Roof inspection is highly important to prevent costly repairs, increase roof lifespan, ensure insurance coverage, and boost home value. It detects the damages and protects the roof against leaks, structural issues, and weather-related wear and tear.
The average Wisconsin cost of a roof inspection is $220, with costs typically ranging from $75 to $600. However, the cost varies depending on several factors, including location, roof size, and the type of inspection performed. For example, in Texas, inspecting a 1,700 sq. ft. roof can cost anywhere from $125 to $357. The cost will be lower for basic visual inspection and higher for advanced methods like drone inspections or infrared thermal imaging. Regardless of the expense, you should inspect your roof regularly. Learn a complete guide about How Expensive Are Roof Inspections in the following steps.
Average Cost of Roof Inspections in Wisconsin
- Low-end Pricing: $75 – $200 (basic visual)
- Mid-range Pricing: $200 – $500 (drone or infrared)
- High-end Pricing: $500 – $1,000+ (structural and detailed assessments)
Factors Affecting Roof Inspection Costs
Size
The roof size plays an important role in inspection costs. A small 1000 sq ft. roof will take an hour to inspect, and keep the cost on the lower end. On the other hand, a commercial large 3000 sq ft roof will take several hours, increasing the cost.
| Roof Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost | Cost Factor Multiplier |
| 1,000 | $80–$200 | 1.0 (Baseline) |
| 1,700 | $130–$345 | 1.7x |
| 2,000 | $160–$410 | 2.0x |
| 3,000 | $235–$615 | 3.0x |
| 3,500 | $275–$720 | 3.5x |
Complexity
Not all roofs are designed equally—some roofs are trickier to inspect than others. For example, a steep slope increases the challenge. You need additional safety gear like harnesses or even scaffolding. Similarly, multi-level roofs with intricate designs require more surfaces to check. It increases the cost.
Location
Where you live also impacts the final bill. The regional labor rates vary a lot. Urban areas have higher labor costs than rural areas. The distance between the inspector’s house and your house also influences the cost.
| Region | Average Cost | Cost Variation Index |
| Eastern Seaboard | $165–$375 | 1.0 (Baseline) |
| Southeast | $185–$205 | 0.9x |
| Southwest | $135–$155 | 0.8x |
| West Coast | $260–$1,150 | 2.5x |
| Pacific Northwest | $230–$400 | 1.3x |
Type of Inspection
Inspection depth dictates the overall cost. Simple visual checks for obvious leaks, missing shingles, or wear can cost $70. But a detailed, comprehensive inspection raises the cost bar. Using drones for aerial views or thermal imaging can drive the costs toward $300 or $600.
| Type of Roof Inspection | Cost Range | Description |
| Physical Roof Inspection | $90 – $260 | Traditional hands-on inspection by a roofing professional. |
| Drone Roof Inspection | $180 – $450 | Aerial drone assessment for hard-to-reach areas. |
| Infrared Roof Inspection | $350 – $680 | Thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture and insulation issues. |
| Free Roof Inspection | $0 | Some contractors offer free inspections, often tied to repair services. |
| Other Factors | Varies | Roof repair needs, certification, complexity, and accessibility affect costs. |
Condition
Your roof condition has a lot to do with inspection costs. A well-maintained one with minor wear is easy to assess and inspect, keeping the cost low. But a damaged roof with cracked tiles, widespread leaks, and storm aftermath requires deep analysis, increasing the costs. Roofs with tight spaces require extra time to inspect.
Material Type
Finally, the roof materials influence the cost as well. Asphalt shingles are straightforward to inspect since most inspectors know their patterns. Metal roofs have hidden corrosion, requiring closer scrutiny and increasing the cost. The same goes for clay or concrete tiles.
Additional inspection cost
You may need to pay additional costs for emergency inspections, written reports, and roof certification for insurance. It will increase the cost and make the roof inspection more expensive.
Are Roof Inspections Worth the Expense?
Some homeowners consider a roof inspection an added cost. However, there are a lot of benefits.
Financial Benefits
A routine inspection will cost between $75-$500. However, a lack of inspection leads to major damage, requiring major repair or replacement. It costs $7000 to $12000 or even more. The insurance company will deny claims for damages if you do not have regular inspections. A minor cost of inspection will save you thousands.
