Last updated: 2026-10-17 by Ted Sellers, Owner
A new roof in Saint Paul is priced around the measured roof area, selected system, removal work, slope, access, and details such as flashing and ventilation. Before comparing totals, check what each estimate includes and how concealed damage is handled. Your home’s floor area alone is not a roof measurement.
Is there a reliable average price for my roof?
A published average can provide context, but it cannot establish the price of your roof. GAF’s roof-cost resource cites $17,631 as the 2025 U.S. average roof replacement cost, attributed to Verisk’s 2025 U.S. Roof Report. This is national background information, not a Saint Paul price range, a 2026 local survey, or a Sellers Roofing quote.
Source: GAF: roof replacement costs and estimate factors. Check the source date and the scope behind any published price before using it to plan your project.
For your estimate, ask for the measured roof area and a description of the assembly being removed and installed. Two houses with similar floor plans can require different amounts of roofing, access equipment, flashing work, and repair labor.
What moves a roofing estimate lower or higher?
Usually a simpler scope
A smaller measured roof, straightforward roof planes, accessible staging, fewer penetrations, and limited removal or concealed repair work can reduce the work involved. Compare the same material and warranty scope before attributing a difference to price alone.
Usually a more involved scope
Steeper or more complex roof planes, restricted access, additional tear-off layers, skylights or wall transitions, deck repairs, and changes to ventilation can increase the work. These items should be described in the estimate rather than hidden behind a square-foot total.
Material selection matters too. Compare the named shingles and accessories, not just the label “architectural shingles.” Ask which underlayment, leak protection, flashing, ridge components, ventilation, and written warranty terms are included in each option.
What does a roofing square mean?
A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof surface. Divide measured roof surface area by 100 to convert it to squares. For example, 2,000 square feet of actual roof surface equals 20 squares. That is a measurement example, not the price or measured size of your property.
Material quantities may also include cutting and layout allowances. Ask whether an estimate’s quantity represents measured area or ordered materials, and whether its unit price covers the full installed scope or only selected materials and labor.
Compare two roofing estimates on the same basis
Use this checklist before deciding which proposal is the better fit:
- Roof areas: Are the house, porch, garage, and any low-slope sections all included? Are the measurements comparable?
- Removal: How many existing layers are included, and who handles disposal?
- Roof system: Are the shingles, underlayment, leak protection, flashing, ridge details, and ventilation identified?
- Concealed repairs: Is decking included, covered by an allowance, or priced separately after inspection? What approval is required?
- Property protection: What is planned for access, landscaping, debris handling, and cleanup?
- Project administration: Are applicable permits, inspection coordination, payment milestones, and scheduling assumptions addressed?
- Warranty: What does the actual written coverage include, who provides it, and what conditions or exclusions apply?
An unpriced item is not automatically included. Ask for clarification when one quote lists a component and another does not. An allowance is also different from a fixed price: establish how unused amounts or additional work will be handled.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry recommends comparing bids, checking contractor qualifications, and obtaining a detailed written contract. See its homeowner contractor-hiring guidance before selecting a provider.
When should I compare repair with replacement?
Start with a repair assessment
For a localized leak or damaged area, first understand the cause and condition of the surrounding materials. A roof-repair assessment can identify whether a targeted scope or further investigation is appropriate.
Discuss a replacement scope
When deterioration or repeated problems affect more of the assembly, compare the proposed residential roof replacement with continued repairs. Ask what each approach addresses and what it leaves unresolved.
What should I have ready before requesting an estimate?
Provide your property location, contact information, known roof history, and the problem or goal that brought you here. Existing repair records and photographs taken from safe locations can help. You do not need to climb onto the roof or decide on a shingle before making contact.
Discuss a budget preference as well as the scope. That helps separate essential work from optional product or appearance choices. Ask whether any assessment, testing, or return visit has a separate charge before it is scheduled.
Common roofing budget questions
Is a low advertised starting price a full replacement price?
Not necessarily. Check the roof size, material, removal assumptions, included details, and exclusions behind the advertisement. A starting price is useful only when its scope matches the project you are planning. Request a written total and clarify conditional costs before approving work.
Does an insurance claim determine the contractor’s price?
The roofing scope and insurer’s coverage decision are separate matters. Document the observed damage and proposed work, and ask your insurer about the policy. Do not assume that a roofing estimate guarantees claim approval or that every proposed item will be reimbursed.
How should I compare payment and scheduling terms?
Read the contract’s payment milestones, material commitments, change approvals, and schedule assumptions. Discuss weather, safe access, and availability directly. This guide does not promise a universal deposit percentage, same-day response, or a fixed installation duration for every property.
Do these numbers apply to a commercial or apartment roof?
No. Commercial low-slope assemblies, insulation, equipment coordination, and occupied-property work require a different budget discussion. Use our commercial roofing budget guide and property-manager planning page.
Request a written roofing estimate for your property
Sellers Roofing Company serves Saint Paul and the Twin Cities. Tell us whether you are comparing repairs, replacing shingles, or planning work for a managed property. For an active leak, call to discuss availability rather than relying on a form for an immediate response.
Need a roof inspection in Saint Paul or the Twin Cities? Call Sellers Roofing Company at +1-651-703-2336 or schedule a free estimate. We are a black-owned, NMSDC-certified MBE roofing contractor with 9+ years experience.
