Are you a business owner who may soon need to replace their commercial roof? We’re the first to admit that this is no easy task. You’ll have many questions, and one of the biggest will be: What is the average cost of a commercial roof replacement?
Unfortunately, the short answer to this question is: There is no average cost. That’s because each roofing situation is different. There are so many factors that no one-size-fits-all answer will be of any help to you.
But you can, however, arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make wise investment decisions when it comes to your new commercial roof.
That’s why we put together this post. We want to make sure you are armed with all the information you need to make the right choices when it comes to replacing your commercial roof. We know how important sound investing decisions are when you’re a business owner, and we want to make sure you make the best decision possible.
Let’s dive in.
Understanding The Factors That Affect The Cost
When it comes to budgeting for a commercial roof replacement, it’s vital that you understand what factors impact the overall cost. For the roof itself, setting aside optional features and enhancements, the two main drivers of cost are roof size and material selection.
Size And Complexity
The size and design complexity of your roof plays a major role in determining the overall cost of the project. While it might be obvious that larger roofs cost more, it might be less intuitive that a smaller (but more complex) roof can cost more than a larger (but more basic) roof.
Roofs with more intricate architectural designs often require more materials and more labor, both of which increase the overall cost.
Material Quality
There is a continuous balancing act between getting the highest quality materials and staying within your budget.
You absolutely want to use the highest quality materials you can afford. The quality levels of these materials affect everything from durability and lifespan to energy efficiency and maintenance requirements.
While you can’t change the shape or complexity of your roofing project, you can make several decisions when it comes to material selection.
Bearing this in mind, you’ll have a sense of what determines the costs you see on your estimates.
But what does that estimate actually tell you?
Comparing Estimates
Start by gathering estimates from roofing contractors in your area. Of course, we would love for you to give us a call, but you’ll want to gather a list of potential contractors to choose from. Your goal here is to find the most reputable contractor possible.
Finding Reputable Roofing Contractors
First, look for contractors who specialize in commercial roofing projects. Go to their websites and look for completed projects. You want to work with contractors who have completed projects at least as large and complex (preferably way more large and complex) than your own.
Next, look for social proof of their work. Look for reviews and testimonials. Check them out on social media. See what other people have said or commented about working with them. Look for satisfied customers who specifically mention positive experiences in the following categories:
- Customer service
- Ease and clarity of communication
- Courtesy and integrity
Once you have your list of potential contractors, it’s time to start calling and asking for proposals and estimates.
Requesting Detailed Proposals
Unfortunately, not all estimates are created equal. Some roofing contractors will be vague about what determined the cost in the estimate they’ve handed you. Others will be so detailed that it’ll make your head spin.
A good proposal or estimate should outline the scope of the work (including the size and complexity of the roof), the materials to be used (you can learn more about material quality on our commercial roofing page), and an estimated timeline for completion.
As you begin considering your choice of contractor, be sure to factor in these other, more subjective aspects of your contractor communications:
- Reputation and community standing
- Expertise and experience
- Level of professionalism
- Customer service experience
Once you think you have a good candidate in mind, it’s time to start getting serious about setting that budget.
Setting A Realistic Budget
When setting your budget, you need to be careful to strike a balance between what you want and what you need. Be honest with yourself about the funds you have available and the materials you need.
Establishing Budget Ranges
It’s best to think in ranges. Picking a number and trying to stay under it (or worse, trying to hit it exactly) will only cause undue stress.
Begin by assessing your needs and determining the must-have essential elements. Refer to your detailed proposal or contact your roofing contractor to discuss the options you have available to you.
Prioritizing Roofing System Elements
Prioritize the elements of your roof, placing the essentials at the top of your list. Follow that with the nice-to-have options. Again, your roofing professional will be able to guide you through this process and advise you on the pros and cons of each decision you face.
While no project ever goes 100% according to plan, a good roofing contractor should have the experience to be fairly close in time and cost estimates. Once you have your elements prioritized, you should have a fairly clear view of what the room will have and what it could have. This will let you get the most out of your budget.
Speaking of budget, it’s worth considering how you’ll pay for your new investment.
Exploring Finance Options
You don’t have to have the cash upfront to pay for your commercial roof replacement. There are other financing options available that will help ease your financial burden.
Financing Options
Be sure to consult with financial institutions that you know and trust to learn what options they have available. They will be able to provide valuable insight and guidance.
As you speak with these institutions, be sure to make notes about the various options they have available, their terms, and their interest rates and repayment plans. Keep these handy so you can easily compare them.
Consulting With Roofing Specialists
You can take this process a step further by speaking with institutions that have specific commercial roofing replacement experience. Ask your chosen roofing contractor for referrals to financial institutions that have handled similar projects in the past.
By getting both the “inside” view offered by financial institutions and the “outside” view offered by the first-hand experience of your roofing contractor, you’ll gain a more complete picture of the financial possibilities open to you.
Finding Your Average Cost Of Commercial Roof Replacement
While there is no easy answer to the question “What is the average cost of a commercial roof replacement”, following the advice in this post will take you a long way toward clearing up the uncertainty that surrounds such a large investment.
By understanding the factors that influence cost, effectively gathering quotes, and exploring financing options, you’ll have the tools you need to make the best decision possible.
With several estimates in hand and an understanding of the materials options available to you, you now have everything you need to determine the average cost of a commercial roof replacement for your situation.
Remember, a commercial roof replacement is not just an expense, but a long-term investment that protects the value of your business.
Let Us Help
At Perry Roofing Contractors, we’ve been replacing commercial roofs since 1976. We understand the importance of a new commercial roof, the significance of a well-planned budget, and the positive effect a timely replacement can have on your business operations.
Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way, from evaluating your design needs, to providing comprehensive estimates, to delivering superior workmanship.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today. No matter where you are in the commercial roof replacement process, we’re here to help!