Skip to main content

How Much Does A Roof Inspection Cost In Minnesota?

Planning to have your roof inspected in Minnesota?

If you’re looking to stay on top of maintenance or check for any damage after a rough winter, getting a roof inspection is a smart idea.

But before scheduling an inspection, you might be asking: How much is this going to cost?

In this guide, we’ll break down how much a roof inspection costs in Minnesota and the things that affect the price. Plus, we’ll also break down our roof inspection prices.

Average Roof Inspection Cost In Minnesota

Aerial View Of Ceramic Roofing House Top Resized

A roof inspection in Minnesota costs around $75 to $600 depending on the kind of inspection you’re after.

For a standard visual check, you’re likely looking at the lower end of that range, but if you’re opting for a more detailed inspection, you might pay a bit more.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types:

  • Physical roof inspection: $75 – $200
  • Drone roof inspections: $100 – $400
  • Infrared roof inspections: $400 – $600

Also Read: Gap between window and frame

For most homeowners, this is a small price to pay to catch potential issues before they turn into expensive repairs. It’s especially important in Minnesota, with our harsh winters and unpredictable weather, to stay on top of roof maintenance. 

Even if you’re just doing a routine check-up, it’s a good investment to keep your roof in good shape for years to come.

Our Minnesota Roof Inspection Prices

At Craftsmen Home Improvements, we offer FREE roof inspections for all new clients!!

Our free inspection includes a thorough assessment of your roof’s condition, which will help us determine if it needs repairs, maintenance, or a full replacement.

After the inspection, we’ll provide you with a clear, no-obligation recommendation for the best course of action based on what we find.

No hidden charges – just honest, professional advice to help you make the best choice.

Check Out Our: Roof Inspections

Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Roof Inspection

There are a few things that influence how much you’ll pay for a roof inspection. 

Let’s go over them one by one:

#1 Type Of Roof Inspection

Some roof inspections are pretty basic. You might just need someone to check if there are any obvious problems.

But if you’re dealing with a complicated situation or need a detailed report, the price can rise.

A visual inspection will usually be cheaper, while an in-depth inspection, which includes looking at the attic, insulation, and possibly even using thermal imaging, will cost more. 

You may also pay extra for drone inspections if they’re used to avoid climbing.

#2 Roof Size

The size of your roof is a big deal when it comes to cost. 

A small, simple roof on a single-story home is much easier to inspect than a large, multi-level roof on a bigger house. 

Think about it— a small roof takes less time to check, so it’s cheaper. 

But if your roof has a lot of surface area, or if it’s on a large property, it’s going to take longer for the inspector to go over everything, and that extra time will cost you.

Also, if you have multiple sections to your roof or complex designs, like dormers or extensions, the inspector will need to look over more areas, which can bump the price up. 

Larger roofs just take more work to inspect, and that’s reflected in the cost.

#3 Roof Complexity

Aerial View Of Modern American Roofing Design Resized

A roof’s complexity can seriously affect the cost of your inspection. 

Roofs that are simple and flat are much easier to check than ones with lots of peaks, valleys, and slopes, so they are cheaper.

If your roof has intricate details like skylights, chimneys, or multiple layers, it’s a lot more work for the inspector to go over every part carefully. This usually means a higher price.

And if your roof is particularly old or has any custom features, the inspector may have to spend more time looking for hidden issues.

Also Read: 1/2 Or 5/8 Roof Sheathing?

#4 Roof Accessibility

Accessibility matters too.

If your roof is easy to reach, like a standard sloped roof, the inspection will be quicker and simpler. But for higher or steeper roofs, it takes more effort.

That’s more time, more work, and more money. 

Sometimes, accessibility issues come from the surrounding area. For example, if you have a lot of trees, power lines, or other obstacles around your house, it could take extra time to set up for the inspection. 

This means you might pay a little more to cover the extra prep.

#5 Climate

Minnesota’s weather is definitely a factor to keep in mind when scheduling a roof inspection. 

