Cost to Roof a New House

By the Home Building Cost Calculator team · Updated November 2026

Roofing a new house cost builders $16,732 on average in NAHB’s 2024 survey. By material, This Old House puts installed costs at about $5.16 per sq ft for asphalt shingles, $13.15 for wood shake, $19.30 for metal and $22.21 for clay tile, so a 2,000 sq ft roof costs about $10,300 in asphalt or $38,600 in metal.

How much does a new roof cost by material?

MaterialCost per sq ft installed2,000 sq ft roofLifespan
Asphalt shingles$5.16$10,31930–35 years
Wood shake$13.15$26,30230–50 years
Metal$19.30$38,59340–70 years
Clay tile$22.21$44,42350–100 years
Slatehigh; not priced—75–150 years

How much does a roof cost by size?

Roof areaAsphaltMetalClay tile
1,500 sq ft$7,740$28,950$33,315
2,000 sq ft$10,320$38,600$44,420
2,500 sq ft$12,900$48,250$55,525
3,000 sq ft$15,480$57,900$66,630

Roof area is larger than the floor area of a one-story house, because of overhangs and pitch. A two-story house of the same living area has a much smaller roof.

What affects the cost of roofing a new house?

  • Material: the biggest single factor.
  • Pitch and shape: steep roofs, valleys and dormers take more labor and safety equipment.
  • Labor: about 65% of a roofing project, according to This Old House.
  • Extras: underlayment, ice and water barrier, flashing, drip edge, ventilation and gutters.

New construction is usually cheaper per square foot than a replacement, because there is no tear-off or disposal. The roof framing and trusses are part of the framing budget, not the roofing budget.

Frequently asked questions

Is a metal roof worth it on a new house?

It costs more upfront but lasts about twice as long as asphalt shingles, so it can pay off if you plan to stay.

More cost breakdowns

Sources