Hello all -

I've got an old house in Connecticut which needs a new roof.

It currently has at least 3 layers of old shingles on it,
which includes the original wood shingles over (what I guess
are called) batten strips on the rafters.

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that
done? By "the square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that
right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein
the job involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or
baseline prices per square?

Thanks,
- John

On Jan 13, 11:36*am, John Albert wrote:
Hello all -

I've got an old house in Connecticut which needs a new roof.

It currently has at least 3 layers of old shingles on it,
which includes the original wood shingles over (what I guess
are called) batten strips on the rafters.

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that
done? By "the square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that
right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein
the job involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or
baseline prices per square?

Thanks,
- John

Make sure estimates are based on exactly the same work.
Shingle quality, flashing items, deck repair at least.
T

John Albert wrote:

Hello all -

I've got an old house in Connecticut which needs a new roof.

It currently has at least 3 layers of old shingles on it, which includes
the original wood shingles over (what I guess are called) batten strips
on the rafters.

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that done? By "the
square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein the job
involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or baseline prices per square?

Thanks,
- John


Well, you are asking one question in the header, and another in the
body. If you want to evaluate the estimates, then you would write up a
scope of work which you give to each contractor for them to bid on.
Then you get references from each one. Look at the previous work that
they did and ask the references about them. Throw away the lowest bid
and then choose from the rest according to price and your trust level in
their work history.

If you want to know how much it is going to cost, then I would say about
$20 per square for tear off, 1.00 per sf for decking (1/2" OSB, and
about 75 to 100 bucks a square for 30 or 40 year architectural shingles
(that price includes all "trim").

--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX

On Jan 13, 10:36*am, John Albert wrote:
Hello all -

I've got an old house in Connecticut which needs a new roof.

It currently has at least 3 layers of old shingles on it,
which includes the original wood shingles over (what I guess
are called) batten strips on the rafters.

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that
done? By "the square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that
right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein
the job involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or
baseline prices per square?

Thanks,
- John

Before talking to any roofers, sit down with a competent architect and
draw up some specifications. It is vital to define the work since you
will be paying for something you expect to last many years. Some
pitfalls in your area, for example, are ice dams which can seriously
affect OSB sheathing. That will affect the price since plywood would
be preferred. You may want to consider metal roofing, long popular in
the NE and very durable, although somewhat pricey. Take your time, get
as much help as the budget will permit and don't get stampeded by
bargain roofing...in the trade, there ain't no sech thing. Good luck.

Joe

"John Albert" wrote in message

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

You are off to a good start knowing the amount of work to be done. Be sure
that all the roofers are quoting at least the minimum specifications to do
the job right.


I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that done? By "the
square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that right?)

No. You buy shingles by the square, but putting on a new roof involves much
more work than just nailing down the shingles. There are ridge lines,
valleys, dormers, flashings, ice dams, pitch, gutters, sheathing,
scaffolding, and a bunch of other stuff to consider. It is also not
possible to see the condition of the deck. Competent roofers will specifiy
"it will cost $X.xx per square foot of deck if it needs replacing."

Talk to at least two or three reputable roofers that have done work in your
area. If it is a complex job, you don't want the guy that owns a 20 year
old pickup, a hammer, and a ladder. That may be fine for the garage, not
for a complex job.


I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein the job
involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or baseline prices per square?

No chance. In the past few years I've replaced about 60,000 square feet of
roof and have another 15,000 foot project to get started. The cost
difference and specifications for each varies to much to ball park. You may
be $10,000 or $20,000 or more. On one job, I had bids ranging from $110,000
to $154,000 for the same job. (I gave it to the guy that was $145k because
of his reputation and details of his quote)

Read the details of the quote carefully. When I had a metal built up roof
being replaced, one guy quoted how much it would cost to replace any wood
sheathing. Since there was none involved, I judged him to be incompetent
for the job. Another offered to tear off only part of the layers but I could
see deck damage from the inside and he should have too. He was not
considered.

If you are in the eastern part of the state, I'd recommend starting with M
Weisman Roofing in Rhode Island. 401-737-1940
http://www.weismanroofing.com/

On Jan 13, 10:36*am, John Albert wrote:
Hello all -

I've got an old house in Connecticut which needs a new roof.

