A free roof estimate is the perfect starting point before considering a minor repair or a complete roof replacement.

But what exactly should you expect from this process? And what should be included in an estimate?

Understanding these questions will help you avoid shady roofing companies that provide an estimate that falls short of what it should be. Far too many homeowners are willing to accept an estimate with a dollar amount and little else.

 

Benefits of a Free Roof Estimate

Get a Roof Estimate With No Financial Commitment

A free roof estimate provides professional insight into your roof’s condition without you spending a dime. If your roof has storm damage, a possible leak, or age-related wear and tear, it will include the information you need before committing to any repairs or replacements.

 

Informed Decision-Making

Before fixing or replacing your roof, it’s a good idea to get a free roof estimate. This will break down the problem with your roof, what repairs you need, the cost of materials, timelines, and the overall scope of work.

 

Insurance Claim Support

If you’re filing an insurance claim for roof damage , a free estimate may reveal discrepancies in your insurance adjuster’s report and help ensure all damages are properly accounted for. Some contractors, like Elevated Roofing, work directly with insurance companies to maximize your claim.

As long as we’re talking about insurance, keep in mind that our free roof inspection service  can protect you from future incidents in which you may need to prove the condition of your roof before it was damaged.

In addition to free roof estimates, Elevated Roofing does free roof inspections and we highly recommend them. It’s best to get an inspection once a year in addition to when you are about to file an insurance claim for roof damage.

 

Peace of Mind

Knowing exactly what to expect from roof repairs or replacement in terms of cost, materials, and timeline helps reduce stress. It allows you to plan your finances and prevents unpleasant surprises down the line.

 

What Are the Basics of a Free Roof Estimate?

Knowing what should be included in a new roof estimate for a repair or replacement can save you from experiencing frustration later. The following list is not exhaustive of what can be in your estimate since they vary from roofing company to roofing company, but it does feature the basics.

• Detailed roof inspection — Your new roof estimate should include a thorough assessment of your roof’s condition following the roof inspection.
• Payment information – Your new roof estimate should outline payment information such as payment due dates and accepted payment methods.
• Approximated timeline– Your new roof estimate should detail the projected timeline from start to finish on your roofing project.
• Costs – The roof estimate should also include the estimated cost of removing the old roof, hauling away debris, renting a dumpster, and heavy equipment (if it’s necessary).
• Roof materials – The roof estimate should detail materials that will be used for the project. Make sure they include the cost of all materials, including roof covering, drip edges, flashing, underlayment, gutters, nails, new ventilation, etc.
• Full description of work – The roof estimate should contain a list of the work being done to the roof.
• Guarantees and expectations of work – The estimate should list the roofing company’s workmanship and cleanup guarantees.
• Warranty – The estimate should detail the warranty information for materials and workmanship.
• Insurance and licensing information – Ensure the contractor has insurance, worker’s compensation, and a contractor’s license.
• Provisions – Ensure there is a section for add-on costs that can lead to additional charges.
• A means for exit – Both sides must have a way to terminate the agreement without incurring penalties under certain circumstances — make sure you understand the terms of the contract you will be required to sign to move forward.

Expert Tip: Never sign a contract with a roofer that HAS NOT performed an inspection of your roof!

 

What Should Be Included in a Free Roof Estimate?

Knowing the basics is just the start. You should know why these should be included in your roof estimate. Don’t invest time and money on roofing repairs or a new roof without having all the facts. Knowledge of what to expect from a new roof estimate can help you choose a reputable roofing company. It can help you recognize which roofing companies are legitimate and which are trying to swindle you.

 

Detailed Roof Inspection

Before receiving a free roof estimate, a roofing contractor will assess the overall condition of your roof. This typically includes checking for:

• visible damage
• signs of leaks
• wear and tear on shingles
• flashing condition
• roof ventilation issues.

If needed, the roofers may inspect your attic for signs of moisture or poor insulation.

