Author: Sheryll Poe | October 30, 2023

While a roof is an important investment, new roofs are not cheap. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average roof replacement costs about $9,000, with most homeowners spending between $5,000 and $13,000. Remodeling Magazine's nationwide analysis for 2023 puts roof replacement cost at a much higher average of more than $29,000.

While roof replacement cost varies depending on where you live, the materials you choose and the dimensions of your roof, there are some ways to lower the overall price tag without compromising on quality.

Get an Unbiased (Professional) Opinion

Does your entire roof need to be replaced, or can you just repair the existing roof? Start with an inspection by a professional roof inspector to find out what's at stake. Your roof may look patchy, but maybe it can be spiffed up with some surface repairs. An inspector can also determine how deep any damage goes by checking for structural weaknesses or signs of water leaking into your attic or walls.

Check Your Warranty and Homeowner's Insurance

If you recently bought your home, your roof could still be under warranty. Roof warranties range from 20 to 30 years and in some cases even extend to the lifetime of your home. Keep in mind that the average lifespan of a roof is generally 20 to 50 years, depending on the manufacturer and the installer, and that a warranty usually only protects against defects in the materials and not normal wear and tear.

If your roof has been damaged by wind, rain, hail or falling debris such as tree limbs, there is a good chance that your insurance may cover the costs. A roofing contractor or inspector can tell you whether the damage justifies filing an insurance claim to recoup some of your expenses.

Be Wise to Bids

While you don't want to compromise on quality workmanship, NerdWallet suggests shopping around with different roofing companies to get the best price. Obtain quotes from several roofing contractors, and ask your friends and neighbors for local recommendations. Ask the contractors you're considering working with about their long-term warranties or guarantees for their workmanship.

If one bid is drastically lower than the others, warns NerdWallet, you should be wary of hiring that contractor. They may be compromising on materials or underpaying their crew.

Have Good Timing

Roofers are busiest when the weather is best, in the summer and fall. Business slows down considerably in the winter and early spring, and roofing companies often offer additional discounts and savings. If you live in a temperate climate where it's safe to do so, schedule roof replacement during the off-season.

When replacing your roof, you want to pick high-quality materials, but why not get them at the lowest possible cost? Shop around for sales and discounts on roofing materials if you can afford to wait a few months, and take advantage of manufacturer rebates.

If you want to go a step further, check with your neighbors to see if they need any roofing work done and approach the roofing contractor for a volume discount, The Nest recommends. Some roofers may offer a neighborhood promotion.

Government Rebates and Reusing Materials

A number of federal, state and local government incentives are available for homeowners who purchase energy-efficient roofing options. The U.S. Department of Energy has more information on options available in your area. Special incentive grants and tax breaks may be available if you are adding solar panels or tiles.

Not all old roofing materials need to be replaced during a repair job. For example, metal flashing in good condition can sometimes be reused. Check with your roofing contractor and ask them to reuse materials whenever possible. In addition, some materials — including aluminum and copper — can be recycled for additional savings.

For more help planning the cost of your roof replacement, check out Beacon's financing options for homeowners.