Roofing Labor Cost Per Square Foot – How Much is a Roofer's Charge in Chicago?
New construction roof cost per square foot is the second thing homeowners in Chicago and the Chicago suburbs are interested in when replacing a roof after determining the cost of the material. There is no accurate roofing labor cost calculator that will allow you to calculate all costs to the last penny. But, today we will analyze all the factors that affect the cost and compare different materials. So, read this roofing costs and budget estimates guide and you will be able to plan your budget roughly. To begin with, the typical cost of a roofing job is usually between $2.00 and $ 3.50 per square foot (100 square feet) for standard asphalt shingle installations.
Base Factors Influencing Roofing Labor Cost Per Square Foot In Chicago
If you need a roofing labor cost estimator in Chicago, here are 3 main factors that will affect the cost:
Roof Pitch and Complexity
First of all, the pitch and complexity of the roof affect the cost of the work: the steeper and more complex the roof, the more expensive. Low pitches (3/12 to 4/12) are cheaper to work on, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $1.85 per square foot for asphalt shingles. Steep-pitched roofs (8/12 to 12/12) raise the cost from $2.25 to $3.10 per square foot. In addition, a complex design (several slopes, windows, chimneys) increases the cost of work by 25-50%, especially for local contractors who may have region-specific pricing.
Excellence is Our Culture
Roof Height
The more floors a building has in the Chicago suburbs, the more expensive the work will be due to additional time and complexity. Higher roofs require more careful work, which results in slower speeds and higher roofing labor prices. Additional equipment, such as lifts or scaffolding, also increases the cost of high roofs.
Removal of the Old Roofing in Chicago
Removing the old pavement has a significant impact on the cost and varies from $1 to $5 per square foot depending on the material. For example, asphalt shingles have a lower removal cost of $1-3 per square foot. Heavier roofing materials, such as standing seam metal or tile, can cost $2-5 per square foot due to the higher labor involved. Furthermore, roofs with multiple layers of old roofing take longer to remove and cost more, so it’s important to consult a contractor near you for a more accurate estimate.
Different Materials Comparison – Average Cost to Tear Off and Replace a Roof
Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, our expert team in Chicago is here to help.
Breakdown of Additional Costs for Roofing Labor Cost Per Hour
In addition to the installation itself, the roofing labor cost breakdown chart in Chicago includes some additional costs that you need to know:
- Underlayment, sheathing, nails, and drainage – These materials can add to the total cost. For example, replacing underlayment costs an average of $1,700-$4,200, sheathing costs $2-$5 per square foot, and installing guttering can cost from $242 to $2,579.
- Additional elements – Roof vents, soffits, and penetrations, such as ventilation or roof windows, also increase costs in IL. For example, installing vents cost $350-$600, and windows cost $1,600-$4,200.
- Permit fees and inspection – Rooftop permits range from $150 to $500, and inspections range from $125 to $357 depending on the size of the roof.
- Performance warranties – The cost may increase due to labor warranties that cover installation errors. It is better to choose a 10-20-year warranty that can be transferred to the new homeowner if you plan to sell.
Regional and Seasonal Labor Cost Variations from Roofers
For example, in Illinois, roofing prices depend on local building codes and the region. Cities such as Chicago have much stricter requirements concerning the permits and the materials used, therefore, costs are much higher. Prices in rural areas are lower, but once again, it depends on the local requirements. Services are more expensive in Northern Illinois due to the harsh winter conditions experienced there that call for additional roof protection.
The prices also vary depending on the season: during summertime, prices are high due to the increased demand, especially in Chicago Neighborhoods, whereas during winter time, prices tend to decrease due to reduced demand. Therefore, it is optimal to plan work for late fall or early spring for better prices.
How Much Do Roofers Charge Per Square? Repairs vs. Full Roof Replacement
How much does roof replacement cost in 2025 and is it cheaper to repair than cost to replace? Where the damages are minimal or partial, repairing the roof can be more economical instead of its full replacement, especially in the Chicago Areas. This can be as minute as broken or missing tiles or minor leaks, which the few hundred or thousand-dollar charges may be within your means as compared to a full replacement of the roof. Repairs are advisable if the roof is new (up to 15 years old), one has limited funds, or one intends to sell the house quickly. However, in the case where the roof is at the end of its expectancy or severely damaged, replacement might be cost-effective in the long term.
If you need more clarification, contact a roofing company near me for professional advice on the best option.
Explore our collection of informative and engaging videos on roof repair.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor?
Here are 10 key tips for choosing a reliable contractor in Chicago Areas:
- Research the market – Ask friends and family for recommendations and select several contractors to evaluate.
- Check licenses and insurance – The contractor should have the appropriate permits and insurance, so hire licensed and insured roofing installers near me.
- Ask for certifications – Look for certified contractors, such as those from the NRCA.
- Read reviews – Check online reviews and the company’s reputation.
- Get multiple estimates – Compare detailed written estimates from different contractors.
- Check references – Contact past clients for feedback on the contractor’s work.
- Don’t choose based on price alone – A low price may indicate low quality or cheap materials.
- Check the warranties – The contractor should provide a warranty for work and materials, especially if you’re looking for roofing repairs near me.
- Always sign a written contract – Be sure to sign a contract with clearly defined terms and conditions.
- Check the contractor’s experience – Make sure the contractor has experience in your type of work and is familiar with local regulations.
Conclusion
Lastly, labor cost usually takes up 60 to 70 percent of the total project. As you can guess, the costs depend upon roof complexity, pitch, accessibility, and Chicagoland labor rates. You can save on labor by planning the replacement of the roof in the off-season, installing a new roof over the old one, arranging a workplace, investing in quality materials, and dismantling the old roof by yourself if possible. Most importantly, you should hire very experienced professionals from a roofing company close to me who can assure the quality of the work performed.
FAQ
What is the average roofing labor cost per square foot in my region?
Contact several roofers in your area, ask them to calculate the cost of replacing the roof, and compare their quotes. On average, it costs between $2 and $4 per square foot.
How do roof features like chimneys and skylights impact labor costs?
These elements complicate the installation process and require additional materials and time. Therefore, if there are chimneys and skylights, the cost of work usually increases.
Are there any seasonal variations in roofing labor costs?
Yes, roofing could be seasonal, and the cost will therefore vary. This is because most of the roofing takes place in those warm months of the year; hence, prices are a little higher. Whereas during the cold season, due to the fact that the demand for roofing services is low, prices are relatively lower.
How can I reduce labor costs without compromising on quality?
You can plan roof repairs for the fall or winter, when prices may be lower. You can also consider partial roof replacement if the damage is minor.
What should I look for in a roofing contractor’s estimate?
Pay attention to the following items: a detailed description of the work, a list of materials, the cost of each stage of work, the total amount, warranty conditions, as well as the company’s experience and reputation. The more detailed the estimate is, the less likely you are to incur unexpected expenses in the future.