It currently has at least 3 layers of old shingles on it,
which includes the original wood shingles over (what I guess
are called) batten strips on the rafters.

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that
done? By "the square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that
right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein
the job involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or
baseline prices per square?

Thanks,
- John

One area you can get taken on is chimney flashing, cheaply done and
sure to not last is it is caulked to the chimney, best is copper and
recessed into cuts into chimney mortar, mortared then caulk. Ive also
had roofers try to not replace rotted wood, sneak up a cheaper grade
rubber roofing use the wrong nails and leave a mess. Also consider
your venting issue seriously, since the old construction allowed air
to breathe and sheeting closes that up a bit, a few more vents cant
hurt if its an open attic.

"John Albert" wrote

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.
but could anyone offer ballpark or baseline prices per square?

I'll add to what the others said. Had my 1100 square foot house done, about
50% of the plywood replaced, in 2001. I live south of you and ice dams are
not an issue.

It was 5,500$ as part of a package deal that included siding so was cheaper
due to that. I have also a large garage and a huge back porch which would
have added at least another 200 square feet. (The siding was a separate
price, not part of that 5,500$).

A key item was how much each piece of plywood would run. I recall that was
70$ per panel and 150$ labor. I do not have a bunch of fancy dormers to
work around but do have a fireplace. The gutter work was part of the siding
job so not added in here. I had 2 layers of tiles to remove.

Roof looks great. Neighbors who waited are paying 40k and up now for the
same job, due to waiting too long so rafters now damaged and they too have
to be replaced.

On Jan 13, 10:36 am, John Albert wrote:
Hello all -

I've got an old house in Connecticut which needs a new roof.

It currently has at least 3 layers of old shingles on it,
which includes the original wood shingles over (what I guess
are called) batten strips on the rafters.

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that
done? By "the square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that
right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein
the job involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or
baseline prices per square?


Thanks,
- John

"trim" is called roof edge. You will also want to spec ice and water
shield. Also, whether chimney flashing is to be replaced. Also, a
grade of shingles, just for comparison sake (30 year would be a good
middle of the road). Also, venting if any.

The best specs in the world won't help you if you get a hack. To me
the number one priority is getting someone good. Ask around--nothing
like word of mouth.

Although roofers speak in terms of squares, most roofers will bid by
the job.

I just had an 11 square roof torn off and replaced for $4,400. It is
two story 12/12. It was a hail damage job, so that was the amount the
insurance company allowed.

John Albert wrote:
Hello all -

I've got an old house in Connecticut which needs a new roof.

It currently has at least 3 layers of old shingles on it, which includes
the original wood shingles over (what I guess are called) batten strips
on the rafters.

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that done? By "the
square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein the job
involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or baseline prices per square?

In your estimates, I'd also have a regular GC, versus just a roofing
contractor, look at it. If the roof system is down to the bare bones
anyway, that is an ideal time to do any needed structural repairs,
upgrades. or modifications. A roofing contractor will just want to slap
OSB over the skip sheathing, and will not likely have any interest (or
the skill set) to make the eaves, fascia, and gables look right, and
maybe vent right. They ain't carpenters. Not a slam at roofers in
general, but I have seen some real fubars out there. I had a reputable
roofer do my place, and even they screwed up some stuff, like the vent
cans. Be aware that the tearoff will likely cost as much as the new
roof- that is nasty work even without a deck change. Make sure whoever
does the work has more than enough tarps on site to tent the whole thing
if rain starts moving in. Plan on parking in street for several days-
they will spot that 10-yard rolloff right in front of the garage. Make
sure the cars are out of garage before that happens. :^)

Not sure what usual practice is in NE- here in great lakes, it is bid as
a package price for the job, with the usual caveats about hidden damage
not found till the roof is opened up. You can swag numbers based on how
many squares, roof pitch, how far off ground, ease of access, etc, when
you are trying to get them on site for the real estimate. (I had to talk
to 3-4 companies before one sent out somebody that actually used a
hammer, versus a damn salesman with slick brochures. Once we established
that I actually knew what I was talking about, from having grown up in
the business, we got along fine.)



aem sends...

