New Roof Cost in Chicago: How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost for a 1,500 sq ft House
Homeowners sometimes ask: “How much does roof replacement cost?”. Many factors and criteria influence a roof replacement in Chicago. First and foremost, you need to pay attention to roof materials, one of the most important factors. People usually choose asphalt shingles as one of the cheap and common materials. It costs around $3,50-5,00 per square foot, so a 1,500 sq ft (ca. 139 m²) roof costs around $5,250-7,500.
If you want some premium materials, you can choose metal roofing or cedar shake. You should choose a material based on your budget and the longevity of your investment.
Also, you need to take into account the complexity of roof design, size of the roof, pitch of your roof, and shape, which also influence the final cost of a roof replacement. Common roof types are cheaper and easier to replace. A roof installation takes only a couple of days. If you need any additional repair services for the foundation or underlayment, you should include them in the total cost.
Speaking of labor costs, they are 40% higher in Chicago due to severe weather conditions and strict regulations. You may also need some permits to replace your roof. As you can see, a roof replacement project demands accurate calculations to make sure the cost of a new roof is affordable.
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How Much Does a New Roof Cost : Average Roof Replacement Cost in Chicago
The average cost of a roof for a 1500 square foot house in Chicago depends on various factors, however, there are some standard options for a house between 1,200-1,500 sq ft. Based on the material, a roof cost can be around $9,000-15,000 with an average cost of $4,50-8,00 per square foot for asphalt shingles.
Following this, we can consider the lower price of $4.50 per sq ft, and it’s around $5,400 for a 1,200 sq ft (1.11 a) roof and $6,700 for a 1,500 sq ft (ca. 139 m²) roof.
Speaking of the expensive options, it’s $8 per sq ft, and we get $9,600 and $12,000 for the same roof sizes. However, some homeowners might pay up to $15,000 for the same size and material due to such factors as the shape of the roof, its design, labor costs, and others.
The price is calculated by cost per square and depends on the size of your roof. The average roof usually covers from 15 to 18 squares, which are equal to 100 sq ft each. It’s based on the roof pitch, so the floor square and roof square are rarely the same. A roof cost in Chicago for an average house is around $6,750-11,700.
Overall, the 1500 square foot roof estimated price also includes labor costs, and Chicago is known for the higher cost of contractors’ services. It’s based on the severe and unpredictable weather conditions in the city. Also, the final price can be affected by additional expenses such as a chimney, skylight presence, gutters, and so on. To get the most affordable option, you need to consider several quotes from different roofing contractors and compare them based on the main criteria and your budget. That’s how you can pay an actual cost for a full roof replacement.
Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, our expert team in Chicago is here to help.
Roof Replacement Cost Factors to Consider: Average Roof Replacement Cost
To calculate 1500 square foot metal roof cost accurately you need to count some essential factors, such as labor costs, roof removal and disposal, type of materials, and other additional factors. These are the most significant points that can significantly increase the cost of a roof.
Labor Cost for a New Roof Installation
Chicago is known for its high labor costs due to several reasons:
- weather conditions,
- seasonal service,
- regulations and local codes.
These points affect the total 1500 square foot roof cost. Chicago’s severe winter makes it much more expensive and difficult to replace a roof during cold months.
That’s why it’s much more of a seasonal service from roof contractors. Labor costs also depend on the material. While installing asphalt shingles costs $2-3,50 per square foot, it increases up to $4-8 for metal roofing. The type and shape of the roof also affect the price of contractors due to the complexity of your roof, intricate designs, etc. The average cost to replace a roof for contractor’s services is about $4,500-7,500.
Removal and Disposal Fees: Roof Repair Costs for 1500 sq ft House
Then, to start a roof replacement, you need to remove your existing roof and provide its disposal. It takes an additional charge. For a typical 1,500 house, it takes around $1-5 per square foot to remove your old roof. So it’s $1,500-7,500 for removal only based on the complexity of the work. Disposal fee ranges from $200 to $600 including a dumpster.
Materials for DIY Roof Replacement
Speaking of materials, one of the most expensive and essential parts of a roof installation, there are many options. However, we suggest considering only commonly used and durable materials such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, concrete or clay tiles, and wood shingles/shakes. Let’s learn more about each material:
- Asphalt shingles: the most popular choice by homeowners in Chicago based on its cost-efficiency. It’s not the most durable material, however, a roof will last for 20+ years. Asphalt shingles cost $1,50-5,50 per sq ft and $2,50-4,50 per sq ft for architectural asphalt shingles, which are more durable and aesthetic.
- Metal roofing: metal stands out among other materials for its durability. The average cost per square foot is $3-20, so a 1,500 sq ft roof costs $4,500-30,000 for materials only. However, it’s a long-term investment due to the longevity of the metal roofing (50+ years).
- Clay/concrete tiles: clay or concrete tiles are a great choice for a durable and aesthetic roof. Concrete tiles are a bit cheaper, however, the average cost per sq ft is around $2,50-18 for either.
- Wood shingles/shakes: a great choice if you prefer a wooden roof. Wood shingles cost $200-375 per square, which is $3,000-5,625 for 1,500 sq ft, while wood shakes cost $300-700 – $4,500-10,500 for 1,500 sq ft.
