What Should Be Included in a Roofing Estimate?

The most common mistake homeowners make is comparing totals. A written estimate should tell you exactly what will happen to your house, in enough detail that another contractor could read it and do the same job.

Scope of work

• Number of layers being removed and hauled away.
• Roof area in squares, so you can sanity-check the size.
• Shingle brand, product line and color.
• Underlayment type and where ice-and-water shield goes.
• New drip edge, valley treatment and flashing details, including chimney and wall flashing.
• Ventilation work: ridge vent, static vents, or existing vents reused.
• New pipe boots.
• Whether the estimate assumes reusing anything, and what.

Money and terms

• Total price and what it includes.
• How replacement decking is priced, usually per sheet, and whether an allowance is included.
• Payment schedule and deposit.
• Workmanship warranty length and what it covers.
• Manufacturer warranty being registered, if applicable.
• Permit responsibility and cost.

The company itself

• Legal business name, address and phone number on the document.
• Proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
• Any licensing or registration required by your municipality.
• Who is on the job: employees or subcontracted crews.

Practical questions worth asking

• How will you protect landscaping, siding and the driveway?
• How is cleanup handled, including nails in the yard?
• What happens if weather interrupts the job mid-tear-off?
• Who is my point of contact while the crew is here?

Get it in writing. A verbal promise from a friendly salesperson is not part of the contract.