What Should My Free Roof Estimate Include?

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

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 Support

If you’re filing an insurance claim, 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.

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 free roof estimate for a repair or replacement can save you from 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 have the basics.

• Detailed roof inspection—a thorough assessment of your roof’s condition.
• Payment information – such as payment due dates and accepted payment methods.

• Approximated Timeline– the projected timeline from start to finish on your roofing project.

• Costs – the estimated cost of removing the old roof, hauling away debris, renting a dumpster, and heavy equipment (if it’s necessary).

• Roof materials – this should be the cost of all materials, including roof covering, drip edges, flashing, underlayment, gutters, nails, new ventilation, etc.

• Full description of work – there should be a list of the work being done to the roof.

• Guarantees and expectations of work – they should list their workmanship and cleanup guarantees.

• Warranty – 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.

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. You don’t want to have all of this time and money invested and not know why. Knowing this can help you determine 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, they 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.

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.

Costs

The roof estimate should include the cost of 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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?

Sometimes, knowing what questions you should ask about a free 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:

• Does a free roof estimate include tax?

• Are they looking at the entire roofing project or just quoting the shingles/roofing material? (This could be why the quote is low.)

• What is the process if they find 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 have they been in business?

• Do they have references and/or examples of similar roof replacement installations?

• What is their safety record?

• How long will it take to complete the project?

• Will there be a dedicated supervisor during the roofing project?

• If you are still unclear about your warranty, ask more questions about what your warranty includes.

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.

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