Roof replacement is a part of exterior architectural design that shapes the overall appearance of a house. The curb appeal matters even with the smaller roofs of around 1,600 square foot houses. However, roofs of this size tend to use similar materials as larger roofs, which increases the cost.
The national average to replace a roof on a 1,600 square foot house ranges from $7,182 $23,784. But, the average cost of roof replacement for a 1,600 square foot house is close to the average cost of around $9,343.
To understand the cost breakdown of roof replacement on a 1,600 square foot house, this blog has covered all the necessary factors such as roofing material, labor cost, geographical location, and more.
Cost Breakdown by Story
The following are roof replacement prices by story.
Stories | Roof Square Footage | Approx Roof Area | Average Cost | Cost Range |
Single Story | 1,600 | 1,600 | $9,280 | $7,136 - $23,520 |
Double Story | 1,600 | 800 | $4,640 | $3,568 - $11,760 |
Cost Breakdown of Roofing Materials
Below are listed prices for different types of roofing materials.
Roofing Material | Average cost per square foot | Average range of cost | Approx cost for 1,600 square foot house | Commonality in Houses |
Asphalt | $3.40 - $5.95 | $5,840 - $10,100 | $7,182 | 75% |
Metal | $6.00 - $24.50 | $10,245 - $41,640 | $14,096 | 11% |
Wood | $6.00 - $9.15 | $10,230 - $15,500 | $17,513 | 7% |
Slate | $23.49 - $31.77 | $39,925 - $54,020 | $23,784 | 1% |
Tile | $6.30 - $12.30 | $10,665 - $20,900 | NA | NA |
Cost Breakdown by Region
Costs vary with geographical regions. Hence, below are listed costs based on your location.
Region Average Cost:
- Northeast $9,652
- South $9,458
- Midwest $9,629
- West $9,197
Cost Breakdown of Roof Removal and Disposal
The following table shows the cost of roof removal and disposal. This is important to know because most roofing contractors tend to add this cost to their quotes.
Region | Average Cost |
Northeast | $9,652 |
South | $9,458 |
Midwest | $9,629 |
West | $9,197 |

Labor Cost
Laborers are usually paid 60% of the total cost of a roof replacement. For example, if the total cost of your replacement is $9,343, then $5,605.8 is accounted for labor. In addition to that, a roof is mostly paid at the rate of $130 per hour, and the usual roof laborers are paid $35 per hour. This labor cost is based on the number of laborers and the time taken to replace the roof.
It's crucial to select the right roofing company to complete the task efficiently when labor charges are so high. Thus, it's required to consider the following key factors when evaluating roofing companies.
1. Reputation: Check the company's online reviews and testimonials. Also, positive reviews from trusted sources, such as family or friends, count. This shows a company's reputation, which is a basic requirement when selecting a roofing contractor.
2. Warranty: Usually, a roofing contractor provides a labor and workmanship warranty for you to use when there are any issues with the installation. Generally, reputable roofing contractors offer a 10-year or more warranty on their workmanship.
3. Subcontractors: Ensure to stay away from roofing companies that outsource their work. If they use subcontractors to complete the work, the roof replacement is at high risk. Companies with their own installation teams tend to do a high-quality job.
4. Cost: Although cost is important, it shouldn't be the only reason to select a roofing contractor. An unusually low cost denotes that they may be using subpar materials or shortcuts during installation. But, you also don't have to overpay either. Hence, ask for multiple quotes from roofing companies to make an informed decision.

Additional Costs and Considerations
Here are some additional cost requirements that are as important as the roofing material or regional costs.
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Material: There are many roofing material options, such as asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, tile, and metal, available, which hugely impact the overall roof replacement cost.
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Lifespan: Every material comes with a different lifespan. For instance, asphalt can last up to 20 to 30 years, while slate or copper can last up to 200 years. Hence, confirm with your roofer about the lifespan of your roof.
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Maintenance: Some materials are usually low-maintenance, like copper. But tiles can be high-maintenance. Thus, reach out to the installer and ask what maintenance your roof may require.
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Shape and Pitch: A simple-shaped roof may cost less in replacement than a complex one, as working on a complex roof is tough and time-consuming.
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Guttering: Homeowners generally replace the gutters during roof replacement. A new gutter costs between $900 and $5,000, based on the material required.
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Permit: Check with the local municipality if you need permission to replace the roof. The permit depends on the area you live in and the type of work you plan to do.
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Insurance: Reach out to your insurance adjuster for necessary information, as roof replacement can affect your homeowners' insurance cost.
Notes | In case of any confusion about whether your roof needs a replacement or not, book a roof inspection. It will cost around $100 to $600, but it will help in assessing the condition of the roof. |