Building a new facility that meets all of your company’s needs is the fastest way to grow. Yet no expansion project is complete until your commercial buildings all have the durable and long-lasting roofs they need to protect them for years to come.
Costs can vary greatly for this kind of construction, with quotes ranging anywhere from $4 to over $30+ per square foot. Before you set your budget for a new commercial roof, you’ll need to consider all of the factors that affect the final price. Learn what to expect when budgeting for your new commercial roof costs with these tips from the experts.
Determining Your New Roof Budget
Start with a Full Inspection
Even if your general contractor specifies a certain type of roof to complete the construction, you may end up changing the plans by the time the rest of the structure is finished. It’s best to inspect the building once the framing stage is completed to adjust the roof design as needed before construction begins on it.
It’s all too common that small changes made to the structure responsible for supporting the roof necessitate changes in materials, assembly methods, or overall weight. If nothing else, additional supports may need to go into place before the work on the new roof begins.
Get an Accurate Takeoff Estimate
Accurate estimates are based on the takeoff, the complete model of the new commercial roof and everything required for its installation. For example, today’s takeoffs are based around complex 3D models that make it easy to measure exactly how much material will be needed to cover the surface regardless of the size, slope, or assembly method.
Make sure you’re working with a team that utilizes trusted estimation software to give you an accurate idea of what to expect when it comes to the cost of commercial roof installation. Discuss the company’s process for estimation and what to expect when it comes to a detailed outline of the costs. A line-by-line estimate shouldn’t be a problem to provide thanks to today’s takeoff software that makes it as simple as possible to keep you updated on potential costs.
Budget for the Unexpected
Many business owners assume that new roof construction goes much more smoothly than any re-roofing procedure. This is largely true, but there are still surprises and challenges that can pop up to slow down the work and increase the total cost. Issues that can interfere with the final total of new commercial roof costs include:
- Rising material or labor prices
- Lack of skilled labor available in the area
- Equipment breakdowns
- Extreme weather that delays installation or damages the structure
- Changes to the roof design or underlying structure
- Addition of new features
- Increases in the number of layers needed for the total roof assembly or changes in installation method.
Boosting the initial estimate amount by around 10% to 20% will build a buffer against surprises so you can secure the financing you need to cover every cost.
Consider Rooftop Penetrations and Utilities
Roof penetrations are intentional openings designed to accommodate essential components like vents, chimneys, skylights, and HVAC systems, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with the overall roofing structure. Warehouses, factories, and retail environments alike often rely on systems that must be installed through the roof. The amount of flashing needed to seal around these penetrations increases the cost of the new roof while also adding to the complexity of inspecting and maintaining it over time.
Don’t forget about utility systems that will sit on the roof, such as air-conditioning and heating units. The roofing should be completed before these units are lifted into place or you’ll pay more to lift them twice to finish the installation process.
Insulation and Long-Term Value
One of the main details that gets changed over the course of designing and installing a new commercial roof is the amount of insulation. Many business owners request a thicker or more dense insulation layer than the one originally suggested by the architect or contractor. Commercial roof insulation with a higher R-value reduces ongoing costs for heating and cooling.
This means that a small upfront investment in greater insulation can lead to big long-term savings for facilities that need refrigeration or heating to stay safe for your workers. Don’t forget that tapered insulation may increase drainage and prevent water ponding, but it’s also challenging to install and will increase labor costs on the project.
Specialty Equipment and Techniques
Today’s commercial roofs have to support more weight than ever before, but the materials used to construct them also weigh more than in the past. That means that most new roof installations require a combination of cranes, lifts, and scaffolding to move everything to the top of the structure so the workers can safely access it.
Some structures also need secondary framing to support the weight of the roofing materials and equipment until the work is completed. All of these extra pieces of equipment add to the total cost of the project and can be tricky to budget for due to fluctuating rental fees and fuel costs.
Fees and Misc. Costs
There are quite a few miscellaneous line items that can inflate the final cost of a new construction commercial roof. For example, it’s all too easy to overlook fees related to permits and inspections from the county. You may need to pay a deposit on insurance for the installation process or the roof itself. Debris removal and hauling costs are lower with new construction than with re-roofing projects, but it’ll still contribute to the total. Roofing materials that require hot mopping or torch installation will come with slightly higher material costs due to the need for fuel. Adding about 10% of the total project cost to the estimate should help cover these associated fees and costs without putting a strain on your financing agreements.
Experience Better Estimates with Delta Innovative Services
If you’re looking for an estimate on a new commercial roof in the Kansas City area, turn to Delta Innovative Services for help. Our team can give you a quick, accurate proposal and help you determine what you should spend a little more on and where you can save.