Roof Replacement Cost in Los Angeles: What Sets the Price
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Roof replacement cost in Los Angeles depends mostly on three things: the size of the roof, the roof type and how hard the roof is to work on. Roofers price by the square foot of roof surface, or by the square, which is 100 square feet.
This guide explains how those pieces come together, why your roof’s size is not your home’s square footage, what moves the price up or down and what to check when you compare bids. For the figure on your own roof, a roofer gives you a written scope and price.
How Roof Type Shapes the Cost
Every roof type is priced by the square foot of roof surface for a full roof replacement with tear-off, but the material and the labor differ a lot from one roof to the next.
- Asphalt shingle is usually the least costly roof to replace: the material is light and goes on quickly.
- A new tile roof costs the most: the tiles cost more, they are heavy, and laying them takes longer.
- A tile lift and relay reuses your tiles and replaces the underlayment beneath them, so you pay for labor and underlayment rather than new tile. When the tiles are still sound, it costs less than a new tile roof.
- A flat roof usually falls between shingles and a new tile roof, depending on the system and how much drainage work the roof needs.
Small jobs still need setup, permits and cleanup, so a small roof costs more per square foot than a large one.
Your Roof Is Not Your Home’s Square Footage
Listing sites show a home’s living area, added up across every floor. A roof covers the footprint of the house plus the overhangs, and a sloped roof has more surface than the flat area under it.
- A one-story home usually has a roof a little larger than its living area, because of the overhangs and the slope.
- A two-story home can have a roof about half its living area, because two floors sit under one roof.
- Slope adds area. A 4/12 roof has about 5% more surface than the ground it covers, a 6/12 roof about 12% more and an 8/12 roof about 20% more.
Roofers also order about 10% extra material for cuts, starter rows, hips and ridges, so a 2,000 square foot roof is priced on about 2,200 square feet. A steep roof or a two- or three-story home takes longer and needs more safety equipment, which adds to the cost.
That is why we measure the roof itself, from satellite imagery for a quick range and on the roof before a final price.
What Changes the Price of a New Roof
- Roof type and material. Tile costs more than shingles to install; a lift and relay saves the cost of new tile when the tiles are still sound.
- Size and shape. Every hip, valley and extra roof plane adds cutting and flashing.
- Pitch and height. Steeper roofs and taller homes take longer and need more safety work.
- What comes off. More than one layer of old roofing means more tear-off and disposal.
- The roof deck. Soft or damaged decking found under the old roof has to be replaced. A good written scope says how that will be handled before work starts.
- Penetrations and details. Skylights, chimneys, vents, equipment and parapet walls each need flashing and time.
- Flat roof drainage. Low spots, drains and scuppers may need extra work so water clears the roof.
Repair, Lift and Relay, or Replace?
Not every old roof needs a full replacement. A local problem can often be repaired. On a tile roof whose tiles are still sound, a tile lift and relay replaces the worn underlayment and puts your own tiles back, for less than a new tile roof.
When wear is spread across the whole roof, repairs buy less time each round. Our guide to roof restoration vs. replacement walks through how to tell the difference.
How to Compare Roofing Bids
Two bids with different totals often describe different jobs. Put them side by side and compare the scope, not just the price.
- Is it a full tear-off down to the deck, or an overlay?
- How is damaged decking handled, and at what price?
- Which underlayment, and which flashings are replaced rather than reused?
- Are vents and ventilation included?
- Who pulls the permit?
- What is the workmanship warranty, and what does the manufacturer’s warranty cover?
- Is the price written down before any work starts?
- How is the site protected and cleaned up each day?
At QRS you get a written scope and price before any work starts, we pull the permits, and our installs carry a 10-year workmanship warranty (call for details). We price it right the first time; if you have a written bid from another licensed roofer, show it to us and we can match it.
Paying for a New Roof
Most homeowners spread the cost of a new roof over time. See roof financing for monthly payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace the roof on a 2,000-square-foot house?
It depends on the roof, not the floor plan. A 2,000-square-foot house can have more or less roof area than that, depending on the pitch, overhangs and how many stories it has, and the roof type matters most of all. For a quick range, try the Instant Quote on our site; for an exact figure, a free roof evaluation measures the roof and ends with a written price.
What is included in a roof replacement?
Usually the tear-off down to the deck, deck repairs where needed, new underlayment, flashings, vents and drip edge, the new roofing, permits, daily cleanup and a final walk-through. A good written scope lists each of these, so you can compare bids line by line.
How much does a new roof cost in Los Angeles?
It depends on the size of the roof, the roof type, the pitch and height of the home and what is found under the old roof. Asphalt shingles are usually the least costly to replace and a new tile roof the most. The free roof evaluation gives you the exact figure: a written scope and price before any work starts.
What is a roofing square?
A square is 100 square feet of roof surface, the unit roofers use to price and order material. A 2,000 square foot roof is 20 squares, plus about 10% extra material for cuts, hips and ridges.
Is a tile lift and relay cheaper than a new tile roof?
Usually, yes. A lift and relay reuses your tiles and replaces the underlayment beneath them, so you pay for labor and underlayment rather than new tile.
Why is my roof size different from my home’s square footage?
Square footage counts the living area on every floor. A roof covers the footprint plus the overhangs, and slope adds surface. A two-story home can have a roof about half its living area; a one-story home usually has a roof a little larger than its living area.
Is the roof estimate free?
For homes, yes. The roof evaluation is free, and you get a written scope and price before any work starts.
Get a Price for Your Roof
For a quick range, the Instant Quote measures your roof from satellite imagery in about a minute. For a firm price, book a free roof evaluation: a roofer looks at your roof and gives you a written scope and price before any work.
Part of our roof replacement guide, from the first inspection to the final walkthrough.
