“What does a new roof cost?” is the first question every homeowner asks — and any roofer who gives you a number before seeing your roof is guessing. What we can do is show you exactly what drives the price in Anne Arundel County, so the estimates you collect actually make sense.
The Five Factors That Set the Price
1. Roof Size and Pitch
Roofing is priced by the “square” (100 sq ft). A typical Severna Park colonial runs 20–30 squares. Steeper pitches cost more per square: they are slower and require more safety equipment, and walkable versus non-walkable pitch is a real dividing line in labor cost.
2. Material Choice
Architectural asphalt shingles are the local standard and the value benchmark. 3-tab shingles cost less up front but give up lifespan and wind rating. Metal roofing costs substantially more but can last twice as long. Your material choice is the single biggest lever you control.
3. What’s Under the Old Roof
The honest wildcard. Rotted decking cannot be quoted precisely until tear-off, which is why a good estimate states a per-sheet price for decking replacement up front — and why suspiciously low bids often make the difference back here.
4. Complexity
Valleys, dormers, skylights, chimneys, and multiple roof planes all add flashing work and labor time. A simple ranch roof and a same-size roof with four dormers are very different projects.
5. Access and Disposal
Tear-off disposal fees, steep driveways, landscaping protection, and multi-story access all show up in the price of doing the job properly.
How to Compare Quotes Fairly
- Confirm every bid includes the same scope: full tear-off, underlayment type, ice-and-water shield locations, flashing replacement (not reuse), ventilation, and cleanup.
- Check the decking price per sheet — this is where lowball bids recover margin.
- Compare workmanship warranties, not just material warranties.
Get a Real Number for Your Roof
Magothy Roofing and Exteriors provides free, written, itemized estimates throughout Severna Park and Anne Arundel County — no pressure, no games with the fine print. Call 410-793-9516 or request your estimate online.