If you’ve had a long, brutal winter with snow, ice, and freezing temps, the roof inspector will need to take extra care to look for damage. This can be a more involved process, especially if ice dams or snow buildup has caused issues. 

Sometimes, the inspector might even need to remove ice or snow to check certain parts of the roof, and that adds to the cost.

So, depending on the season and recent weather patterns, your cost could increase.

#6 Your Location

Where you live in Minnesota can also affect what you pay for a roof inspection. 

Areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul, which are larger cities, tend to have higher costs for services in general. This is because businesses there have higher overhead costs, like rent, labor, and other expenses. 

So, you might find that inspections are a bit pricier in these areas.

On the flip side, in more rural areas, you might pay less for an inspection, but there’s also a chance that inspectors will have to travel further to get to your place. 

Sometimes that travel time and distance get added to the final price.

Also Read: Can you put new siding over old wood siding

#7 Company Or Inspector

Lastly, the company or inspector you hire will also affect the final price. 

Big companies with a lot of employees and overhead (like office space and marketing) often charge more for their services. 

They might have more resources, but that convenience comes with a higher price tag.

Independent inspectors or smaller companies may be a bit more affordable, but you might not get the same range of services or guarantees that come with larger companies. 

It’s all about balancing price with what’s included in the inspection. 

Just make sure to ask about the services they’ll provide and if there’s any extra cost for things like a detailed report or additional photos.

Wrapping Up

A roof inspection can cost anywhere between $75 and $600 in Minnesota.

But in the end, the exact cost depends on a lot of different factors. From the type of roof to the climate to your location, there are plenty of things that can affect the final price. 

The good news is that roof inspections are generally affordable.

So, if you’re thinking about getting an inspection, don’t let the price throw you off. 

Get a few quotes, ask about the services included, and you’ll be all set! Or if you’re in the Twin Cities, just give Craftsmen Home Improvements a call!

FAQs

How Much Does A Roof Certification Cost In Minnesota?

A roof certification in Minnesota typically costs between $75 – $200. 

The price can vary depending on the size of the roof and the inspector, but it’s generally a one-time fee for the certification.

How Long Does A Roof Inspection Take?

A standard roof inspection in Minnesota usually takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours. The exact time can depend on the size and complexity of your roof.

1/2 Or 5/8 Roof Sheathing?

Are you scratching your head over whether to go with 1/2″ or 5/8″ roof sheathing?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a decision that can make a big difference in how your roof holds up over the years, and it’s got a lot of people debating.

But fear not – this post is here to help!

I’ll compare both these sizes and help you nail down the best choice for your situation. 

1/2″ Vs 5/8″ Roof Sheathing 

The main difference between 1/2″ and 5/8″ roof sheathing is that 1/2″ is lighter, cheaper, easier to install, and is great for areas with moderate weather conditions. 

On the other hand, 5/8″ sheathing offers greater strength and durability, better resistance to extreme weather and performs better long-term.

Let me go over these in more detail:

Also Read: Who to call for leaking window

#1 Climate And Weather Conditions

Where you live plays a big part in choosing your roof sheathing thickness. 

If you’re in an area with pretty normal weather, 1/2 sheathing usually does the trick for most homes.

It’ll keep the rain out and stand up to regular winds just fine.

But if you’re in a place that gets hit by nasty weather like hurricanes, tons of snow, or super strong winds, you might want to think about going with 5/8″ sheathing.

It’s tougher and can handle those extreme conditions better. 

For example, lots of folks in central Florida, where hurricanes are a real concern, are choosing 5/8″ to make their roofs stronger and safer.

#2 Roof Pitch And Design

Angled View Of Wooden Roof Trusses And Sheathing Preparation On Residential Construction

The steepness of your roof and how it’s designed are also important things to think about. 

