What does a roof cost for a 1,500 sq ft house?
One story versus two story
A ranch spreads all 1,500 square feet under one roof. A two story stacks them, so the roof covers only about half the floor area. Fewer squares means less material and tear-off, but two story work brings its own costs: taller ladders, more safety setup, and higher roof labor in insurance style estimates.
The garage question
Square footage in a listing does not include the garage. An attached two car garage under the main roof commonly adds 5 to 8 squares, and a front porch or rear screened porch adds a few more. A ranch with an attached garage often ends up with a roof in the mid 20s in squares.
Pitch changes everything
The same footprint at 4/12 and at 10/12 differs by about a quarter in roof area, and the steeper roof needs harnesses and slower work. Many newer two story homes in North Georgia have steep front gables for curb appeal.
A quick self check
- Find your stories and footprint on the county tax assessor site.
- Note whether the garage is attached.
- Look at the pitch from the street; if you would not walk it, it is steep.
Then compare with the ranges in roof replacement cost in Georgia and the method in how roofers measure a roof.