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New Roof Framing Cost
How much does it cost to frame a new roof?
The first step to building a new roof is to frame it. The cost to frame a new roof varies depending on size and pitch of the roof, as well as the material and time involved.
For this example, we'll consider a wood frame for a new 1500 square foot pitched roof on a two-story home. The average cost is $6-$9 per square foot, equalling a total cost of $9,000-$13,500.
Cost breakdown
- Materials: The cost of wood, nails, joints, etc., typically runs $4-$5 per square foot. Thicker wood (such as using 2x6 boards instead of 2x4) will put your costs on the higher end of the spectrum, towards $5 per square foot.
- Labor: Roofers generally charge $45-$75 per hour. Framing a roof should take around a week (40 labor hours or $1800-$3000). The initial design process, including consultation, can add another 8-12 hours ($300-$900, for a project total of 48-52 hours ($1900-$3900) of design and construction.
Enhancement and improvement costs
- While wood framing is the most common option, some areas and types of buildings are better with metal framing, which raises the overall price by about 25%.
- The more complicated your roof design, the higher your costs will be. Flat roofs are typically among the cheapest to frame, while steeper roofs or homes with lots of angles and architectural roof details are more expensive as they require more labor and supplies.
Additional considerations and costs
- In many cases, a new roof is framed either when the rest of the house is framed, or at the same time a complete new roof is installed, which may drop your price by bundling services together. Talk to your roofer to see if joint discounts are available.
How much does it cost to frame a new roof in my city?
Cost to frame a new roof varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
Compared to national average-14%
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+35%
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0%
+24%
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-42%
+7%
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-7%
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+44%
+40%
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+33%
Labor cost in your zip code
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Methodology and sources