John Albert wrote:

Hello all -

I've got an old house in Connecticut which needs a new roof.

It currently has at least 3 layers of old shingles on it, which
includes the original wood shingles over (what I guess are called)
batten strips on the rafters.

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that done? By
"the square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein the job
involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or baseline prices per square?

Thanks,
- John

Here in Florida, the bids I have seeen are rather general. Each step of
the process and each product should be stated specifically.......deck,
underlayment, shingles, drip edge, fascia (if applicable), disposal and
CLEAN-UP. Ours was a reroof, and the deck was estimated at a dollar
amount per sheet. I also have run across lien release, in regard to
payment made by the contractor before work begins to make sure you
aren't liable if he doesn't pay his supplier.

It would be good if you have a neighbor with a similar roof who has
experience and can rec. a contractor. I have seen contractors advertise
the use of a magnet thingy to make sure all nails are picked up when it
is all done. We didn't have nails left around ....just lots of chunks
of old concrete roof tiles. They don't do the mower much good. If
fascia or edging need work, I would sure do it before the roofing if it
will interfere with drip edges by doing it later.

That is all I know about roofing ) Mfg. websites have good info about
installation, which is the basic minimum any homeowner should know in
advance so's you can discuss intelligently and make sure the job is done
right. I would also be there every minute that they are working.

If you want to know how much it is going to cost, then I would say about
$20 per square for tear off, 1.00 per sf for decking (1/2" OSB, and
about 75 to 100 bucks a square for 30 or 40 year architectural shingles
(that price includes all "trim").

--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX

Hey Robert -

We are a good distance apart, as I am in WI. I just want to ask a
couple of questions, out of curiosity.

Here, a roofer would typically charge $25 per square PER LAYER of tear
off. Can you actually get a 3-layer tear off done for $20 / square?

Also, roofers generally charge $65 - $100 per square for installation
here, but that wouldn't include the cost of the shingles. Just by the
wording of your post, it seems that your numbers might have included
materials.

Just wondering.

JK

"Norminn" wrote in message
Mfg. websites have good info about installation, which is the basic
minimum any homeowner should know in advance so's you can discuss
intelligently and make sure the job is done right.

Something I forgot to mention, the brand of shingle is not that important
amongst the major brands. They re all similar in the 20 year line, the 30
ear line etc. Certaineed, Owens Corning, GAF, Bird, etc all make a good and
reliable product. Roofing companies may prefer one brand over another only
because they have a good working relationship with the wholesaler.

Big_Jake wrote:
If you want to know how much it is going to cost, then I would say about
$20 per square for tear off, 1.00 per sf for decking (1/2" OSB, and
about 75 to 100 bucks a square for 30 or 40 year architectural shingles
(that price includes all "trim").

--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX


Hey Robert -

We are a good distance apart, as I am in WI. I just want to ask a
couple of questions, out of curiosity.

Here, a roofer would typically charge $25 per square PER LAYER of tear
off. Can you actually get a 3-layer tear off done for $20 / square?

Also, roofers generally charge $65 - $100 per square for installation
here, but that wouldn't include the cost of the shingles. Just by the
wording of your post, it seems that your numbers might have included
materials.

Just wondering.

JK

I have to pay about 15 bucks a square for tearoff, 18 to 20 for 2 or
more layers. Put back on runs about 35 bucks with increases for steep
roofs, cut up roofs, etc. So I charge (as a GC) about 130 per square
for everything for 25 year, and up from there. It is higher if it is an
insurance job, which is what I do mostly.

--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

"Norminn" wrote in message


Mfg. websites have good info about installation, which is the basic
minimum any homeowner should know in advance so's you can discuss
intelligently and make sure the job is done right.



Something I forgot to mention, the brand of shingle is not that important
amongst the major brands. They re all similar in the 20 year line, the 30
ear line etc. Certaineed, Owens Corning, GAF, Bird, etc all make a good and
reliable product. Roofing companies may prefer one brand over another only
because they have a good working relationship with the wholesaler.




