Start with the fixed costs
A roof quote in St. George mostly reflects labor, materials and the style of the roof. Tile, shingle and foam roofs are priced very differently. What a homeowner can know ahead of time are the costs set in public documents. This guide lays those out, along with the steps of a typical job.
The permit fee scale
The City of St. George's building fee sheet uses the 1997 Uniform Building Code fee scale. A few points on that scale:
- $181.25 for a $10,000 valuation;
- $321.25 for $20,000;
- $442.25 for $30,000;
- $643.75 for $50,000.
The minimum building permit is $60.60 ($60.00 permit plus $0.60 D.O.C.). Where plan check applies, it adds 65% of the building permit fee, and the fee sheet adds a 1% D.O.C. charge on the permit fee. Ask your roofer which of these will apply to your job and whether they are included in the price.
Who can do the work
Utah law exempts alteration, repair and remodeling work valued under $7,000, labor and materials included, from contractor licensing. A full roof replacement is almost always above that line, so the roofer needs a Utah contractor license. Look it up with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing before you sign.
Materials for extreme heat
The cooperative station in St. George read 117°F on July 10, 2021, tying Utah's all-time record. Heat and strong sun age roofing quickly. Ask about:
- underlayment rated for high temperatures, especially under tile;
- reflective or light-colored materials and how they affect attic heat;
- attic ventilation and whether the plan will change it;
- how flashings and sealants hold up to years of UV exposure.
Reading a quote
Make sure each quote lists:
- removal and disposal of the existing roof;
- deck repairs, with a unit price;
- underlayment type, and for tile, whether tiles will be reused or replaced;
- flashing, vents and penetrations;
- the permit, plan check if any, and cleanup.
Quotes that leave out underlayment details are hard to compare. On tile roofs, the underlayment often fails long before the tile does.
After monsoon storms
Summer monsoon storms bring wind and heavy rain. Photograph damage, cover openings and call your insurer before committing to a full replacement contract.
Closeout
Ask for the inspection result, manufacturer's warranty paperwork and a written workmanship warranty. Store them with the permit number and invoice.
Timing the job
Summer heat is hard on crews and on materials. Shingles become soft and easy to scuff in extreme heat, and adhesives behave differently. Many St. George roofers prefer spring and fall for replacements. Ask your contractor about the working hours they plan in summer and how they will protect the materials and your attic from rain during tear-off.