Insider Intel: How Are Roofing Costs Calculated?

Here at Ozmun Exteriors, we’re into stress reduction. We want to help you, Saskatoon homeowner with a crummy roof, make the best-informed decision when you consider replacing it. 

If you’ve asked, “What does a roofer cost in Saskatoon these days?” This will be a helpful read. We’ll outline how we calculate your costs, break them down by category, and explain what factors can affect or change the first quote. As a paying customer, you need a formula to evaluate how you’re treated and the service you receive.

If knowledge is power, we’ll help you become a Marvel superhero, at least in understanding your roofing costs. 

Let's jump in.

“Price Per Square Foot.” Is That A Real Thing?

When roofers talk about a “square,” they aren’t talking about a single 1x1 foot square. 

In the roofing world, one square = 100 square feet.

So, if your roof is 2,200 square feet, you’ll be quoted for 22 squares. 

5,000 square feet? 50 squares. 

800 square feet?  8 squares.

Roofers do this to establish a baseline for a starting estimate. In Saskatoon, the standard asphalt shingled roof can cost between $350 and $500 per square ($3.50 and $5.00 per square foot). 

The baseline quote is just the start of the roofing-costs story, so let's continue.

What Else Am I Paying For?

1. The Materials

We’ve covered it extensively in past blogs (catch up on some of our topics here), but materials are the first and most significant costs. 

For the sake of simplicity, we’ll use asphalt shingles in our pricing example. They’re durable, stylish, and reasonably priced. 

Other materials besides the shingles include underlay, flashing for valleys and chimneys, starter strips, ridge capping and vents, and ice and water shields.

2. The Crew

Labour will usually account for about 60% of the total cost for a roof replacement quote. Factors requiring labour and affecting the price of the labour include: 

• Initial Tear-Off: The old roofing materials are removed.

• Garbage Disposal: The old, junky roof needs to be hauled away and sent somewhere appropriate. 

• Preparation: The plywood is inspected and repaired if necessary (see cost variable #4 below), and the roof deck is prepped to ensure the crew's safety.

• Installation: This includes everything from the roof deck to the nails. It’s critical to hire a reliable and experienced crew, as it has to be done right to ensure the roof will withstand the insane weather we experience in Saskatoon.

• Final Cleanup: A professional crew will leave your property as good as, or better than, they found it. Cleanup includes going around the house with a garbage bin for discards and even a metal detector to find any nails or screws that might have fallen during the installation. 

When starting your research, you’ll see that an experienced, insured, and reputable crew from a company like Ozmun Exteriors might have higher labour costs than a "guy with a truck." 

However, we bring expertise, safety protocols (hello, WCB coverage!), and peace of mind that the job is done right.

3. The Roof Variables

All roofs are not created (or constructed) equal. A few factors that can affect your unique costs are:

1. Steepness (Pitch): Steeper roofs require more safety equipment and physical effort, translating into more time and cost. 

2. Complexities: Simple and flat roofs are relatively straightforward. Multiple peaks, valleys, skylights, dormers, and chimneys are another story. A crew must navigate with precise measurements, extra flashing, and perfect sealing. The additional time and materials will add to the estimated costs. 

3. Accessibility: It seems simple, but if the crew can’t get their trucks and equipment close to the house, they’ll need to carry them further. If there’s delicate landscaping around your place, the old junk can’t just be thrown over the edges to be picked up easily at the end of the project, and special junk chutes might need to be installed. The estimator will consider all the logistics of your specific project.

4. The Extra Variables You 100% Do NOT Expect

Confession time: I love to watch home improvement shows, and the more drama they pack into an hour, the better. If there are unexpected costs and terrible finds in a renovation, it’s part of the story arc to show them adjust their budget and expectations and solve the problem. 

Extra costs due to terrible finds are much less fun when it’s your house and your budget. 

A contractor with extensive experience can get a good read on your roof's requirements in the initial quote, but some things don’t show up until the work begins.

Damaged areas of a roof with rotten, soft, or spongy wood need to be removed, fixed, and sealed for the long-term health of your home. 

A change in the work order due to hidden damage isn’t uncommon. A trustworthy contractor will discuss this possibility with you upfront when you get your quote and be transparent about the cost if needed. If extra work is required, you should never be blindsided.

How Do I Know I’m Getting A Fair Quote?

So you now know how costs break down, what affects them, and possible outliers that can force real-time adjustments. 

How can you be 100% confident that you’ll be happy with the roofing job you’re planning?

1. Get Multiple Quotes: A good rule of thumb is to get at least three reputable local roofing companies to give you a quote. Getting multiple quotes serves two purposes: first, to get an idea of the market rate. Second, look hard at extra-low quotes: they might be a sign of cheaper material, workers without insurance, or just plain old desperation.

2. Request A Written (and Highly Detailed) Estimate: Professional companies don’t just scribble random numbers onto the back of a napkin pulled from their glovebox. A proper estimate will have all the costs broken down into categories, letting you know what goes to labour, what to materials, what to disposal, what warranty covers, etc. 

3. Compare Carefully: Compare your multiple quotes against each other and look for details. Are they using the same type of shingle? Does it include extra information, such as eavestrough cleaning or new flashing? Take your time to understand what you’re looking at.

4. Ask for Their Credentials: Your doctor's medical degree is on the wall, and the car dealership's accreditations are displayed. A professional roofing company will have no problem providing you with all the details, not only about their ratings and reviews but also about liability insurance and WCB coverage. 

5. Go With Your Gut: Do you feel comfortable with the person representing the team you’re considering? Are they patient and willing to answer your questions? Ozmun Exteriors is known for its clear communication, and we work hard to build trust with homeowners from the first interaction.

As I said, we’re here to reduce your stress. We’re confident that we are the perfect company for your job! If you have any more questions about your upcoming roofing project, we’d be happy to start answering. Reach out for a free quote today!