Washtenaw County, Michigan
Roof replacement in Ann Arbor, MI
Local permit information, planning numbers and next steps for Ann Arbor homeowners, businesses, churches, schools and associations.
About 24 miles southwest of Farmington Hills, inside our 60-mile free home inspection area.
What to know in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County, about 25 miles southwest of Farmington Hills, and home to the University of Michigan. A large share of the housing is rentals, so landlords and property managers are a big part of the roofing picture, and rental properties go through the city’s own inspection program. Older neighborhoods such as the Old West Side and those near campus have early 1900s homes with steep roofs, dormers, chimneys and wood trim, and some are in historic districts where exterior changes are reviewed.
Newer subdivisions and condominium communities on the edges of the city have larger roofs with more valleys and HOA rules on shingle color and style. Mature trees shade many roofs, which keeps them damp and grows moss. Commercial property includes research buildings, medical offices, apartments and downtown buildings with flat roofs behind parapets.
Permits
The City of Ann Arbor requires a permit and inspection for a full roof replacement, and permits are handled through the city Building, Rental and Inspection Services online portal. Ann Arbor Township and other surrounding townships have their own building departments. Michigan requires a state license for residential roofing contractors.
Ann Arbor building and permit information (checked 2026-09-27)
Roofing considerations for Ann Arbor properties
Ann Arbor roofs serve a diverse mix of historic homes, university-area rentals, renovated properties, modern construction, and commercial buildings. The market includes everything from small older homes with intricate roof details to larger properties with complex architectural designs. That range makes cookie-cutter roofing advice less useful than a property-specific inspection.
A strong Ann Arbor inspection should evaluate the roof’s condition alongside its design, age, ventilation, drainage, and maintenance history. For homeowners, landlords, and property managers, the goal is to find issues early, whether that means damaged shingles, flashing failure, tree impact, blocked gutters, or an aging roof approaching replacement. A clear recommendation makes budgeting and timing easier.
Free inspections in Ann Arbor
Free home inspections are available in Ann Arbor. Commercial, church, school and association roofs can be inspected anywhere in Ohio and Michigan. An inspection covers shingles or membrane, flashing, valleys, gutters, attic ventilation and storm damage. Inspections are done by our founder, Jonathan Blake, or, if you allow it, by the independent roofing and exterior contractor he works for.
Get a free Ann Arbor roof inspection and a clear path forward for your home, rental, or commercial property.
Nearby city guides: Ypsilanti (7 mi) · Saline (8 mi) · Canton (13 mi) · Plymouth (15 mi) · Northville (17 mi) · Brighton (17 mi) · Westland (18 mi) · Novi (19 mi)
See every community we map around the Farmington Hills area, or browse all city roofing guides.
Tools for Ann Arbor projects: roof replacement planner · gutter calculator · window planner · commercial roof planner · Michigan guide
Quick roof estimate for Ann Arbor
Move the sliders. Numbers update instantly.
Provisional planning range (our setting, not a quote or market average). Real prices depend on condition, access and scope.
What this estimate does and doesn't cover
- It all depends on the roof. Condition, material, pitch, number of layers, access and local code can move the price well outside this range. Treat it as a first budget number, not a price.
- Roof area is a rough guess. We turn living area into roof area using your stories, a 10% allowance for overhangs and your pitch. Garages, porches, dormers, valleys and complex shapes are not counted. A measurement report or an on-site measurement will differ.
- The dollar band is our own provisional setting, informed by published guides. It is not a verified Ohio or Michigan market average, not a contractor quote and not an offer.
- Assumes a straightforward replacement: one layer torn off, standard underlayment, ice barrier at eaves, flashing and cleanup.
- Not included: rotted decking, extra layers, framing or structural repair, major ventilation changes, chimney work, skylights, gutters, permits, steep or difficult access, and insurance-related work.
- Repairs are not priced. Leaks, storm damage and small repairs need an inspection.
- Stay off the roof. Measure from the ground or plans, and get a written proposal from a licensed, insured contractor before you decide.
See how we set ranges and our disclosures.
Commercial roof estimate for Ann Arbor
Provisional planning range (our setting, not a quote or market average). Real prices depend on condition, access and scope.
Ann Arbor roofing questions
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor requires a permit for residential re-roofing. The City of Ann Arbor requires a permit and inspection for a full roof replacement, and permits are handled through the city Building, Rental and Inspection Services online portal. Ann Arbor Township and other surrounding townships have their own building departments. Michigan requires a state license for residential roofing contractors. Check with the building department before work starts. We last checked on 2026-09-27.
How much does a new roof cost in Ann Arbor?
It all depends on the roof: condition, material, pitch, layers, decking and access. The quick estimate on this page applies our provisional Michigan planning settings for shingles, metal and flat roofs. They are budgeting settings, not a local average or a quote. Get written proposals for real prices.
Do you inspect commercial roofs in Ann Arbor?
Yes. Commercial buildings, churches, schools, municipal buildings, HOAs, condos and apartment communities in Ann Arbor can request an inspection, as can any in Ohio or Michigan. Inspections are done by our founder, Jonathan Blake, or, if you allow it, by the independent roofing and exterior contractor he works for.
Can I get a free roof inspection in Ann Arbor?
Yes. Request a Free Asset Protection Inspection from this page. Inspections are done by our founder, Jonathan Blake, or, if you allow it, by the independent roofing and exterior contractor he works for.