I'm in the process of getting my roof redone, and I'm evaluating a quote from a roofer. They mentioned they've found dry rot, termite damage, and some delamination of plywood, which requires replacing 22 sheets of 4x8' 1/2" plywood and 52 feet of 1x8" V-Rustic at the overhangs. The total material cost comes to $1,179, including tax, pickup, and delivery. The roofer estimates that the labor will take around 14 to 16 hours at $115/hour for three roofers and a helper, resulting in a charge for 16 hours. Given that my house has a 1300 sq. ft. roof, I'm trying to determine if this overall estimate is reasonable, especially in the Bay Area.
2 Answers
To gauge if the price is reasonable, you should definitely get a couple more quotes for comparison. That said, considering the work involved, the timing does seem a bit tight; you're looking at having the old sheathing removed and new materials installed in what sounds like just a few hours, which might not be realistic. Also, don’t forget that the hourly rate has to cover salaries and business expenses, so it might not be as high as it seems when everything's factored in.
Make sure you clarify whether that $115/hour rate is for each worker or the total for the crew. If it’s for four people, that’s quite fair—roofing isn’t easy work. But if it's just for one, then the rate is on the higher end. Your best bet is to obtain at least two more estimates to see where you stand.