Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 2/5/2011

Question
I have a 22 ft by 40 ft cottage style house want to change roof style to gable end which would require ripping off old and replace with new 32 ft wide trusses what wold this run in $$ in canada  ps it would also give more space and extra 200 sq ft

Answer
hi thomas, I'm not too familiar with Canadian pricing but I imagine it is similar to costs here in the states.  The trusses will probably run you 12-1500 dollars depending on how close you are to the truss plant.  As far as the tear off and reconstruction? Your roof area is approximately 1200 sq. ft.  I would figure two dollars a square foot for the tear off and three dollars a square foot for the resetting of the trusses and sheathing labor.  The plywood or OSB for the roof will run you anywhere from 12-18 dollars a sheet and with a nominal 4/12 pitch you will need around 40 sheets depending on your overhang plus fascia boards (I am not figuring soffit material for the overhang) so a thousand for roof sheathing material.  You are looking at approximately 12 squares of roofing which installed can run anywhere from a hundred dollars a square and up depending on the type of shingle you choose and the availability of competitive roofing contractors. So let's add it all up..1500+2400+3600+1000=8500 plus roofing.  Now you can probably get a discount from the roof framing contractor for the tear off and bring that cost down a bit but you didn't say what kind of ceiling finish is inside. If it is drywall or other form of ceiling cover then your costs for the tear off could easily meet the 2 dollars a square foot price.  So your roof structure cost including the roofing will run around 10,000 dollars.  The refinishing of your interior ceiling and insulation probably another 2-3,000..Again these prices are for individual contractors to do each phase and no work by you as an owner.  However as I mentioned, the more you can get one contractor to do the cheaper the work becomes.  If your carpentry contractor wants the job he may give you a discount to do the demolition and removal of the old roof.  Just the trash removal alone will be around 500 dollars for a 30 cubic yard dumpster so make sure any deal you make with a demolition person includes the removal of the material or that cost will over and above the labor to tear it off.  A general contractor may be willing to take on the entire project and make this one stop shopping trip for you.  Permits may be required depending on your township or city codes.  There may also be electrical and plumbing needs such as vent stacks and ceiling lighting costs... Your best bet is to get all the contractor to bid on the work and compare costs to find the most reasonable way to go.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com