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TOPIC: Cost of Metal

How much profit does a roofer make?

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I am in need of a new roof for my 1978 single story home that currently has wood shake. I need to go with a steel roof due to weight issues. However, there are really only 2 companies in my area that do steel roof work. I feel like they have a hold on the market and can set their price. I would like to know, from those of you who are metal roof contractors, what your true cost is for doing a steel roof. I know there are variables, but just give me a fair ballpark. I feel like I am purchasing a new car and I'm having to listen to the sales guy play a numbers game with me. I want to know the roofers' "invoice price", if you will, of the roof job so I have some room to negotiate. Sure, I think the roofer should make a profit, but not a bloody killing. My house roof area is 2918 sq ft (32 squares) Roofer 1 wants $11975.00 Roofer 2 wants $15500.00 but if I "act now!" he'll do it for $12000.00 How much profit are these guys pocketing?
Guest User

5/23/2002
Karl, Unfortunately, you may never know what it costs your roofers to install your roof. There are, however, ways that you can protect yourself and be assured that you are getting a good value. Afterall, you do want the contractor to make money. If he does not make a profit he will likely not be in business if you ever have a problem. As a metal roofing contractor and a consumer there are several things that I have learned. 1)Check references and look at jobs that he has completed. Make sure he is qualified. 2)Make sure the materials and the workmanship is the same. You may find that one of the contractors is installing your roof differently than the other or the products are different. 3)Is the contractor committed to the industry? If he is involved in trade organizations this may show that he is willing to take time to be educated. 4)Check with your better business bureu. These are just a couple ways to ensure you are getting a quality contractor. Like I have said, you may never know what your contractor is paying. The cost of his material is only one, small, factor. He must concider overhead. Things like fuel, taxes, permits, workers compensation and payroll. If your contractor hires quality mechanics, he must pay them. If he doesn't they won't be around long. So you see, there are many different factors in determining a price. Mostly, use common sense. You are going to spend a substantial amount of money for your metal roof. Make sure you get your moneys worth and don't fall victim to high pressure sales people or the "low bidder". That's how the govt. buys and you know where it gets them. Thanks for your questions.SB
Guest User

5/25/2002
Well for starters where are you located? Do you have vallys? how many pipes are sticking out of your roof? Do you have a fireplace ? the list can go on. Bottem line we charge any where from $3.00 to $5.00 a sq foot depending on what all you want. We started installing our own metal roofs because we could not find anyone to do them,and on log houses 90% wanted them.we have since installed for other folks as well. In 6 years we have installed 18 roofs that includes our own log home roofs.hope that helps
Guest User

9/22/2002
Well for starters where are you located? Do you have vallys? how many pipes are sticking out of your roof? Do you have a fireplace ? the list can go on. Bottem line we charge any where from $3.00 to $5.00 a sq foot depending on what all you want. We started installing our own metal roofs because we could not find anyone to do them,and on log houses 90% wanted them.we have since installed for other folks as well. In 6 years we have installed 18 roofs that includes our own log home roofs.hope that helps.
Guest User

9/22/2002