What to include in a roofing estimate
A roof is one of the biggest bills a homeowner pays, and they usually compare three or more estimates. The most detailed one often wins. Include:
- Your business details: name, phone, email, license number and proof of insurance if customers ask for it.
- Customer name and property address.
- Roof size in squares (one square is 100 sq ft), the pitch, and how many layers you will tear off.
- The roofing material: brand, product line and color.
- Underlayment and ice and water shield, and where they go (valleys, eaves).
- Flashing, drip edge and ventilation such as ridge vent.
- Your decking policy: the price per sheet for rotted decking found after tear-off.
- Dumpster, disposal, permit and clean-up, including a magnetic nail sweep.
- Warranty: the manufacturer's product warranty and your workmanship warranty.
- Timeline, weather note, deposit and total.
How to price a roofing job
- Measure the roof in squares. Take the area of each roof plane and divide by 100. Satellite measurement reports are a quick way to check your numbers.
- Add waste. Many roofers add around 10 to 15% for simple gable roofs and more for hips, valleys and cut-up roofs.
- Price per square for tear-off and for installation. Charge more for steep or high roofs and for each extra layer removed.
- Add the extras by linear foot or each: drip edge, ridge vent, flashing, pipe boots.
- Add fixed costs: dumpster, permit and delivery.
- Set a decking allowance or a clear per-sheet price, because you cannot see the deck until the old roof is off.
The price list in the tool above uses example US prices. Replace them with your own.
Example: 20-square shingle roof replacement
| Item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tear off existing shingles (per square, one layer) | 20 | $2,000.00 |
| Asphalt shingle roof replacement (per square) | 20 | $11,000.00 |
| Ice and water shield (per square) | 3 | $270.00 |
| Ridge vent (per linear ft) | 40 | $400.00 |
| Dumpster and disposal | 1 | $500.00 |
| Roofing permit fee | 1 | $250.00 |
| Total | $14,420.00 | |
| Deposit to order materials (30%) | $4,326.00 |
These numbers are only an example. Real prices depend on the roof, the materials, local code and your area. Some places limit how large a deposit a contractor can take, so check your local rules.
Estimates for insurance claims
After storms, many roofing jobs are paid partly by the homeowner's insurance. Itemize clearly, using the same kind of line items an adjuster uses (squares, tear-off, underlayment, flashing, vents), so the customer can compare your estimate with the insurance report. Never offer to waive or cover the customer's deductible; in many places that is illegal.
Estimate vs. quote vs. invoice
An estimate suits most roof replacements, because the decking is hidden until tear-off. A quote fixes the price for a clearly defined job, often with a per-sheet price for any extra decking. An invoice is the bill when the work is done. The tool above switches between all three without retyping.
Tips to win more roofing jobs
- Show photos of the damage you found, especially from up on the roof where the homeowner cannot see.
- Offer material options, such as standard architectural shingles, a premium line and metal.
- Explain your warranty in plain words.
- Give a realistic start date and explain what happens if it rains.
- Follow up within two or three days.
Frequently asked questions
Is this roofing estimate template free?
Yes. Make and download as many estimates as you like. Free PDFs include a small line at the bottom saying they were made with QuoteToolbelt.
Do I need to sign up?
No. Your business details are saved in your own browser on this device only, and nothing is uploaded.
What is a roofing square?
One square is 100 square feet of roof. A 2,000 sq ft roof is 20 squares. In the tool, enter the number of squares as the quantity on any per-square line.
How should I handle rotted decking on an estimate?
Since you cannot see the deck until the old roof is off, list a price per sheet for replacement decking and say you will replace only what is needed and report it. The default terms in the tool do this.
How long should a roofing estimate be valid?
30 days is common, because material prices change. Mention that the start date depends on the weather.