If you’re looking to replace the roof on a small home, ADU, mobile home, or even a backyard structure like a gazebo or pavilion, the math works a little differently than it does for a standard-sized house. On small projects, fixed costs like labor, setup, and disposal do not shrink much, so the price per square foot is often higher on low square footage jobs. For a roof that ends up around 500 sq. ft. of actual roof surface, many homeowners see total roof costs land in the $2,000 to $4,000 range, depending on the type of asphalt shingle and complexity.
In the roofing world, we measure jobs by the “square.” One square is a 10’ x 10’ area, or 100 square feet of roof surface. Important note: a 500 sq. ft. house footprint is not always a 500 sq. ft. roof. Pitch, overhangs, and design features can increase the total roof surface area, so the measured roof area is often larger than the home’s footprint.
The Quick Answer: Average Cost in 2026
While every job is unique, the average cost for a professionally installed asphalt shingle roof is around $5 to $8 per square foot on small projects. This roof pricing reflects installed work, including labor, tear-off, underlayment, disposal, and standard flashing details. Contractors usually quote a “price per square,” which covers a 10′ x 10′ area of roofing. On small jobs, the per-square price is often higher because minimum labor, setup, and disposal costs still apply.
If a quote comes in much lower than this, be careful. A “steal” of a price often comes from fly-by-night companies that lack proper licensing or insurance. These crews usually aren’t backed by major manufacturers and may lack the experience to handle technical details.
At RoofPRO, we have stepped in to fix many small roofs on everything from mobile homes to gazebos where a previous roofer used poor nailing patterns or skipped the drip edge entirely. This often leaves the owner with a leak and no one to call for help.
Cost Breakdown by Asphalt Roof Shingle Type
The type of asphalt shingles that you pick is a factor in your final bill. Because a 500 sq. ft. footprint is small, upgrading to a higher-quality asphalt shingle will add a few hundred dollars to the total price, which is usually a smart investment for the long run.
3-Tab Shingles: The Budget-Friendly Option
3-tab asphalt shingles are the most affordable asphalt option. They have a flat, uniform look and work well if you’re on a tight budget or roofing a basic shed. However, they don’t handle high winds as well as architectural shingles and generally have a shorter lifespan.
- Cost per square foot: $4–$5
- Total Project Estimate: $2,000–$2,500.
Architectural Shingles: The Best Value
Also called “dimensional” shingles, architectural shingles are the standard for most homes today. They are thicker, look great, and are much more durable against heavy rain and wind. At RoofPRO, we find these are the best “bang for your buck” for small asphalt shingle roofing.
- Cost per square foot: $4–$8
- Total Project Estimate: $2,250–$4,000
Luxury Asphalt Shingles: Premium Style
Luxury asphalt shingles are designed to mimic the look of natural slate or cedar shakes. They are heavy-duty and offer the highest level of protection, making them a popular choice for high-end ADUs or custom pavilions where aesthetics are a top priority.
- Cost per square foot: $8–$12+
- Total Project Estimate: $4,000-$6,000+
Why Small Roofs Often Have “Hidden” Costs
You might notice the “per square” price for a 500 sq. ft. roof is sometimes higher than what you’d see for a 2,000 sq. ft. house. This usually comes down to two things:
The Minimum Mobilization Fee
Roofing crews have fixed costs just to get to your driveway. This includes insurance, gas, and the time it takes to set up safety equipment. For a small 5-square job, the contractor still has to pay for the crew for the time before and after the specific shingle replacement work, even if the work only takes 4 or 5 hours. To cover this, they may charge a higher rate per square than they would for a massive project.
Waste Disposal and Container Costs
Whether you are throwing away 5 squares of old shingles or 20, a disposal bin still needs to be dropped off and picked up. Since a 500 sq. ft. house doesn’t produce enough waste to fill a standard industrial dumpster, you are often paying for “empty space” in the bin, which can slightly inflate your total cost.
Variables That Can Increase Your Estimate
Even on a small project, certain factors can shift the price. At RoofPRO, we’ve worked on everything from a simple mobile home roof to complex gazebos, and we’ve seen how these details matter:
Roof Pitch and Steepness
The “pitch” is the angle of your roof. A flat or standard-slope roof is easy to walk on, making the job faster and safer. If your roof is “walkable,” you’ll likely stay on the lower end of the price scale. However, if your 500 sq. ft. home has a steep pitch that requires harness systems and scaffolding, labor costs will increase.
Complexity: Valleys, Dormers, and Chimneys
A simple “up and over” roof (two flat sides) is the cheapest to install. If your small home has a complex design with
- Valleys: Where two roof planes meet.
- Dormers: Small windows poking out of the roof.
- Chimneys or Skylights: Which require custom flashing.
Each of these features requires more detailed work and extra materials like “ice and water shield” and metal flashing, which can push your quote toward the $850 per square mark.
Ventilation Changes
Even a small roof needs proper airflow. If vents are missing or undersized, the contractor may add ridge vents, box vents, or intake ventilation. That adds materials and labor, but it helps prevent moisture issues and heat buildup that can shorten shingle life.
Number of Existing Layers
If your roof has one layer of shingles, tear-off is faster and cheaper. If there are two layers, removal takes longer and disposal costs go up. Many areas also require a full tear-off once a second layer exists, which can raise the total price.
The Condition of Your Roof Decking
Your quote usually assumes the wood underneath (the decking) is in good shape. Once the old shingles are removed, if the crew finds soft spots or rot, you will need to pay for new plywood sheets. In 2026, expect to pay between $70 and $120 per sheet for these repairs.
