How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Roof in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Raising a roof costs most homeowners around $60,000, with projects ranging from $40,000 and $80,000, on average. Depending on factors like square footage and materials, costs can be as low as $15,000 or as high as $130,000. This significant investment can expand your living space and enhance your home's value, but it requires careful budgeting and professional expertise.

Before You Start: Can You Raise a Roof?

Before raising your roof, it's essential to determine if your roof structure allows for it. The feasibility largely depends on whether you have a stick-framed roof or a trussed roof. With a stick-framed roof, you may need to completely tear down and rebuild the structure, but this allows for the creation of a vaulted ceiling. Raising a trussed roof is possible; however, it cannot be modified to create a vaulted ceiling.

To identify your roof type, check your attic. An open space in the middle typically indicates a stick-framed roof, while a trussed roof will have support beams throughout. Seeking the help of a general contractor in these early stages is wise so you can get a professional opinion on your options.

Raising a Roof Cost Factors

Many factors are at play when it comes to a complex project like raising a roof. Here’s a breakdown of the cost factors that make up this project.

Labor

Roofers typically charge $1.50 to $3 per square foot for labor on roofing projects. Larger, higher, or more complex roof designs may increase rates due to additional labor requirements. Additionally, general contractor fees generally range from 10% to 20% of the total project cost.

Type of House

Certain architectural styles make raising a roof easier than others. For instance, raising the roof on a ranch or raised ranch will often be more affordable simply because of the straightforwardness of these designs. However, raising a roof on a Cape Cod house, bungalow, or Victorian home will often cost more due to the complexity involved.

Framing

If you're completely tearing down your framing to start from scratch, this is a significant project that requires the expertise of an architect or structural engineer. Hiring a structural engineer costs $70 to $250 per hour.

Electrical

Before you can raise your roof, you'll need to remove any electrical wires that connect through your roof or attic. Rewiring from scratch during a rebuild will cost extra money. Electricians charge $50 to $140 per hour.

Plumbing

If your current roofing and attic setup have intertwined plumbing pipes that are in the way of your new roof, a plumber will need to remove them. Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour.

HVAC

If HVAC pipes and systems are present in your attic, they will need to be removed and reinstalled. An HVAC tech will cost $100 to $250 an hour.

Chimneys

This is where raising your roof becomes complicated. Some contractors will tell you that raising a portion of a roof with a chimney attached to it is inadvisable. A licensed, professional roofer will be able to assess your situation and provide recommendations.

Permits

In most towns and cities, a permit is required to alter the roofline. If you're raising your roof, you may need several permits related to adding additional height, plumbing, electric, and more. Permits cost between $200 and $1,400.

Debris and Roof Removal

Raising a roof is a major project that requires the complete removal of your existing roofing structure and materials. Rates for post-construction cleanup range from $30 to $50 per hour.

Exterior Refinishing

Tearing down and rebuilding your roof structure represent only the first legs of your project. Next, it's time to decide how you want to refinish the exterior of your new roof. The price will range based on the roofing materials you choose. While options like metal and architectural shingles represent the higher end of the price spectrum, three-tab asphalt is considered the most economical.

Alternatives to Raising Your Roof

If raising your roof isn't feasible due to your home's structure or location, there are alternative options to enhance your home's appeal without extensive construction.

Changing Pitch

Changing the pitch of your roof is essentially the same as raising it, as it requires altering the roof's structural materials. This process involves significant modifications and should be approached as a major construction project.

Changing Ceiling Height

To enhance a single room without raising your entire roof, consider changing the ceiling height through smaller projects. Installing a tray ceiling utilizes attic space to increase the ceiling height from an 8-foot ceiling to nine feet or more. Adding a tray ceiling typically involves:

• Framing

• Drywall installation

• Painting

• Electrical work (if needed)

• Crown molding installation

A coffered ceiling is another alternative to raising a roof. Adding a coffered ceiling allows you to change the look of your ceilings without a major construction project. Coffered ceilings use multiple trays to create a look of "gridded" beams in a room. The trays can be fancy, rustic, modern, or any other finish you like. However, they do not alter the actual height of your ceiling.

Changing Roofline

Altering your roofline not only creates higher ceilings but also enhances your home's exterior aesthetic. When raising your roof, you can modify the roofline as part of the structural changes. Popular options include:

• Roof Extensions: Extending outward from your existing roofline, often used when adding a gable roof.

• Shed Roofs: A cost-effective and simple design, ideal for adding skylights and increasing natural light.

Reasons You May Want to Increase Roof Height

Increasing your roof height offers several benefits, especially for homeowners renovating older homes. Key reasons include:

Extra Living Space

Raising your roof allows for roof-space conversions, adding living areas such as a home office, extra bedroom, or bonus room.

More Storage

If your home lacks storage, raising the roof can turn your attic space into a very efficient storage area.

Higher Ceilings

Many people want to raise a roof purely for the dramatic effect of having a higher ceiling. A high ceiling allows rooms to feel larger without actually increasing the square footage in your home.

Remodeling to a Different Ceiling Type

Many people are motivated to upgrade to a vaulted ceiling because they want to add wood beams, recessed lighting, or skylights. A vaulted ceiling also allows you to install a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace.

Dormer Additions

Raising a roof opens up the possibility of having dormer windows installed to bring in tons of natural light and fresh air. This is especially popular in older homes that have stuffy second-floor bedrooms that lack proper ventilation.

New Roof Type to Prevent Leaks or Pooling Water

If your home is at risk for foundational issues and rot due to a roof structure that causes water to leak or pool, changing your roofline may be the only chance to avoid costly problems.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

A project as complex as raising a roof is a job for a team of professionals. Attempting a DIY approach is a safety hazard and can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Contact general contractors near you to get an assessment and obtain quotes for your roofing project.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.