How much does it cost to frame a roof?
How much does it cost to frame a roof?
$6 – $15 cost per square foot installed
$9,000 – $37,500 average total cost to frame a roof
Cost to frame a roof
The cost to frame a roof is $6 to $15 per square foot or $9,000 to $37,500 on average, including labor and materials. Replacing roof framing costs $5 to $14 per square foot for trusses or $7 to $30 per square foot for rafters. Roof trusses cost $60 to $500 each.
| Project | Average cost to frame roof |
|---|---|
| 2-car garage | $2,300 – $11,600 |
| 3-car garage | $5,200 – $22,800 |
| 1,500 SF roof | $9,000 – $22,500 |
| 2,000 SF roof | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| 2,500 SF roof | $15,000 – $37,500 |
| 3,000 SF roof | $18,000 – $45,000 |
| 20x20 pole barn | $3,000 – $7,600 |
| 30x30 pole barn | $6,400 – $16,000 |
| 40x40 pole barn | $11,000 – $27,500 |
| 40x60 pole barn | $16,200 – $40,500 |
| 60x90 pole barn | $35,400 – $88,600 |
Average cost to replace roof framing
The following table shows the average cost to replace roof framing.
| National average cost | $23,300 |
| Minimum cost | $2,300 |
| Maximum cost | $88,600 |
| Average range | $9,000 to $37,500 |
Roof framing cost per square foot
Framing a roof costs $5 to $30 per square foot for labor and materials, depending on the roof size, type, complexity, and whether using trusses or rafters. Most new homes use trusses because they are preconstructed and more cost-effective than traditional stick-building using rafters.
| Factor | Roof Rafters | Roof trusses |
|---|---|---|
| Cost installed (per square foot) | $7 – $30 | $5 – $14 |
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Trusses work best for complex roof designs to ensure compliance with building codes and structural load requirements.
Rafters are ideal for creating attic space, small span projects, and when the job site is difficult to access.
Cost to replace roof rafters
Replacing roof rafters costs $7 to $30 per square foot installed. Replacing a broken rafter without removing the roof involves installing new rafters on each side of the damaged one. The old rafter remains but the new rafters bear the load.
Most roof rafters are made of 2' x 6' to 2' x 12' lumber pieces and are constructed on site.
| Rafter length (feet) | Average material price* |
|---|---|
| 12' | $15 – $50 |
| 14' | $20 – $80 |
| 16' | $25 – $90 |
| 20' | $30 – $150 |
*Not including installation.
Roof trusses cost
Roof trusses cost $5 to $14 per square foot installed or $60 to $700 per truss for the material alone, depending on whether wood or steel. Roof trusses are prebuilt to precise dimensions using sophisticated engineering software. Trusses arrive ready to install, reducing labor costs.
Most trusses shift the roof load to the outside walls, making them ideal for open concept floor plans.
| Material | Price per truss* |
|---|---|
| Wood truss | $60 – $500 |
| Steel truss | $150 – $700 |
*Not including installation.
Labor cost to frame a roof
The labor cost to frame a roof is $1 to $15 per square foot, depending on whether using trusses or rafters. Roof trusses are easy to install and require much less labor. Building a roof using individual rafters requires more skilled labor and takes longer.
| Factor | Rafter framing cost per square foot | Truss framing cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3 – $15 | $4 – $10 |
| Labor | $4 – $15 | $1 – $4 |
| Total | $7 – $30 | $5 – $14 |
Cost factors to rebuild a roof
The following factors affect the cost of rebuilding a roof:
Roof size – Large roofs require more materials and labor to build. Wider spans typically require more rafters spaced closer together to support the structure.
Roof pitch – Building a steeply sloped roof costs more due to the added difficulty and required safety measures.
Roof type – Gable and lean-to or shed roofs are the simplest and cheapest roof types. Mansard roofs are the most complex and expensive to build.
Trusses vs. rafters – Trusses cost more in material but require less labor, with most truss installations completed within a day. Building a roof with rafters requires onsite construction, which takes several days to a week or more, depending on the project and crew size.
Metal vs. wood – Wood framing costs less than metal framing but is more vulnerable to the elements.
Labor – Framing carpenters charge $30 to $80 per hour to build or set and install roof framing.
Designing and engineering costs – Framing a roof requires architectural and engineering expertise to confirm structural integrity and load-bearing requirements.
A structural engineer charges $150 to $600 to inspect roof framing.
An architect charges $100 to $250 per hour to design a new roof plan.
Altering existing house plan blueprints costs $150 to $2,500.
Old roof frame removal – Removing and disposing of old roof framing costs $30 to $50 per truss or $0.60 to $1.00 per linear foot for rafters, not including dumpster rental.
Dumpster rental – Renting a dumpster costs $300 to $500 per week.
Equipment rental – Renting a crane to erect roof trusses costs $200 to $700 per day.
Geographic location – Labor rates are typically higher in major metropolitan areas. Homes in rural areas may pay more for materials delivery.
Time of year / weather – Framing work costs 10% to 15% more in temperatures below 40° F or above 95° F.
Permits – A roofing permit costs $150 to $500 and is required when replacing roof framing.
Finding and hiring a roof framing carpenter
Before hiring a framing carpenter near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for licensed contractors with experience in roof framing.
Look for members of the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
Ask for references going back at least five years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select only companies that are insured and bonded.
Avoid going with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been in business?
What experience do you have with roof framing?
Have you framed roofs like mine before? What challenges did you experience?
Do you recommend using roof trusses or rafters for my roof, and why?
Do you have a portfolio of your previous jobs?
Will you use subcontractors? Are they insured?
How long will the project take?
How will the crew leave the site at the end of each day?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
What is included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?