Replacement vs. Recovery: Should You Tear Off the Old Roof?
When a roof installation is for a small 500 sq. ft. space, you have two choices:
- Full Replacement: The crew removes every old asphalt shingle, inspects the wood, and installs a completely new system with updated roofing materials. This is the most common and recommended method.
- Roof Recovery (Overlay): This involves nailing new asphalt shingles directly over the old ones. While this saves on labor and disposal costs, it is often a “false economy.” Overlays can hide defects, which can shorten the life of your new roof, and many manufacturers will not honor their warranty if the roof wasn’t stripped first.
Do You Need a Permit for a Small Roof?
In many places, you do not need a permit for a basic roof replacement, especially on a small roof. But some cities or counties do require one, depending on the type of roof and the work being done. Rules can change, so it is smart to check before the job starts. A professional roofer should confirm the requirements and pull the permit when it is needed. If a permit is required and skipped, it can cause issues later during a home sale or an insurance claim.
Pro Tips for Saving Money on a Small Roof
Because your project is only 5 squares, you have a few unique ways to save on the cost of replacement:
- Be a “Fill-In” Job: Tell contractors you are flexible on the date. They may offer a discount to fit your small 500 sq. ft. job into a gap in their schedule between two larger projects.
- Standardize Your Materials: Avoid custom colors or specialty “designer” shingles that have to be special-ordered. Stick to “stock” architectural shingles that the contractor already has in their warehouse.
- Consider a Winter Installation: The “off-season” can be your best friend. Many homeowners wait until spring or summer, but roofing in the winter (provided temperatures are above freezing for the asphalt shingles to seal) can lead to significantly lower quotes. Contractors are often looking to keep their crews busy during the colder months and may offer competitive “winter rates” to secure your business.
Understanding Roofing Warranties on Small Projects
Most asphalt roof replacement projects come with two layers of warranty coverage. One comes from the shingle manufacturer, and the other comes from the contractor who installs the roof. The manufacturer warranty is mainly about the asphalt shingles themselves. If the product fails because of a defect, that is the type of issue it is meant to cover. The workmanship warranty is different. It covers problems that come from how the roof was installed, like missed details or installation errors.
This still matters on a small roof, because mistakes do not get smaller just because the roof is smaller. Ventilation that is missing or undersized, installing new asphalt shingles over old layers, or sloppy work can lead to problems and can also void the manufacturer warranty. That is why it helps to ask upfront what is covered, what could void coverage, and what the installer will do to keep the warranty valid.
Some roofing installs through RoofPRO can qualify for an upgraded manufacturer warranty that also includes workmanship coverage. That adds a stronger layer of protection, because it covers both the asphalt shingle roof as a product and the installation as a system. It also reduces the finger-pointing that can happen when a homeowner is stuck between a manufacturer and an installer.
What to Look for in a Professional Roofing Quote
Before you sign a contract for your 500 sq. ft. roof, ensure your “per square” quote is transparent. A low price can quickly balloon if these items aren’t clearly defined in writing. Use this checklist to vet your contractor:
- Permits: Does the price include local building permits? Not every area requires them for a small 500 sq. ft. structure, but you need to know if your location does and who is responsible for filing the paperwork.
- Disposal & Cleanup: Is the cost of the dumpster and debris haul-away included? Additionally, ask if they use a magnetic “nail sweep” to ensure your yard is safe for pets and tires after the job.
- Underlayment Quality: Are they using modern synthetic underlayment or old-fashioned felt? Synthetic is the 2026 standard for superior moisture protection.
- The Unexpected Wood Clause: Does the contract include a set amount of wood replacement, or is it an extra charge? Ensure the quote lists the specific per-sheet price for plywood/OSB and the per-linear-foot (LF) cost for fascia or trim if rot is discovered during the tear-off.
- Flashing & Drip Edge: On a small roof, water runoff is concentrated. Ensure the quote includes new drip edges and chimney/vent flashing rather than “reusing” the old, rusty metal.
- Manufacturer vs. Workmanship Warranty: Does the price include both a manufacturer’s warranty on the asphalt shingles (protecting against material defects) and a workmanship warranty from the contractor (protecting against installation errors)?
- Ventilation Check: Even a 500 sq. ft. space needs to breathe. Does your quote include the installation of ridge vents or turtle vents to prevent heat buildup and attic mold?
Get Clear Shingle Costs and a Free Roofing Installation Estimate
Whether the roof is a smaller square foot area, a tiny home or a larger house, the team at RoofPRO has the expertise to get the job done right the first time. Since 2004, we have established ourselves as Maryland’s trusted roofing authority, specializing in everything from minor repairs to full-scale residential replacements.
As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, a distinction held by only the top 1% of roofers, we combine high-level technical skill with the personalized service of a local, family-owned business. Our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and 2024 “Best of the Best” award reflect our commitment to transparency and ethical pricing. No project is too large or too small for our crews. We apply the same rigorous quality standards to a 5-square ADU as we do to a commercial complex.
Use the Instant Estimate Tool
For homeowners who want a quick starting point, RoofPRO also offers a free online instant estimating tool. This calculator provides ballpark estimates based on roof size, roofing material choices, and typical installation costs, helping you understand potential costs before speaking with roofing contractors. It is a simple way to compare options, plan ahead, and decide when it makes sense to move forward with a full, in-person inspection.
Don’t leave your home’s protection to chance. Contact RoofPRO today at (410) 428-6806 or visit us online to schedule your free, no-obligation estimate and see why Severn homeowners have trusted us for over 20 years.