For roofs that aren’t too steep (think a 6:12 pitch or less), 1/2″ sheathing usually works well, especially if your rafters or trusses are pretty close together (16 inches or less). 

This setup is good enough for most homes in areas without crazy weather.

But if your roof is steeper (more than a 6:12 pitch) or the rafters are further apart (24 inches or more), you might want to go with 5/8″ sheathing. 

It’s stronger and helps keep everything nice and straight. 

This is really important for complicated roof designs with lots of angles and intersections.

Also check out our Roofing Services in Edina

#3 Structural Integrity And Long-Term Performance

5/8″ sheathing offers better long term performance and structural integrity 1/2 sheathing.

It’s less likely to warp or sag as the years go by. 

If you look at older homes, you’ll often notice that the ones with 5/8″ sheathing still have smoother, more even roofs.

Another cool thing about 5/8″ sheathing is that it’s better at holding nails in place. This is super important in windy areas or if you’re using heavier roofing materials. 

The nails can go in deeper, which means they’re less likely to pop out over time. 

While 1/2″ sheathing can still do a good job in many cases, going with 5/8″ might help you sleep better at night knowing your roof is extra sturdy.

#4 Cost And Installation Considerations

1/2″ sheathing is cheaper than 5/8″, both for the materials and labor. The thinner sheets are lighter and easier to handle, which can make the job go faster and cost less in labor. 

If you’re trying to stick to a budget, it can be a good choice.

But here’s something to think about: while 5/8″ sheathing might cost more upfront, it could save you money in the long run. 

Because it’s tougher, you might not need to fix or replace your roof as often. 

Plus, in some cases, using 5/8″ sheathing means you don’t need to use H-clips between rafters, which could offset some of the extra cost.

#5 Roofing Material Compatibility

Metal Roof Framing Installation With Wooden Trusses On Large Residential Building Construction

The type of roofing material you want to use can also help decide between 1/2″ or 5/8″ sheathing. 

For regular asphalt shingles, which aren’t too heavy, 1/2″ sheathing is usually fine if your rafters or trusses are spaced right. But if you’re going for something heavier like clay tiles, slate, or fancy architectural shingles, you might need the extra strength of 5/8″ sheathing.

Also check out our Edina Roof replacement services.

It’s also worth mentioning that some roofing material makers have specific rules about how thick your sheathing needs to be.

You must follow these rules to keep your warranty valid.

So always check what the roofing material manufacturer says before you decide.

#6 Weight And Handling

The weight difference between 1/2″ and 5/8″ sheathing might not seem like a big deal, but it can matter when you’re actually putting the roof on. 

The 1/2″ sheets are lighter, which makes them easier to move around, especially on steep roofs or in tight spots. 

This can make the job go faster and be safer for the workers.

On the flip side, 5/8″ sheets are heavier, but some roofers like how solid they feel when walking on them during installation.

Building Code Compliance

Now, no matter what you prefer, you’ve got to follow your local building codes

These codes often have specific rules about how thick your roof sheathing needs to be, based on things like:

  • How steep your roof is
  • How tall your building is
  • What the weather’s like in your area

These rules can be really different depending on where you live.

For example, some places that get hit by hurricanes or lots of snow might require 5/8″ sheathing for all homes. In other areas with milder weather, 1/2″ might be totally fine. 

It’s super important to check with your local building department or a licensed contractor to make sure your choice meets all the rules.

Should You Choose 5/8 Or 1/2 Roof Sheathing?

Deciding between 5/8″ and 1/2″ roof sheathing really depends on your specific situation.

If you live somewhere with extreme weather, have a complicated or steep roof, or plan to use heavy roofing materials, 5/8″ sheathing is probably the way to go.

It’s stronger, lasts longer, and might even save you money in the long run.

But if you’re in an area with normal weather, have a simple roof that isn’t too steep, and you’re using regular roofing materials, 1/2″ sheathing might be just fine. 

It can save you some money without sacrificing too much performance, as long as it meets your local building codes.