Ask what a new roof costs and you'll get frustratingly vague answers — because an honest number genuinely depends on the specific roof. What we can do is show you exactly which factors move the price, so you can read your own estimates intelligently.
The five factors that drive cost
1. Size — but measured in squares, not square feet of house
Roofers measure in "squares" (100 sq ft of roof surface). A house's roof area is larger than its footprint, and pitch multiplies it: a steep roof on a 2,000 sq ft home can have far more surface than a low-slope roof on a bigger one.
2. Pitch and complexity
Steep pitches require more safety equipment, more time, and more labor. Complexity matters just as much — every valley, dormer, skylight, and chimney adds flashing detail work. A simple gable roof and a multi-level roofline of the same area are very different jobs.
3. Material choice
Architectural composition shingles are the regional benchmark for value. Premium designer shingles, metal, and cedar each carry different material and labor costs — and different lifespans, which matters for real cost-per-year.
4. Tear-off and what's underneath
Removing one layer costs less than two. And until tear-off, no one truly knows the decking's condition — rot or delaminated sheathing must be repaired before new material goes on. Beware of bids that don't address how deck repairs are priced; that's where surprise add-ons hide.
5. Access
Tight lots, landscaping to protect, limited staging room for materials and debris — access affects labor hours, and labor is a large share of any roofing job.
How to compare quotes
- Insist on a detailed written estimate — line items, not a single number
- Confirm the bid specifies materials by brand and product line
- Ask how deck repairs are priced if damage is found
- Verify license and insurance (in Washington, you can check any contractor's license online)
- Be wary of prices that expire "today only" — quality contractors don't need pressure tactics
Get a real number for your roof
First Choice Roof Service walks every property and provides a detailed written estimate — free, no obligation, no surprise add-ons. Our high project volume keeps material costs low, and we pass those savings on. Call (425) 270-1525.