1
Step 1: Booking
You give us the address, the roof's age and the problem. A photo by text helps.
- 2
Step 2: Ground walkaround
Gutters for granules, fascia and soffit for rot, the array from below.
- 3
Step 3: The roof, or a drone
Covering, flashing, vents and mounts. A drone for steep or fragile roofs.
- 4
Step 4: The attic
Underside of the deck, stains, daylight, insulation and airflow.
- 5
Step 5: Measuring
Squares, pitch, layers and complexity.
- 6
Step 6: Photos and options
We show the photos, explain repair or replace and write the options, with every line.
Questions
Questions homeowners ask
How much does a new roof cost?
It depends on the squares, pitch, shape, material, layers to remove and the deck. The prices page shows one example, line by line. Your own estimate lists every line and the home size it is based on.
Do you take a deposit, and do you offer financing?
The deposit and payment schedule are written in your estimate before you sign. If we offer financing, the lender, rate and term are written beside it.
Do I need a permit?
Almost always for a full replacement. We file the roof permit with the city or county, and the fee is a line on your estimate.
Want your own number?
We inspect first and write every line down.