Some companies, I believe, have "certified" contractors whom they refer
to. We had a similar
situation with a paint company when our condo was painted. Perhaps it
isn't for single-family
homeowners, but I was impressed. The paint company rep came out to
inspect the building
after the prep was done, and again when the job was complete. We were
very fortunate in
having the paint contractor that we had, as it was a tough job and the
results were great.

I just had an 11 square roof torn off and replaced for
$4,400. It is
two story 12/12. It was a hail damage job, so that was the
amount the
insurance company allowed.

The house I need the roof done on is a smallish rectangular
2-story (1500 sq. ft. total). It has a single gable roof, no
dormers. One small "bay" on the side. A "lean to" type back
porch roof. And a standalone 1-car garage with a peaked
gable roof.

Only had one person look at it so far, before I could
mention it to him he came back down from taking measurements
and mentioned loose bricks on the chimney (which I knew I
had). He did say he'd get that fixed, copper sheathing
'round the chimney, etc. I expect to hear back from him soon....

- John

More than likely, most estimates should be in a similar range.

What you're really looking for is reputation Reputation REPUTATION !

I don't mind paying the $$$ as long as the job's done right !



On Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:36:57 GMT, John Albert wrote:

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that
done? By "the square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that
right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein
the job involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or
baseline prices per square?

Thanks,
- John

rj

On Jan 13, 10:36*am, John Albert wrote:
Hello all -

I've got an old house in Connecticut which needs a new roof.

It currently has at least 3 layers of old shingles on it,
which includes the original wood shingles over (what I guess
are called) batten strips on the rafters.

Reconstruction will involve:
- stripping off old layers of roofing down to the rafters
- installation of plywood sheathing and underlayment
- new shingles
- new trim

I will be getting estimates, but need some help as to pricing.

In the northeast, when a roofer gives a price, how is that
done? By "the square"? (which I -assume- is 10'x10', is that
right?)

I know it's impossible to give an exact price without seein
the job involved, but could anyone offer ballpark or
baseline prices per square?

Thanks,
- John

Another idea against a hack job is pull a permit and get the inspector
out during the job to be sure its being done right, this is their job
to be sure the job is done right, also call his insurance broker dont
just accept his insurance papers they can be forged or expired,[ I had
a guy forge his]. In the contract have Full Payment After City
Inspection. You would be amazed at what can be missed on purpose by
the roofer.

On Jan 13, 8:51*pm, John Albert wrote:
I just had an 11 square roof torn off and replaced for
$4,400. *It is
two story 12/12. *It was a hail damage job, so that was the
amount the
insurance company allowed.

The house I need the roof done on is a smallish rectangular
2-story (1500 sq. ft. total). It has a single gable roof, no
dormers. One small "bay" on the side. A "lean to" type back
porch roof. And a standalone 1-car garage with a peaked
gable roof.

Only had one person look at it so far, before I could
mention it to him he came back down from taking measurements
and mentioned loose bricks on the chimney (which I knew I
had). He did say he'd get that fixed, copper sheathing
'round the chimney, etc. I expect to hear back from him soon....

- John

Also despends on what quality (price) roof you want. After a hail
storm about 8 years ago I looked and looked. Would have liked tile
but clay tile was too heavy. Cement tile too brittle. Didn't want
shake. Then a guy came along with the Gerard metal roof.

http://www.gerardusa.com/

Still looks like new. However, from what I heard recently the cost
of metal roofs has gone way up.

clipped

Another idea against a hack job is pull a permit and get the inspector
out during the job to be sure its being done right, this is their job
to be sure the job is done right, also call his insurance broker dont
just accept his insurance papers they can be forged or expired,[ I had
a guy forge his]. In the contract have Full Payment After City
Inspection. You would be amazed at what can be missed on purpose by
the roofer.


Good idea, but inspections probably vary wildly. We had a really,
really bad reroof of our condo.
Loads of shingles not nailed properly. When I got records on the
permit, the work passed
inspection but one worker had expired license. The SAME imspector
inspected seawall work
three years later ...... 13 tiebacks with new concrete anchors for the
seawall. The inspector
"red tagged" the work because there was water in the holes when he
inspected. Now, we have
two high tides on most days so it was irrelevant. Contractor couldn't
work the following day,
and it was mid-morning the next day when he showed up. Probably had
more to do with race
than any aspect of the work.