Roofing estimates can be confusing. There are so many different things that might be included in your estimate, and many of them don’t seem to make sense. How much do you really need to know? We’ve got the answer!
Here’s what you can expect to see on a roofing estimate:
What is included in a roofing estimate?
Labor
This refers to the number of workers, the skill level of the workers, and the amount of time required to complete the roofing project. Labor is a huge factor in the overall cost of the project.
Tearing off the old roof
If a new roof is being installed, the old roof will need to be removed. The cost of removing the old roof, disposing of it, and preparing the roof deck for the new roof will be included in the estimate.
Liability
This refers to the roofing company’s responsibility for any damage that may occur during the roofing process. This may include damage to the structure of the building, surrounding property, or personal injury.
Cost of materials
The cost of materials refers to the cost of the roofing materials needed for the project. This may include shingles, underlayment, roofing felt, roof vents, flashing, and any other materials needed for the roofing system.
Underlying damages
This refers to any damage to the roof deck or structure that may need to be repaired before the new roof can be installed. This may include rot, water damage, or structural issues. The specifics of the costs may not be available for this one since there’s no way to know until the roofers tear up the old roof.
Drip edge
The drip edge is a metal strip that is installed along the edge of the roof to prevent water from seeping under the shingles. This will be included in the estimate as a necessary component for a proper roofing system. Drip edges clamp down on the shingles at the very bottom of the roof from collecting water.
Roof vents
Roof vents are necessary for proper ventilation of the attic space. They allow warm air to escape and prevent moisture buildup. The cost of the vents and installation will be included in the estimate.
Pipe boots and roof flashing
Pipe boots are covers for the vent pipes on a roof and roof flashing is used to seal any areas where the roof meets a vertical surface like a wall. These are critical components to prevent water from entering the building through the roof. The cost of these materials and installation will be included in the estimate.
Disposal and clean-up fees
The cost of disposing of the old roof and cleaning up the job site will be included in the estimate. This may include hauling away debris, sweeping the job site, and disposing of any materials in an environmentally responsible manner.
Licensing
The roofing company must be licensed and insured to perform roofing work. The cost of obtaining and maintaining the necessary licenses may be included in the estimate. However, most contractors probably won’t include this as a fee but more as peace of mind.
Permits
Depending on the local building code, a permit may be required to perform roofing work. The cost of obtaining and maintaining the necessary permits will be included in the estimate.
Insurance
The roofing company must have liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect the homeowner and the workers in case of injury or property damage. The cost of obtaining and maintaining insurance will be included in the estimate.
Guarantees and warranties
The roofing company may offer a guarantee on the work performed and a warranty on the roofing materials. The details of these guarantees and warranties will be included in the estimate.
Information about the roofing system
The estimate will include information about the type of roofing system that will be installed, the materials used, and the method of installation. This will help the homeowner understand what they are paying for and what type of roofing system they will have.
Payment information
The estimate will have information about how to pay, such as the total cost, the payment schedule, and the terms of payment. This information will help the homeowner plan their budget and make informed decisions about the project.
Timeline
In the estimate, there will be a timeline for the project that includes the start date, the estimated end date, and any milestones along the way. This will give the homeowner an idea of how long the project will take and help them plan accordingly.
A means to terminate the agreement
There will be information in the estimate about how either the homeowner or the roofing company can get out of the contract if they need to. This could include a time limit for ending the contract, conditions for ending the contract, and any penalties for ending the contract.
Company contact information
The name, address, phone number, and email address of the roofing company will be written on the estimate. This information will allow the homeowner to reach out to the company if they have any questions or concerns about the project.