Preventing Unseen Damage
Leaks and moisture start small and go unnoticed for a long time, leading to major structural damage. A professional inspection will find minor leaks, shingle wear, and mold growth to prevent unseen damage and increase the roof’s lifespan.
Increase Resale & Property Value
A well-maintained roof increases the resale value. Buyers want to stay away from homes with potential roofing problems. An inspection report can speed up the selling process and ensure transparency.
Saving on Energy Bills
A well-shaped roof keeps energy costs down. Leaks, insulation gaps, or poor ventilation increase energy bills.
Peace of Mind Over Price Tags
Finally, above all things, you will have peace of mind knowing that your roof is well-shaped. The roof will stay good during the stormy times.
What to expect during an inspection
Exterior Inspection: The inspection will include checking shingles, tiles, metal panels, chimneys, vents, skylights, gutters, downspouts, roof slopes, and drainage evaluation.
Interior Inspection: It will include attic inspecting insulation, ventilation, water stains, mold, leaks, and light penetration.
Structural Evaluation: The structural inspection involves roof decking and support inspection, storm damage or improper repairs assessment, and pest infestation check.
Specialized Testing: Specialized testing is done through professionals, including infrared scanning, drone inspection, and core sampling for flat roofs.
Final Report & Recommendations: You will receive a detailed inspection report with repair and maintenance suggestions, along with cost estimates and preventative care tips.
Should you hire a professional to inspect the roof or do it yourself?
Hiring professionals is better since they know exactly where to look and how to look. It reduces the chances of missing minor and hidden problems. Besides, they have training and safety equipment to perform the inspection safely. It will surely cost you some money but provide a long-term gain.
| Factor | Professional Roof Inspection | DIY Roof Inspection |
| Cost | $75 – $600 | Free |
| Safety | Drones, infrared cameras, and moisture meters | Risky – Potential for falls and injuries |
| Expertise | In-depth | Limited |
| Equipment Used | Drones, infrared cameras, moisture meters | Basic tools (binoculars, ladder) |
| Time Required | 30 minutes to a few hours | Varies, but can take longer |
| Insurance Benefits | Yes | No |
| Risk of Missing Issues | Low – Experts detect minor and hidden problems | High – Untrained eyes may overlook damage |
| Long-Term Savings | Prevents expensive repairs by catching issues early | Missed problems can lead to costly repairs later |
| Best for | Selling a home, insurance claims | Quick check, tight budget |
How to find a good contractor for a roof inspection
- Search online for ‘Best roof contractor near me’ and check the top contractors.
- Check their credentials. Verify their license, insurance, and certifications. Look for associations with roofing associations.
- Check their reviews on Google, Yelp, and BBB ratings. Ask previous customers if possible.
- Compare their pricing for fair pricing.
- Ask about their inspection method. See whether they will use drones, infrared scanning, or moisture meters.
- Choose a contractor with the most experience.
- Check whether they provide a written report and warranty.
- Be cautious about the contractors pushing unnecessary repairs. Do not pay upfront.
Tips on saving roof inspection cost
- Always ask for a free inspection. Some roofing companies offer free inspections.
- Try to book an inspection during late fall or early winter when the demand is lower.
- Try to combine the inspection with minor repairs, maintenance, and roof cleaning to get a discount.
- Get multiple quotes from multiple contractors and compare their pricing with the services.
- Start with a visual inspection first before opting for costly drone or infrared scans.
- Check for home insurance coverage since some policies cover inspections caused by storms.
- Perform a DIY check for visible damage.
- Hire local reputable contractors to skip additional travel fees.
How often should you have your roof inspected?
Regularity is the key here. Perform an inspection once a year. Besides, you must perform the inspection after severe weather events such as hail, high winds, or heavy rainfall. If the roof age is over 20 years, check twice a year.
When should you inspect
- After any severe weather events.
- Before buying or selling a home.
- After seeing any visible damage or signs of trouble.
- Once a year for roofs with less than 20 years old.
Need Professional Help For Roof Inspection?
If you are a homeowner in Wisconsin and you are planning to have a professional roofer inspect your roof, Northern Generation can help you out. We are a fully insured and licensed roofing contractor with a 100+5-star rating of customer reviews. We use modern equipment to inspect the roof at an affordable price. Contact us now.