How Much Does a New Roof Cost? (And 9 Other Exterior Upgrade Costs)

A good roof over our head keeps us – and all our possessions – safe from the elements. However, sun, rain and snow can degrade our home’s roof over time and this, in turn, leads to leaks that can damage the interior of the house. Whether it’s a quick fix or a complete overhaul, roof repairs can be daunting for homeowners. How much does a new roof cost, though? And what about other exterior upgrade costs? We used Donna Bacher’s renovation pricing guide to help you budget for roofing and other exterior materials. Note that these are estimated costs for supply and installation: costs can vary significantly from one location to another and can vary depending on the professional you hire.

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Shingle Roof: $2.50 to $11 per Square Foot

How much does a new roof cost? It depends on the size of the roof and the materials you use. A shingle roof is usually more economical, with costs ranging from an estimated $2.50 per square foot for asphalt shingles to around $11 per square foot for cedar shingles. It’s a good idea to ask the assistants in your local home improvement store’s roofing department for advice on the best material for you. If you’re hiring professionals to do the work, you’ll also need to factor in things like your existing roof’s condition, removal costs, home size and the type of material you choose – but, according to HomeStars, the average cost of a new roof installation in Canada is about $4,750.

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Metal Roof: From $15 per Square Foot

When it comes to installing a new roof, many people shy away from metal and use asphalt or cedar shingles instead. However, metal has many advantages. One of the reasons Mike Holmes recommends a metal roof is its durability. How long does a roof last? Asphalt normally lasts 15 to 30 years, while metal can last as long as 60 years. Considering that – depending on the type of metal used – a metal roof will set you back from $15 per square foot (keep in mind that professional installation might impact this cost, with the average cost of a new roof installation in Canada coming in at about $4,750), the average cost to replace a roof is well worth it if you only have to do it once in a lifetime.

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Eaves: $5 to $7 per Foot

Removing existing eavestroughs costs around $1 per foot. Then, to upgrade your eaves, you can look at around $6 to $7 per foot for five-inch eaves troughs and downpipes, $5 per foot of six-inch fascia and $6 per foot of 16-inch soffit. These approximate prices are for aluminum eaves. Get some quotes, but keep in mind that – on average – you should budget at least $1,000 for the job. Sound like a lot? To help keep your eaves in good condition for as long as possible, remember to clean them every spring.

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Wall Siding: From $5 per Square Foot

Sometimes a few layers of exterior house paint can make your home look good as new. However, there are times when you need to replace the wall siding entirely. If you can’t decide between vinyl, brick or wood siding, knowing the cost can help you make up your mind. It will cost you around $5 per square foot for vinyl siding, $6 per square foot for aluminum siding, $6 to $8 for cedar siding and upwards of $15 per square foot for stucco or brick. While it depends greatly on the size of your home, the average cost to have a professional replace vinyl-siding on a two-storey home ranges from about $8,000 to $20,000. It’s a good idea to get a few quotes to price it out before your commit.

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Exterior Doors: From $450 Each

No matter how striking the exterior house colours you choose may be, they won’t really come into their own if you don’t choose the right exterior doors too. An aluminum storm door will cost you around $450. You’re looking at upwards of $700 for a steel insulated door or more than $1,800 for a wooden six-foot patio door. No matter what type of door you choose, you can generally factor in an average cost of about $530 to $1,100 for labour.

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Windows: From $55 per Square Foot

The cost of replacing your windows depends on the type of material you choose – but it’s one of the exterior upgrades that can save you money. Aluminum windows will set you back from around $55 per square foot, wood or vinyl windows can be from around $75 per square foot and aluminum storm windows can cost between $150 and $250 each. If you want to use the existing frames but install fixed thermal glass, you’re looking at around $20 per square foot. Whatever type of window you choose, if you’re looking for a rough budget for labour, the average price to install, trim and flash a new five-by-seven-foot window (including supply) is about $1,000.

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Skylights or Roof Windows: From $3,300

Skylights or roof windows are great investments that can provide natural interior lighting, make rooms look bigger and keep your energy usage down. A two-by-four-foot skylight in a flat roof or a two-by-four-foot roof window can cost around $3,300, including the interior finishing. Installing a two-by-four-foot skylight into a sloped roof will set you back about $4,000.

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Patios: From $4 per Square Foot

The cost of a patio can vary wildly, depending on where you live, what you choose to build your patio with and the size of the area you’re working with. Patio stones are the cheapest option at around $4 per square foot. Wood decking can cost upwards of $8 per square foot. The most expensive patios are created with flagstones or field stone at around $20 per square foot. While the total cost will vary, this Winnipeg landscaper gives a few examples of approximate costs. For instance, you can estimate a minimum of about $2,500 for an eight-foot-by-eight-foot bistro patio.

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Decks: From $20 per Square Foot

A good deck can be a stunning addition to your home. When you start looking at the things to consider before building your own deck, it might help having an idea of what different decks cost. A regular wood deck can cost from $20 per square foot. A pressure-treated desk starts at about $25 per square foot and cedar starts at about $30 per square foot. If you want a deck that’s custom designed and built, you can look at upwards of $35 per square foot. If you’re leaning towards having a deck added to your home’s exterior, the total cost could range from about $2,000 to $20,000.

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Driveways and Walkways: $3 to $14 per Square Foot

No matter how much you pay a landscaping company, it won’t be worth the investment if your driveway and walkways aren’t up to scratch. The cheapest option is asphalt paving: using the existing base, you can look at around $3 per square foot, while installing a new base can push the cost up to around $5 per square foot (the average two-car driveway is 610 square feet – so that installation would cost about $3,050). Stamped concrete is around $10 per square foot. If you prefer stylish interlocking brick or stone, you can look at paying $12 to $14 per square foot.