What's in my roofing estimate?

What's in a roofing estimate

Roofing work is an expensive investment in the future of your home, which is why it's essential to find a reasonable price from a qualified professional. A roofing estimate—also known as a roofing bid—tells you everything you need to know about your project. Estimates vary significantly among local roofing contractors. One might give you a handwritten, one-page summary, and another an official-looking document of several pages. Either is fine, as long it contains the following information.

Roofing estimate

1. Company Information

Every roofing estimate should include basic information about the company and the project timeline. This includes:

• Phone number and email address
• Project team manager
• Business owner
• Estimated start and completion date
• Payment terms

You can use this information to research other contractors and answer your questions. Do they have a history of quality work? Not every contractor has a significant online presence, so you might have to dig further than a Google search.

2. Proof of Licenses and Insurance

Most cities and states require contractors to have a license and insurance, including liability insurance and workers' compensation. Hiring a contractor who doesn't meet the qualifications poses many risks, not just to shoddy work but also to personal injury. A reputable contractor will provide proof. You can verify a contractor's license by checking their license number on the State of Illinois licensing board. You may also want your contractor to include evidence of bonding, which protects you if your contractor fails to complete the job.

3. Itemized Costs

Our roofing estimate will outline the project costs to avoid surprises. It also helps you compare bids. The estimate will include the cost for:

• Labor
• Permits
• Material
• Cleanup
• Removal of construction debris

This list consists of the cost to tear out the old roof, install underlayment, add new shingles and flashing, repair gutters, and clean up after the project is completed.

4. Information About Your Roofing System's Components

Roofs have many components. Most of these roof system components will need to be replaced, depending on your job.

Underlayment

Underlayment is a protective layer put over your roof's decking. We will outline the thickness, type, and manufacturer of the underlayment we plan to use. There are three main types:

• Asphalt-saturated felt
• Rubberized asphalt
• Synthetic underlayment

Ventilation

Homeowners must choose between two types of ventilation: active and passive. Active ventilation circulates by pulling outside air into your home and pushing indoor air out. Passive ventilation relies on natural forces such as wind and thermal buoyancy. Passive ventilation is a greener option, but it's less consistent than active ventilation. Once you choose the type of ventilation, you'll also have to select the type of vent.

Shingles

Shingles are typically priced per one hundred square feet. Like underlayment, we will outline the type, manufacturer, and the number of shingles (measured in 100 sq. ft. bundles) that we plan to use. Most homeowners choose architectural asphalt shingles.

Flashing

Flashing is a thin metal material used to direct water away from areas of your home, such as the chimney, walls, and roof valleys. Your estimate will include replacement flashing for the entire project.

5. A Plan for Possible Decking Replacement

Decking is the heart of a roof, but wood (the most popular roof decking) is prone to rot. Unless it's evident from our roof measurements, we can't determine in advance whether your decking has rotted out until we begin tearing off the old roof. For this reason, your estimate will include the cost to replace the decking.

6. Warranty

The materials we use typically have a manufacturer's warranty, which will be extended to the homeowner. We will also provide an additional labor warranty to guarantee the quality of our work.

Do I need to get a roofing contract?

We are happy to provide a contract upon request. If you find the estimate agreeable, we can start the roof replacement process. The information in a roofing contract is identical to that in a bid, but with a few additional clauses that protect both parties from liability. This includes:

• Further specifics on final payment (due upon completion)
• Provisions for change orders or add-ons that result in an extra charge