People typically pay for the labor to tear off an old roof and install a new one based on roof size, pitch, and crew efficiency. The main cost drivers are surface area, roof slope, material handling, and local labor rates. Cost ranges reflect variability in region, crew, and project scope. Assumptions: region, roof size, and labor hours.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor (tear-off + installation) | $2.50/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | Assumes standard asphalt shingles, 1,500 sq ft roof |
| Total labor (1,500 sq ft) | $3,750 | $5,250 | $6,750 | Based on per-square-foot range |
| Hours (crew time) | 60 | 90 | 120 | Includes tear-off, disposal, and installation |
| Hourly rate | $40 | $55 | $75 | Typical regional variation |
| Overall project cost range | $5,000 | $8,000 | $12,000 | Assumes standard materials and no major add-ons |
Typical Cost Range
Overview Of Costs: Labor for tearing off and replacing a roof typically accounts for the majority of project labor costs, with material costs and disposal fees adding on. For a standard asphalt shingle roof around 1,500 sq ft, expect total labor to fall in the $3,750–$6,750 range, while the full project (including materials) often lands between $5,000 and $12,000 depending on materials and pitch.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $2.50/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | Tear-off, disposal, install labor | data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> |
| Materials | $1.50/sq ft | $2.75/sq ft | $5.00/sq ft | Shingles, underlayment, nailing | |
| Equipment | $100 | $300 | $600 | Scaffolding, lifts, disposal containers | |
| Permits | $0 | $200 | $600 | Local permit and inspection fees | |
| Delivery/Disposal | $200 | $400 | $900 | Waste removal, dumpster rental | |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | Unexpected issues (old roof angles, decking) |
Factors That Affect Price
Roof pitch and complexity significantly impact labor time and safety needs. Steeper pitches or multiple levels raise both risk and duration. The severity of decking damage or required repairs can add material and labor, while wind or weather delays add temporary costs.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor hours scale with roof size, slope, and disposal needs. For a 1,500 sq ft roof, typical crews work around 60–120 hours of labor across crew members, translating to about 60–120 hours total with varied hourly rates. In high-cost markets, expect toward the upper end.
Ways To Save
Seek multiple bids to compare hourly rates and crew efficiency. Consider adjustments such as choosing standard shingles over premium options, scheduling in the off-season, and bundling disposal with removal to reduce container charges. Planning can trim overall costs without sacrificing quality.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to cost of living, workforce availability, and supply. In the Northeast, labor rates tend to be higher, while the Southeast may offer moderate costs. The Midwest often provides mid-range pricing, with Rural areas showing slightly lower totals than Urban markets. Expect +/-10–25% deltas depending on location.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario
Roof size 1,200 sq ft; asphalt shingles; average pitch; typical disposal requires one dumpster.
- Labor: 72 hours @ $55/hr
- Materials: asphalt shingles + underlayment
- Permits: none
- Totals: $5,000–$6,000
Assumptions: standard suburban market, no decking repairs.
Estimated price is subject to weather and accessibility.
Mid-Range Scenario
Roof size 1,500 sq ft; architectural shingles; moderate pitch; includes basic decking inspection.
- Labor: 90 hours @ $60/hr
- Materials: architectural shingles, underlayment
- Permits: $200
- Delivery/Disposal: $350
- Totals: $7,500–$9,500
Assumptions: urban-suburban mix, minor decking edge repairs.
Variations in material choice can shift totals by several thousand dollars.
Premium Scenario
Roof size 1,800 sq ft; impact-resistant shingles; steep pitch; full decking inspection and minor repairs.
- Labor: 120 hours @ $75/hr
- Materials: premium shingles, ice-and-water shield, high-end underlayment
- Permits: $400
- Delivery/Disposal: $600
- Contingency: 12%
- Totals: $12,000–$15,500
Assumptions: dense urban market, complex ventilation work.
Premium components raise both unit costs and total project price.
