How Much Does It Cost To Raise A Roof?

Average Cost to Raise a Roof

Before You Start: Can You Raise the Roof?

As any roof contractors near you will tell you, viability for this project comes down to your roof structure. If you have a stick roof, it's very likely that you'll need to tear down the structure completely before rebuilding it. However, one upside to having a stick roof is that you will be able to raise your roof to create a vaulted ceiling. While raising a trussed roof is possible, a trussed roof can't be modified to make a vaulted ceiling.

How can you tell if you have a stick or trussed roof? An open space in the middle of your attic is the telltale sign of stick instead of trussed.

Alternatives to Raising Your Roof

What if raising your roof is simply too ambitious of a project due to your home's structure and location based on your roofing inspection? Some simpler options may increase your home's appeal without a big construction project.

Changing Pitch

While you might see contractors offering quotes for changing roof pitch, this is actually the same project as raising a roof. Changing the pitch of a roof can only be done when changing the roof's structural materials.

Changing Ceiling Height

If you only want to accentuate one room in your home with a higher ceiling, you may be able to avoid the cost and complexity of raising your roof with some smaller projects.

A tray ceiling is an option that allows you to utilize attic space to raise the ceiling height in or more rooms. If you currently have an 8-foot roof, you can easily bump it to 9 feet or more using a tray ceiling that steps up in the middle. Adding a tray ceiling requires:

• Framing

• Drywall

• Paint

• Possible electric work

• Crown molding

A coffered ceiling is another alternative to raising a roof. Adding a coffered ceiling allows you to change the look of your ceilings without a major construction project. Coffered ceilings use multiple trays to create a look of "gridded" beams in a room. The trays can be fancy, rustic, modern, or any other finish you like. However, they do not alter the actual height of your ceiling.

Changing Roofline

Making alterations to a roof doesn't just add the potential for higher ceilings inside your home. It also allows you to change the exterior aesthetic of your home. When raising a roof, you have the opportunity to alter your roofline because roofline changes require the structural changes done during a roof raising. One of the most popular roofline alternations is a roof extension that extends out from your existing roofline. This is commonly done when adding a gable roof.

Some homeowners opt for a shed roof when changing a roofline because of its low cost, simplicity, and potential for easily adding skylights.

Raising Your Roof Cost Factors

Labor

When tallying up raising a roof cost, roofers typically charge $1.50 to $3 per square foot in labor charges for roofing projects. Larger roofs, higher roofs, or complicated roof designs often warrant higher rates due to the extra workers needed. Expect the cost for your general contractor to equal 10% to 20% of the total project cost.

Type of House

Certain architectural styles make raising a roof easier than others. For instance, raising the roof on a ranch or raised ranch will often be more affordable simply because of the straightforwardness of these designs. However, raising a roof on a Cape Cod, bungalow, or Victorian will often cost more due to the complexity involved.

Framing

If you're completely tearing down your framing to start from scratch, this is a significant project that requires the expertise of an architect. Expect reframing a roof to cost between $6 and $10 per square foot.

Electrical

First, you'll need to have any electrical wires that connect through your roof or attic removed before you can raise your roof. Rewiring from scratch during a rebuild will cost extra money.

Plumbing

If your current roofing and attic setup has plumbing pipes intertwined that are in the way of your new roof, it will be necessary to have them removed by a plumber.

HVAC

The same goes for HVAC pipes. They will need to be removed and reinstalled.

Chimneys

This is where raising your roof becomes complicated. Some contractors will tell you that raising a portion of a roof with a chimney attached to it is inadvisable. If a contractor is willing to move forward, removing or altering a chimney to accommodate your project can cost between $500 and $6,000.

Permits

Making any alterations to your roofline will require a permit in most towns and cities. If you're raising your roof, you may require a number of permits related to adding additional height, plumbing, electric, and more.

Debris and Roof Removal

Raising a roof is a major project that requires the complete removal of your existing roofing structure and materials. Rates for post-construction cleanup typically range from $30 to $50 per hour.

Refinishing Exterior

Tearing down and rebuilding your roof structure represent only the first legs of your project! Next, it's time to decide how you want to refinish the exterior of your new roof. The price will range based on the roofing materials you choose. While options like metal and architectural shingles represent the higher end of the price spectrum, three-tab asphalt is considered the most economical.

Reasons You May Want To Increase Roof Height

There are many reasons to increase your roof's height. This is becoming a popular project among homeowners looking to totally reinvent older homes that they are renovating or rehabbing.

Extra Living Space

Raising your roof makes it possible to do a roof-space conversion for everything from a home office to a bonus room.

More Storage

If your home lacks storage, raising the roof can turn your attic space into a very efficient storage area.

Higher Ceilings

Many people want to raise a roof purely for the dramatic effect of having a higher ceiling. A high ceiling allows rooms to feel larger without actually increasing the square footage in your home.

Remodeling to a Different Ceiling Type

Many people are motivated to upgrade to a vaulted ceiling because they want to add wood beams, recessed lighting, or skylights. A vaulted ceiling also allows you to do a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace.

Dormer Additions

Raising a roof opens up the possibility of having dormer windows installed to bring in tons of natural light and fresh air. This is especially popular in older homes that have stuffy second-floor bedrooms that lack proper ventilation.

New Roof Type to Prevent Leaks or Pooling Water

If your home is at risk for foundational issues and rot due to a roof structure that causes water to leak or pool, changing your roofline may be the only chance for avoiding costly problems.

FAQs

How long does it take to raise a roof?

Raising a roof can easily take a month or more due to all of the different aspects of deconstructing and rebuilding your roof's structure.

Is it worth raising a roof?

This depends entirely on your motivation for changing your roofline. If your current roofline is causing pooling that is threatening your home's foundation, this can be a great way to preserve your home's structural integrity. Many people also find that the cost is worth it if low ceilings are robbing a home of its potential.

How much is the cost of adding a gable roof to an existing house?

Expect to pay between $14 and $22 per square foot for gable wall extensions. It may also cost another $5.50 to $16 per square foot to have gables finished.