What Does a Roofing Estimate Include?

Homeowners often ask, “what does a roofing estimate include?” and then quickly ask if all that information is essential. Our answer is always that an estimate should include as much information as possible and that, yes, all that information is indeed necessary, as we’ll explain below.

All reputable roofing companies will provide an itemized estimate for repairing or replacing your house’s roof. This ensures that the contractor knows what he must do, and you’ll know what the roofing contractor will be doing, with neither receiving any unpleasant surprises like cost overruns.

The Most Common Items Listed on a Roofing Estimate

How far a roofing contractor breaks down his estimate depends on his thoroughness, which is often a good reflection of how well your roof will be installed. As a minimum, the list of following items should be included and detailed on a written estimate:

How much of the roof will be removed, and what parts will be kept intact? This item is usually described as roof layers and mentions specific roofing materials.
It is often challenging to identify rotten decking during an inspection. Still, the estimate should include a contingency item specifying how damaged decking will be replaced and billed – preferably per sheet.
What procedures the roofing contractor will take to mitigate damage to your property during the removal and installation phases is an important item they must cost accurately.
The installation method must be mentioned, including an itemized analysis of all consumables. Nails cost money each, even though they are bought by the pound.
The roof system components must be itemized so you know how much it costs and what your potential roofing contractor will use on your new roof. If a component is not specified, it’s a warning that inferior or makeshift materials could end up on the roof.
The type and manufacturer of all the roof vents must be listed. The information should also include any manufacturer’s warranty that might be applicable.
It’s necessary to accurately describe pipe boots and roof flashing, as these are often the culprits when a roof leaks.
Good residential and commercial roofing contractors will always provide a warranty of excellence on their labor, which is separate from the guarantee provided by the manufacturer of the roofing materials. This guarantee should be comprehensively described and include what remedies will be applied in case of problems with the roof.
The cost of removing the old roofing materials from your property and disposing of it at approved sites must be itemized, especially for older roofs that might contain asbestos.
The validity period of the estimate must be clearly stated and provide ample time for you not to feel pressured into accepting it.
A reasonable estimate will also include the right to rescission and stipulate the terms and any penalties should you decide not to continue after accepting and signing the written estimate for a new roof.
The labor cost must also be itemized, usually at the applicable item. For example, the cost of unloading the new asphalt shingles at your house must be clearly stated, as this enables you to determine the purchase price and compare it to other estimates.

About DB3 Roofing

We have been installing and repairing residential and commercial roofs for over thirty years. Our estimates are comprehensively itemized, and we always go through each item with you, so you understand the overall quality of our service.