What should a roofing estimate include? A homeowner's checklist
6 min read
Two roofing estimates can show the same bottom-line price and describe completely different jobs. The difference is in the scope — the line items that say exactly what the contractor will (and won't) do. Here is what a complete roofing estimate should spell out, so you can compare bids on equal footing instead of guessing.
The roof itself
A solid estimate names the materials by brand and product line, not just "shingles." Owens Corning Duration and a builder-grade 3-tab are not the same roof, and the warranty that comes with each is very different.
It should also state how many layers will be torn off, whether the decking will be inspected and how replacing rotten plywood is priced, and the underlayment, drip edge, flashing, and ventilation being installed. Vague wording here is the single most common reason two prices don't actually compare.
The paperwork that protects you
Look for the permit. In most of Florida a roof replacement requires one, and a missing permit line is worth a direct question. The estimate should also reference the contractor's license number and proof of insurance.
Warranty is two separate things: the manufacturer's warranty on the materials, and the contractor's workmanship warranty on the labor. A complete estimate states both, with their lengths.
What happens around the work
Good estimates account for the unglamorous parts: dumpster and debris haul-off, protecting landscaping and the pool cage, magnetic nail sweep of the yard, and who handles any HOA or inspection sign-off. These are cheap to promise and expensive to discover were left out.
Quick checklist: a complete roofing estimate names…
- ✓Material brand, product line, and color
- ✓Number of layers torn off, and how rotten-decking replacement is priced
- ✓Underlayment, drip edge, flashing, and ventilation
- ✓Permit and inspection responsibility
- ✓Contractor license number and insurance
- ✓Manufacturer warranty AND workmanship warranty, with lengths
- ✓Cleanup, debris haul-off, and nail sweep
- ✓A clear total with a payment schedule