"The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining" - John F. Kennedy (1962)
If you make a good decision when you first build a home, then you won't have to repair the roof that often. There are many different roof options you should consider so we'll review a few.
1) Good 'ol Shingles:
'Regular' or 3-tab shingles have the least amount of cost when roofing. They're made of asphalt, light (in weight), and rectangular. They usually get the job done for 15-20 years. As with all types of roofs, if you live in a harsher climate, the longevity goes down. If you don't want to be on your roof very often, this isn't the option to consider.
Architectural shingles (above) are a higher grade asphalt shingle that includes some type of reinforcement (usually fiberglass). These shingles are rated to last 25 to 30 years. They are also thicker and have a 'textured' look that covers up minor imperfections. These shingles will cost you about 25% more than regular shingles.
2) Metal
Metal roofing is a major upgrade from shingles. A metal roof is rated at 50+ years. They are more wind/water resistant and save an owner in heating and cooling costs. Many roofs are also made of recycled metal. There is a signifcantly larger upfront cost but you probably won't re-roof your home during your life time with a metal roof.
3) Others
There are several other ways to roof your home: Clay, Tar and Gravel, Wood Shingles, etc. but because they are less common in residential real estate this post won't review these.