Table: Cost of each task in replacing a roof
| Each Service Provided | Low-end cost | High-end cost | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $3,000.00 | $6,000.00 | $4,500.00 |
| Tearing off the old roof | $1,400.00 | $5,000.00 | $3,200.00 |
| Cost of materials | $3,000.00 | $5,000.00 | $4,000.00 |
| Drip edge | $500.00 | $1,000.00 | $750.00 |
| Roof vents | $200.00 | $600.00 | $400.00 |
| Pipe boots and roof flashing | $200.00 | $500.00 | $350.00 |
| Disposal and clean-up fees | $200.00 | $400.00 | $300.00 |
| Permits | $250.00 | $500.00 | $375.00 |
| Underlying damages | ? | ? | ? |
| Total costs | $8,750.00 | $19,000.00 | $13,875.00 |
How to read and understand a roofing estimate
Step 1: Check the materials
Review the materials section of the estimate to ensure that the roofing company is using the correct type of material for your roof. Make sure the materials are high-quality and durable.
Step 2: Measure the roof
Check the measurements of the roof to make sure they are accurate. This will help ensure that the estimate for the cost of materials is accurate.
Step 3: Estimate the roofing material costs
Look at the cost of the materials section of the estimate and make sure the prices are reasonable. You can compare prices from other roofing companies or do some research online to see if you can find better prices. So, ask around!
Step 4: Estimate labor and rental costs
Check the labor costs section of the estimate to make sure they are fair and reasonable. Consider the experience and reputation of the roofing company when evaluating these costs.
Step 5: Account for overhead and profit margin
Make sure that the estimate includes an allowance for overhead costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, and other expenses. It should also include a profit margin for the roofing company.
Step 6: Create a formal roofing estimate
Check the final estimate to make sure it has all the information you need and is written in a clear and concise way.
Step 7: Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask the roofing company any questions you have about the estimate. Make sure you understand everything before making a decision.
Step 8: Determine extra services you may need
Think about any extra services you might need, like ventilation or more flashing on the roof, and make sure they are included in the estimate.
Step 9: Negotiate the estimate if needed
If you feel that the estimate is too high, you can try negotiating with the roofing company to reach a mutually agreeable price. Many roofing companies will be willing to work with homeowners to drive the price down.
Step 10: Prepare for hidden costs
Be aware that a roofing project may have hidden costs, such as fixing damage underneath the roof, getting rid of asbestos, or getting the necessary permits. Make sure to talk to the roofing company about these possible costs and, if necessary, have them added to the estimate.
Step 11: Accept the offer
Once you’ve looked over the estimate, thought about it carefully, and are happy with the terms, you can accept the offer. Make sure to carefully review and understand the terms of the agreement before signing.
How much does a roof replacement project normally cost?
The cost of replacing a roof can vary a lot depending on things like the size of the roof, the type of material being used, the location of the property, and the cost of labor.
On average, a roof replacement project can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. We’ve seen it go as high as $20,000,
This is because some high-end roofing materials and complex roof designs are more challenging, and thus the cost of roofing goes up.
It’s best to get multiple estimates from different roofing companies to get an accurate idea of the cost of your roof replacement project.
What is the typical warranty for a roof replacement job?
The typical warranty for a roof replacement job is between 5 and 25 years. But recently, some roofing companies have changed their basic limited warranty to say that it lasts a lifetime.
This warranty covers any problems that come up because of the roof installation or because of problems with the materials or the work. The length of the warranty can depend on a number of things, such as the type of roofing material used, the manufacturer’s policy, and the policy of the roofing contractor.
The reason for the wide range of warranty periods is that different roofing materials have different life expectancies, and the quality of the installation can also impact the lifespan of a roof.
For example, a metal roof can last 50 years or more, while an asphalt shingle roof may only last 15 to 30 years. Because of this, the warranty that the roofing company and the maker of the roofing material give will be different.
Also, some roofing contractors give their customers more peace of mind by giving a longer warranty or even a limited lifetime warranty. Other contractors, on the other hand, may only give the minimum warranty that the manufacturer requires.
What types of roofing shingles are available?
There are several types of roofing shingles available, including asphalt, wood, metal, tile, and slate. The most common type of roofing shingle is asphalt, due to its durability, affordability, and wide range of styles and colors.
The type of roofing shingle that is best for a particular home will depend on a number of factors, including the homeowner’s budget, the climate in the area, and the homeowner’s personal style preferences.
