When Southern California homeowners start shopping for a new roof, they’re often surprised at the price tag. After all, how expensive can shingles and nails really be? But from a roofing contractor’s point of view, a lot more goes into a roof replacement than just materials and labor.

At Meyers Roofing Co., we believe in being transparent about what goes into your quote—not just to justify the cost, but to help you feel confident you’re getting lasting value. Let’s break down the true cost of a roof replacement in Los Angeles and Orange County and show you why your investment is more than just shingles on a roof.

1. Material Costs: Not Just Shingles and Nails

The most obvious expense is materials, and these have become significantly more expensive in recent years due to inflation, supply chain issues, and tariffs on imported goods.

• Asphalt shingles (most common in SoCal): $100–$150 per square (100 sq. ft.)

• Synthetic or upgraded shingles: $200–$400+ per square

• Underlayment, flashing, vents, nails, sealants, etc.: $500–$1,500 total, depending on roof size

Tariffs on foreign materials—especially steel and aluminum used in flashing and vents—have caused prices to spike since 2018. Material costs alone can total $4,000 to $10,000+ on an average 2,000 sq. ft. home.

2. Labor Costs: Skilled Work Isn’t Cheap

Roofing is one of the most physically demanding and dangerous construction jobs out there. In California, we’re required to pay fair wages, follow OSHA guidelines, and provide safety equipment and training.

• Crew wages (including taxes and insurance): $2,500–$6,000+

• Job site supervision and quality control

• Specialty work (tile, steep pitch, complex layouts): add $1,000–$3,000+

In SoCal, where many roofs are complex and multi-level, labor costs can be even higher. Remember, we’re not just laying down shingles—we’re removing the old roof, hauling it away, protecting your home, and installing a system designed to last decades.

3. Insurance and Workers’ Comp: Protecting Everyone

Contractors in California must carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. These aren’t optional—they’re legal requirements that protect you, the homeowner, from being liable if someone is injured on your property.

• Workers’ compensation premiums: Can be up to 20–30% of payroll

• General liability insurance: Typically costs $1,500–$5,000/year, depending on volume and claims history

For every job we take, part of your quote goes to maintaining this coverage. Hiring an uninsured or underinsured roofer might save you upfront—but it can cost you much more in liability down the road.

4. Permits and Inspections: City Requirements

Every roof replacement in Los Angeles and Orange County requires a city permit and usually one or more inspections.

• Permit fees: Range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the city and project size

• Inspection delays can also affect scheduling and project costs

Cities like Anaheim, Santa Ana, and LA have varying requirements, and as the contractor, we handle all of this paperwork and coordination behind the scenes.

5. Pre-Job Investment: Upfront Costs Contractors Cover

One thing most homeowners don’t realize: roofing contractors often invest thousands of dollars into a job before we ever get paid. Here’s what we typically pay for upfront:

• Ordering and delivering materials

• Dumpsters and disposal fees

• Crew scheduling and payroll commitments

• Permit applications and documentation

• Equipment rentals and fuel

On average, a roofing contractor might front $5,000–$15,000 in costs before setting foot on your roof.

6. Time of Year and Seasonal Factors

Just like airfare and hotel prices, roofing costs can fluctuate depending on the season.

• Spring and summer are peak roofing months in Southern California due to weather, meaning higher demand and sometimes longer lead times.

• Material shortages often happen mid-year, pushing prices even higher.

• Emergency storm repairs (rare in SoCal, but not unheard of) may carry premium rates due to urgency.

If you’re planning ahead, scheduling in the fall or winter can sometimes save you money and get you on the calendar faster.

7. Overhead and Business Costs

Beyond your specific job, roofing companies have to keep the lights on:

• Trucks, fuel, and tools

• Office staff and customer service

• Licensing, continuing education, software, and advertising

All these costs are built into your quote—not as “extra,” but as the infrastructure needed to deliver reliable, insured, quality work.

Final Thoughts

We know a new roof is a major investment—and it should be. Your roof protects everything underneath it. At Meyers Roofing Co., we price jobs honestly and competitively while making sure your home is protected by licensed professionals using high-quality materials.

When you’re comparing estimates, ask what’s included—not just in shingles and labor, but in experience, insurance, and peace of mind. We’re happy to walk you through every line item so you know exactly what you’re paying for—and why it’s worth it.

Need a Roofing Quote You Can Trust?
Contact Meyers Roofing Co. today at (949) 691-3228 for a free no-pressure consultation and estimate. We’re proud to serve homeowners across Los Angeles and Orange County with integrity and transparency.