 

Payment Information

Every roof estimate should explain which parties are responsible for specific portions of the roof project. If specific aspects of the roofing project will be outsourced to other companies, these parties and responsibilities must be identified in detail within the estimate.

Every last detail of the payment terms should be explained in-depth, including information about down payments, progress payments, end payments, and payment methods. Furthermore, the estimate should include a provision to hold back the final payment until you are completely satisfied with the job. This includes cleaning up debris and ensuring nails are removed from around the house and along the driveway.

 

Approximated Timeline

The estimate must spell out the project’s start date and completion date. This can change if more damage is found once the roof repair starts or if poor weather prevents work from being performed. But it’s important to understand the process.

 

Costs

The roof estimate should include the cost of all materials and labor. The cost of pulling permits should be noted as well. If the project results in any debris or a mess, the estimate should explain if the roofing company is responsible for the cleanup and removal.

Some companies tack these charges on without quoting them in the roof estimate, but these services are all required parts of repairing and replacing a roof. Make sure you know these prices, especially when comparison shopping.

 

Roof Materials

The best roofers are willing to explain the type of shingles, flashing, underlayment and ventilation used in the project in extensive detail within the estimate. This information should be highly specific.

For example, it should explain the thickness of the underlayment, the locations of the flashing, the type of sealant for areas that mandate waterproofing (nail holes, flashing, etc.), and the sizes of the fasteners and nails that will be used for the project. Even the brand of the products that will be used for your roofing project should be noted.

Make sure that you know which brands will be used for the projects and if they may swamp out brands unexpectedly or without notification. For example, not all underlayment is created equal. The same goes for shingles, leak barriers , and other materials.

 

Full Description of Work

They should also be specific about the work that will be done, much like with the roof materials. This way, you both will be on the same page regarding the work being performed on your new roof.

 

Guarantees and Expectations of Work

Within the estimate for your roof replacement, a section that discusses workmanship guarantees, materials guarantees, and cleanup expectations should be included. Remember, it’s OK to deliberate before moving forward and check out the details of the warranty or guarantees you’re being offered.

 

Warranty

The warranties of the workmanship and materials must be presented. In general, limited lifetime warranties will provide excellent protection during the initial years of the roof’s lifespan and will be subsequently pro-rated after a certain number of years.

For the most part, a lifetime warranty is considered to be half a century. The estimate should state whether the warranty is transferable to a new property owner if you decide to sell your home. The ability to transfer the roof warranty and workmanship warranty will be a helpful selling point.

It is important to note that companies and contractors can offer different licenses and warranties with the manufacturers. You want a warranty that will be valid even if the roofing company goes out of business.

We work with one of the top roofing materials manufacturers in the country, GAF. Plus, we are 2 Star GAF President’s Club Members, meaning we’ve been recognized as one of their top roofing companies and can offer the best possible warranties to our customers.

 

Insurance and Licensing Information

Proof of the roofing company’s license, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance should be provided in a free roof estimate. Generally, you should expect a roofing contractor to have at least $1 million in liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Coverage of this magnitude will provide the necessary protection for any property damage as well as injuries that occur on the job. If it is not presented in detail within your estimate, ask for it before signing anything.

If a contractor cannot provide insurance and licensing information, DO NOT sign a contract with them!

There should also be a lien release that protects you against liability if the roofer does not pay the subcontractors or those who provide the roofing materials for your roofing repairs or replacement.  Generally, you should expect a roofing contractor to have at least $1 million in liability.

 

Provisions in a Free Roof Estimate

The estimate must include provisions for add-ons or order changes that potentially spur additional charges. For example, if additional materials are needed due to the discovery of more damage than originally anticipated, the estimate should specify a maximum amount added to the price.

 

A New Roof Estimate Should Include a Means of Exit

A free roof estimate should have a well-defined termination clause. This clause should explain the exact reasons why the contractor or you can terminate the agreement without any penalty if the terms of the contract are violated.

Carefully read over your entire contract. If any part of the contract doesn’t make sense, be sure to investigate its meaning. If you aren’t comfortable with the contract offered after your new roof estimate, feel confident knowing that it’s OK to get numerous estimates and to take your time deciding on which company you choose to work with.