- Asphalt shingles are a popular choice due to their affordability, durability, and versatility.
- Wood shingles can add a natural look to a home and are a good option for homeowners who live in regions with moderate climates.
- Metal shingles are durable, energy-efficient, and long lasting, making them a good option for homeowners in regions with extreme weather conditions.
- Tile and slate shingles are also durable, but they can be more expensive than other types of shingles and are typically used on homes with higher-end styles and aesthetics.
What is the cost of roof vents and flashing?
The cost of roof vents and flashing can range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the type and quantity of vents and flashing needed, as well as the materials used.
Roof vents and flashing are important parts of a roof system because they help airflow and keep water out of the house.
The cost of roof vents and flashing can vary greatly depending on the type of material used and the amount needed for the job.
For example, basic plastic roof vents may cost as little as $50, while premium metal roof vents can cost $200.
Flashing, which is used to seal around roof openings like pipes, chimneys, and skylights, can also cost a lot more or less depending on the material used and how hard the job is.
This can set you back anywhere from $15 to $25 for every linear foot that’s needed.
Fortunately for this, the cost of roof vents and flashing is a small percentage of the overall cost of a roof replacement project.
What does a “limited lifetime warranty” on a roof mean?
A limited lifetime warranty on a roof means that the manufacturer or roofing contractor is offering a warranty that covers the materials and labor used in the roofing system for the lifetime of the product, with certain limits and conditions.
Most limited lifetime warranties say how long the warranty is good for, what it covers, what it doesn’t cover, and how to claim the warranty.
For example, a limited lifetime warranty on roof shingles may cover defects in the shingles but exclude damages from wind, hail, or other acts of nature.
The warranty may also say that the homeowner must do things like clean the gutters on a regular basis in order for the warranty to stay in effect.
What does the labor warranty cover?
A labor warranty is a guarantee from the roofing contractor that covers the work they did on your roof. It basically says that if anything goes wrong with the roof because of the work the contractor did, they will come back and fix it for free.
Consider a toy that broke because it was put together incorrectly. The toy store would fix it for you for free because they made a mistake.
A labor warranty on your roof is like that, but for your roof. If the roofer did a bad job and something went wrong because of it, they will come back and fix it for free.
It’s like a promise from the roofer that they did a good job, and if anything goes wrong, they will take care of it.
That way, you don’t have to worry about paying for anything if something goes wrong with the roof because of the work the contractor did.
Does the roofing replacement warranty also cover roof repair?
Depending on what kind of warranty the roofing contractor gives, a warranty on a new roof may also cover roof repairs. Some warranties only cover the original replacement work and don’t include any future repairs.
Let’s go back to the toy example. Sometimes the toy comes with a warranty that says if anything goes wrong with the toy because of how it was made, the company will fix it for free. But if you accidentally break the toy, the warranty doesn’t cover that.
Similarly, a roofing replacement warranty may cover repairs if the problems with the roof are due to the original replacement work, but it might not cover repairs if the problems are due to something else, like natural wear and tear or damage from a storm.
Read the warranty carefully and ask the roofing contractor any questions you have to make sure you understand what the warranty covers.
Can you negotiate the estimate?
Yes, you can negotiate the roofing estimate with the roofer. In fact, it’s common for homeowners to negotiate the terms and costs of a roofing project with the contractor.
Start by discussing the scope of the work, the materials to be used, and the price of the job, and try to reach an agreement that works for both you and the contractor.
Keep in mind, though, that the cost of a roofing project depends on many things, like the cost of materials, the difficulty of the job, and the local labor market, so it may be hard to negotiate some parts of the estimate.
But it’s still worth having the conversation to see if there are any areas where you can make changes to reduce the overall cost of the project.
Just make sure to communicate clearly and respectfully, and keep in mind the factors that can influence the cost of a roofing project.
Also, don’t skimp on the important things. Ask your roofer about anything you can leave out or do yourself.
For example, you might be able to do your own disposal of the shingles if you have a truck and don’t mind taking the old shingles and materials to a landfill yourself.
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