The short answer: it depends on the roof — not only the house. Here is how to build a realistic budget and compare estimates fairly.
If you are planning a roof replacement in DuPage County, you have probably seen numbers that are all over the map. That is normal. Two homes with similar living space can have very different roof areas, slopes, materials, tear-off needs, and ventilation details.
As a broad starting point, Arreguin Inc currently notes that many residential roof replacements in the Bensenville area fall between $5,000 and $15,000. Larger roofs, steep or complex designs, premium materials, multiple existing layers, and damaged decking can push a project above that range. A roof inspection and written scope are the only reliable way to price a specific home.
A useful budget starts with roof area and material
Roofing is measured in “squares.” One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. Your roof surface is not the same as your home’s listed living area because pitch, overhangs, attached garages, and different roof sections add material and labor.
For 2026 planning purposes, one Chicagoland market guide places installed asphalt shingles around $6.50 to $8.50 per square foot of roof surface and metal roofing around $11 to $16 per square foot. These are broad market references — not Arreguin Inc quotes — and the final price depends on the full job scope.
Illustrative planning ranges (not quotes):
| Measured roof area | Asphalt planning range | Metal planning range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $9,750–$12,750 | $16,500–$24,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $13,000–$17,000 | $22,000–$32,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $16,250–$21,250 | $27,500–$40,000 |
Six job conditions can move the price quickly
- Pitch, height, and access change the labor. A steep roof requires more safety equipment and slower installation. A two-story home, tight driveway, landscaping, or limited dumpster access can also add labor and handling time.
- Tear-off and disposal depend on what is already there. Removing old roofing adds labor and disposal weight. Many municipalities require a complete tear-off when two or more layers exist. The contractor should verify the requirements for your property and state whether disposal and permit fees are included.
- Decking damage may not appear until tear-off. Soft, rotted, or delaminated roof decking must be replaced before the new system is installed. Ask the estimate to show a unit price per sheet or per square foot for any decking replacement.
- Valleys, chimneys, skylights, and wall intersections add detail work. Every penetration and transition needs careful flashing. A simple gable roof is usually faster to replace than a roof with several valleys, dormers, chimneys, or skylights — even with the same surface area.
- Ventilation and ice protection are part of the roof system. A replacement is not only shingles. Underlayment, ice-and-water protection, intake and exhaust ventilation, drip edge, flashing, and starter and ridge materials all affect performance.
- Material and warranty choices affect both price and value. Standard architectural shingles are usually the most budget-friendly choice. Designer shingles, metal roofing, cedar shake, and specialty systems cost more. Compare the exact product line, warranty terms, and workmanship coverage — not only the material category.
A complete estimate prevents low-bid surprises
The lowest total is not automatically the best value. Ask each contractor to price the same scope so you can compare line by line:
- Measured roof area and squares
- Exact manufacturer, product line, color, and warranty
- Tear-off, hauling, dumpster, and cleanup
- Underlayment, ice-and-water protection, flashing, drip edge, and ventilation
- Decking replacement allowance
- Permit responsibility
- Protection for siding, windows, and landscaping
- Workmanship warranty, payment schedule, and timeline
Good comparison question: “If your quote is lower than the others, which materials or steps are different?” A qualified contractor should be able to explain the answer clearly.
Insurance may help when the damage is sudden and covered
Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage caused by a covered event such as hail, wind, or a fallen tree. It generally does not pay for ordinary aging or wear and tear. If you suspect storm damage, photograph the visible issues from a safe location, review your policy, and request a professional inspection.
Repair makes sense only when the rest of the roof still has useful life
A small repair can be the right choice when damage is isolated and the surrounding roofing is still in good condition. Replacement becomes more practical when leaks are recurring, shingles are brittle or missing across several slopes, or the roof is near the end of its expected service life. An inspection should answer three questions: What failed? Is the problem isolated or system-wide? How many reliable years are likely left after the repair?
A local inspection turns the range into a real number
Online calculators are useful for planning, but they cannot see your roof’s layers, flashing, ventilation, or decking. Arreguin Inc provides free estimates for homeowners in Bensenville and surrounding DuPage County communities.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a residential roof replacement take? Many residential replacements are completed in one to three days, depending on roof size, weather, and complexity.
Is a roof permit required in DuPage County? Requirements and fees vary by municipality. Ask the contractor to confirm the rule for your address and state who will obtain the permit.
Can new shingles go over old shingles? Sometimes allowed, but a complete tear-off is required in many situations — especially with multiple layers — and it allows inspection of the deck.
What should I compare besides price? Material line, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, tear-off and disposal, decking rate, permit handling, cleanup, workmanship warranty, and payment schedule.
Will homeowners insurance pay for an old roof? Insurance generally responds to covered sudden damage, not age or normal wear.
Get a property-specific roof estimate
Call (847) 791-2950 or email info@arreguinc.com to schedule a free estimate.