I’m trying to come up with a rough idea of what it would cost to replace the roof on a cabin at the local Scout camp. I have a pretty good handle on a lot of the labor hours, but am not sure about a few things.
a little background: about 30 squares of shingles, 6/12 gable roof with a wrap-around porch that’s probably 4/12.
First would be tearing off the old shingles – 4 layers of asphalt shingles. (No wood) I was thinking about 3 man-hours per square. This is probably the thing I have the least idea about.
Installing felt I’m guessing about one man-hour per roll.
Installing the shingles I was thinking roughly 1 man-hour per square.
Figuring flashing labor (for the chimney) and replacing some rotten boards is impossible – I was going to take a SWAG there.
Just looking to tell them roughly what I think it will cost, and how much labor might be if they decide to hire a contractor instead of using volunteer labor. Any help taking a shot at the hours would be appreciated.
Diplomacy is the art of saying “Nice doggy” until you can find a rock.
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Who is disposing of the torn-off shingles? You can peel off the old ones at least 1-2 squares an hour yourself but who is going to pick them up and put them in a dumpster? I did a very similar job on my house and I pried the old ones off and hired two guys to catch them in a heavy painter's drop and drag them around the house, up a ramp I built on side of dumpster, and dump them. A roofing tear-off company wanted $2000. Me and 2 guys ; 20 squares ; 2 days. Be sure to buy yourself a one of those specialized roof demo tools, worth every penny. You should be able to flash the chimney in 4-5 hours and if you are hand-nailing then a square an hour is about right if the roof is stocked. Rent a nailer and do yourself a favor.
Thanks for the input, but.......
I wasn't trying to bid this job - Just trying to give them an idea what it would cost to do if they hire a contractor. (Which I ain't)
Good point about loading the dumpster - I hadn't really thought about that end of things. Most times I've done it I try to park a truck at the edge of the roof, and get 90% of the shingles right off the edge into the truck. That may not work in this situation. The cabin is on a steep hill and in the woods.
I've run out of sick days, so I am calling in dead.
Wow, a smart intelligently asked question about how to estimate a project!
Unfortunatly, Boss I know next to nothing about roofing so I am absolutly of no help at all. Couldn't SWAG it if I tried. I can see you are already getting some constructive feedback and I am sure there will be more so I'll just shut up.
"Do not go where the path may lead, go
instead where there is no path and
leave a trail."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Well, if a contractor can't drive to it then he isn't likely to bid it. I would stand by my $2000 for tear-off and disposal and $75/square and up to re-roof it
your man hour guesses look close for decent skilled help but it could be slowwer with volunteer help, depending on who shows up.
A large part of a roofing contractors cost is in insurance and down time for rains as well as cleanup/disposal cost. Be sure volunteers are covered for injuries and have a plan 'B' in case it rains for ten days after you get it torn off.