How to estimate a roofing job
Measure in squares. A roofing square is 100 square feet. Measure each plane, add 10–15% for waste on a gable roof (more on a hip or cut-up roof), and price materials by the square so the homeowner can compare your estimate with others.
Price the tear-off separately. The number of layers to remove, the pitch, and the disposal cost change the price of a tear-off. A separate line shows the homeowner why your price differs from a lay-over quote.
Put decking on a unit price. You cannot see rotten decking until the shingles are off. Include a few sheets in the estimate and state the price for each extra sheet, so there is no argument on the day.
Name the materials and the warranty. Write the shingle line and colour, the underlayment, and the warranty on both materials and workmanship. Homeowners compare roofing estimates on these details as much as on the total.
What a roofing estimate should include
The example above has a place for each of these:
- The roof size in squares, and the pitch
- Tear-off: the number of layers and the disposal
- The shingle or metal product, with its colour and warranty
- Underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing, and vents
- A unit price for extra decking
- Gutters, skylights, or chimneys, if they are part of the job
- Clean-up, including a nail sweep
- The deposit, the balance, and the workmanship warranty
For a firm price instead of an estimate, choose Quote in the settings panel. Our quote and estimate guide explains the difference.
Estimate templates for other trades
Each template starts with a worked example for its trade. Your business details carry over between them.
