Roof Replacement in Los Angeles County
70.3% of Los Angeles County housing units were built before 1980 (Census, 2020 to 2024); the median declared re-roof permit value in the City of Los Angeles was $5,200 over the last 12 months.
Los Angeles County at a glance
- Los Angeles County: share of housing units built before 1980, 2020 to 2024
- 70.3%
- Los Angeles County: median year structure built, 2020 to 2024
- 1965
- Los Angeles County: share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied, 2020 to 2024
- 45.9%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of
- Numbers from US Census and LADBS public records
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What do permits say a re-roof costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. The dataset covers the City of Los Angeles only, so treat it as a regional reference for Los Angeles County. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles permit figures
Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles permit figures
Local numbers for Los Angeles County, each with its source and date.
- Los Angeles County: median value of owner-occupied homes, 2020 to 20241
- $834,200
- Los Angeles County: total housing units, 2020 to 20241
- 3,650,466
- City of Los Angeles: issued re-roof permits, all property types, last 12 months2
- 13,428 permits
- City of Los Angeles: median declared permit valuation, re-roof permits on 1 or 2 family dwellings, last 12 months2
- $5,200
Planning your project
70.3% of housing units in Los Angeles County were built before 1980 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 to 2024), so an older roof is common here. Plan your replacement around the age of your home, not only the roofing material.
What Los Angeles County homes mean for your roof replacement
The median year structure built is 1965, so many roofs have been in place for a long time. Check how many layers are already on the roof, the condition of the decking, and the vents and flashing around chimneys and walls.
Owner-occupied homes are 45.9% of occupied housing units, so many roofs belong to rental homes. Owners of rentals should plan the work around tenants and give clear notice of the schedule.
The median value of owner-occupied homes is $834,200. Think about budget and resale in general terms only.
In the City of Los Angeles, the median declared permit valuation for re-roofs on 1 or 2 family dwellings was $5,200 over the last 12 months, and 13,428 re-roof permits of all property types were issued in the same period. Those figures cover the City of Los Angeles only. Each city in the county runs its own permits, so check the rules where your home is.
Declared permit value for re-roofs in the City of Los Angeles
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median declared permit valuation, re-roof permits on 1 or 2 family dwellings, City of Los Angeles, last 12 monthsA declared value on a building permit, not the full project cost. The real cost depends on your roof size, materials and condition. | $5,200 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $5,200.
Declared value on City of Los Angeles permits for 1 or 2 family homes over the last 12 months. It is a median of declared values, not a contract price, and it is usually below the real project cost. Get an estimate for your home from a local builder.
What a roof replacement usually involves
What a roof replacement usually involves
Inspect the roof and decide on replacement
Have the roof inspected for leaks, soft spots, sagging and damaged flashing. Ask whether a repair would be enough or whether the whole roof should be replaced.
Choose the roofing material
Compare materials such as asphalt shingle, metal, or tile. Heavier tile needs a structure that can carry the load, so ask the builder to check the framing first.
Get a permit where your city requires one
Many cities require a permit for re-roofing. Your builder can confirm what your city requires and who files the application.
Tear off and repair the deck
Remove the old roofing. Check the decking underneath for rot or damage and plan repairs before new material goes on. In very old homes, test roofing materials for asbestos before disturbing them.
Install underlayment and new roofing
Install a new underlayment, then the new roofing. Replace or repair vents, flashing and drip edges so water has a clear path off the roof.
Inspection and sign-off
Schedule the final inspection if your city requires one. Keep the permit and inspection records with your home papers.
Roof replacement questions in Los Angeles County
Who issues the permit for a roof replacement?
Each city in Los Angeles County runs its own permits, so check with the building department in the city where your home sits. In the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Building and Safety issued 13,428 permits for re-roofs of all property types over the last 12 months. That figure only covers the City of Los Angeles, not the whole county.
Does the age of my home change the job?
Age matters. 70.3% of housing units in Los Angeles County were built before 1980, and the median year structure built is 1965 (Census, 2020 to 2024). Older roofs often have several layers, decking that may need repair after tear-off, and older vents and flashing. Very old roofing materials may contain asbestos, so ask your builder about testing. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
How much does a roof replacement cost?
The median declared permit valuation for re-roofs on 1 or 2 family dwellings in the City of Los Angeles over the last 12 months was $5,200. That is a declared value on the permit, not the contract price, and it is usually below the real project cost. A local builder can look at your roof and give you an estimate.
Does a new roof pay off when I sell?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Los Angeles County is $834,200 (Census, 2020 to 2024). Use that only as a general sense of local home values when you think about budget and resale. It does not predict what your roof will add to your home's value.
I own a rental. What should I plan for?
Owner-occupied homes make up 45.9% of occupied housing units in Los Angeles County (Census, 2020 to 2024), so many roofs are on rental homes. If you own a rental, plan the work around your tenants and tell them the schedule in advance.
How do I get started?
Send a request with your address and roof details. A local builder who receives the request can contact you about your project. You can also check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board).
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Whole-home remodel, exterior 
New home, exterior
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