If a roofing contractor offers to waive or reduce your deductible, DO NOT sign the contract! It will place you in violation of the law. Instead, Elevated Roofing offers deductible financing through BTK Credit!

 

What Additional Questions Should You Ask After a New Roof Estimate?

Sometimes, knowing what questions you should ask after receiving a new roof estimate is hard. Not everyone getting roof repairs or roof replacement is a roofing expert. Below are some questions that your roofing contractor should be able to answer before you sign any purchase agreement or contract:

• Does the new roof estimate include tax?
• Does the roof estimate take into consideration the costs of the entire roofing project or just is the quote for materials only? (This could be why the quote is low.)
• What is the process if the roofers discover more damage than was originally found during the inspection?
• Do you get to keep extra shingles or tiles for repairs?
• Who is responsible for the cost of damage incurred to your house and/or landscaping during the installation?
• How long has the roofing company been in business?
• Does the roofing company have references and/or examples of similar roof replacement installations?
• What is the roofing company’s safety record?
• How long will it take to complete the project?
• Will there be a dedicated supervisor on-site during the roofing project?
• What exactly does the warranty include? For example, does the warranty cover labor costs? What voids the warranty? Is the roofing company authorized to service the warranty included by the manufacturer?
• Is the roofing company local? Are they a Dallas roofing company or just making their way through the state following a big storm?

Having all these questions answered in detail can help you make an informed decision when choosing a roofing contractor. Remember, the estimate is not just about the cost but also about the quality of materials and workmanship, insurance and licensing information, and completion time for your roof repairs or replacement.

Don’t hesitate to ask any additional questions that come to mind during this process. A reputable roofing company will be happy to address all of your concerns and provide you with a detailed estimate that leaves no room for confusion.

 

Roof Estimates When Insurance Is Involved

What your free roof estimate looks like also depends on whether an insurance claim is involved. If an insurance claim is involved, then the price is already set by the insurance company, and the line items on the estimates are what you want to look at when comparing contractors.

Often, insurance companies omit certain line items because they cannot physically see the damage at the time of inspection or simply do not think that they are a “necessary” component.

At Elevated Roofing, we know insurance roof replacement better than anyone. We work with insurance companies daily and will provide you with a professional itemized estimate to maximize your insurance claim. We promise to provide you with the industry’s best roofing system and warranty on the market.

 

What To Avoid When Hiring a Contractor from a Free Roof Estimate

Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are created equal, and the roofing industry has gained a poor reputation due to these bad apples. That’s why we’ve armed you with the knowledge to spot any red flags from a roofing contractor before you sign the dotted line.

Here’s what to avoid:

• Contractors who offer a free roof estimate without inspecting your property.
• Vague pricing or lump sums without itemized details.
• Pressure to sign a contract immediately or upsell unnecessary services.

Homeowners should know exactly what is involved in a legitimate and free roof estimate. Licensed and certified roofing companies, such as Elevated Roofing, prioritize transparency and education to help homeowners make informed decisions for their roofing needs.

 

Schedule a Free Roof Estimate with Elevated Roofing

We’re committed to changing the roofing industry’s reputation, one roof at a time. We already have over 1000 5-star Google reviews to prove we’re putting in the work.

Scheduling a free roof estimate with Elevated Roofing ensures you receive a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of your roofing situation. Our team of experts provides detailed estimates that leave no room for ambiguity. We take pride in our commitment to customer satisfaction and high standards of workmanship. The warranties we offer are second to none.

Feel free to contact us via our website or call us to set up an appointment. Our seasoned professionals will visit your property, thoroughly inspect the roof, and provide an estimate that covers every aspect of the project. This service gives homeowners peace of mind and confidence when selecting a roofing service.

Take the first step towards a perfect roof by scheduling your free roof estimate today. Elevated Roofing is here to ensure your home remains safe, secure, and weather-tight.

Contact Elevated Roofing Today