These are some most popular choices by homeowners based on requests in Chicago. Each material is durable and aesthetic, so you should compare different quotes.
Explore our collection of informative and engaging videos on roof repair.
Additional Roof Replacement Factors that Affect Cost of a New Roof
If you plan to replace your roof, you need to take into account some additional factors, such as:
- roof style,
- climate,
- permits are regulations.
Speaking of a roof style, there are popular options including Modern Farmhouse, Ranch, Craftsman, and Bungalow. However, each roofing style has certain specificities. For example, a Modern Farmhouse is typically made of metal, which is significantly more expensive. On the other hand, a Ranch roof is easier to install, so you can save on labor costs.
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A material choice is significant to make a cost-effective decision. You need to think about your priorities and opportunities, whether you want to get a cheaper option now or pay more for a long-term investment. The most popular choices are still asphalt shingles with a longevity of up to 25 years and metal roofing that can last for 50–70 years. Composite shingles are just in between, with an average lifespan of 50 years.
Taking Chicago’s weather into consideration, it’s important to mention that winter is not the best period to replace a roof. The optimal period is late fall and early spring when the demand is lower, so contractors offer discounts and competitive prices. Also, it’s essential to compare different contractors’ quotes to get the most profitable and affordable offer. You need to compare materials, labor costs, warranties, installation time, and other important points.
Energy-efficient options can also help you save some money. Cool roofing is a popular choice to save on energy bills by 20% during summer. It helps you keep your home cooler during hot days, so you don’t need air conditioning 24/7. Insulation helps to keep your house warm during winter. To save on energy bills, you can also consider metal roofing, as metal reflects sunlight and keeps your house significantly cooler. Lastly, homeowners sometimes choose modern underlayment with a radiant barrier to improve temperature regulation.
Lastly, a roof replacement is a great investment. If you plan to sell your house lately, a new roof gives you a resale value boost. You can get a return on investment as a roof replacement and energy-efficient options increase an initial house price by 5-15% or 60% of your roof cost.
Emergency Roof Replacement and Partial Roof Replacement
There are some emergencies, such as storm or ice damage, when you need a roof repair service or to replace your roof immediately. Contact a roof contractor and ask for urgent services. Consider a partial roof replacement or complete roof replacement. Also, contact your insurance company and inform them about such an emergency.
Additional Components: How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?
While replacing a roof, you need to get some additional components such as gutters, flashing, ventilation, and more. These are extra expenses, and you need to include them in your final price for accurate calculations. Let’s check out some prices:
- Underlayment: the average cost is $750-3,000 for a 1,200-1,500 sq ft house. It’s used as an additional layer against moisture.
- Decking: sometimes it’s necessary to replace decking too, a structural base, for an extra $2,000-4,000. It depends on whether your decking is damaged or not.
- Ventilation: depending on each case, ventilation costs $300-1500. It’s essential for proper temperature and moisture regulation and consistent airflow.
- Gutters: gutters channel water away from the roof to avoid damaging your house and foundation. It costs around $1,000-1,800.
You may need flashing, insulation, or downspouts too, however, it depends on individual factors. Additional components may extend a roof installation time for 1-3 days.
FAQ
What types of roofing materials are best for 1,200–1,500 sq. ft. homes in Chicago?
Chicago is known for its cold winter and hot summer, so we suggest energy-efficient and durable materials, such as asphalt shingles, wood shingles/shakes, clay or concrete tiles, and metal roofing.
How many squares does it take to roof a 1500 square foot home?
It’s really individual to calculate squares as it depends on a roof type and shape, design, and roof pitch. However, in general, it takes around 15-18 squares for a 1,200.1500 sq ft house.
What are affordable yet durable material choices for mid-sized roofs?
The most affordable option is asphalt roofing. An asphalt shingle roof is durable and cheaper, however, if you can pay more, architectural asphalt shingles are more aesthetic, so you will get a great and durable choice for a mid-sized roof.
How do I calculate the exact size of my roof?
There’s a formula to calculate square footage, firstly you need to measure each roof plane (length and width). Then multiply the length by the width and add each result to get a total flat measurement. Then you need to check your roof pitch and find an appropriate multiplier. Next, multiply your measurements by an appropriate multiplier.
Are energy-efficient roofing options worth the cost for this home size?
Sure, energy-efficient options save money on energy bills, which is great for Chicago’s weather. So it’s worth the cost for a 1,200-1,500 house.
What additional parts of the roof should be replaced during a full replacement?
You should consider replacing gutters, underlayment, decking, downspouts, flashing, ventilation, and insulation.
What is the typical lifespan of metal roofing for a 1,500 sq. ft. home?
Metal roofing is one of the most durable options, with an average lifespan of 50-70 years.
How does roof replacement affect the resale value of my home?
It usually increases 5-15% of your initial house’s price, or you can add 60% of your roof costs to the resale value.
What are common roofing styles for homes of this size, and do they impact cost?
The most common roofing styles are Modern Farmhouse, Ranch, Craftsman, and Bungalow, and they affect the price as some of them have peculiarities. Also, each style can be easier or harder to install.
What are the best times of year to replace a roof in Chicago?
We suggest a roof replacement during later fall or early spring in Chicago due to lower demand and appropriate weather conditions.
