What Should My Roof Estimate Include?

Homeowners should know exactly what is involved in a legitimate roof estimate. This way, you will not ally with a shady roofing company that provides 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.

Before you get the estimate, you can usually find out whether a roofing company offers a free roof estimate. Call the company or check its website to get this information. It is important to check the contractor’s Google reviews and social media to understand its reputation with past customers. You can also contact multiple roofing companies to compare which company has the best new roof estimate or roof repair estimate.

What your 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 replacement roofing 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.

Below, we look at what a legitimate roof estimate from an elite roofing company should include.

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What Are the Basics of a Roof Estimate?

Knowing what should be included in your roof repair or replacement estimate 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.

• 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 estimate 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!

Get an Estimate for Roof Repair or Roof Replacement Today

At Elevated Roofing, we are experts in roof repair and roof replacement. We provide homeowners with a free, no-obligation roof inspection to assess whether any repairs are necessary. We always promise not to sell you anything that you do not need. In addition, we are happy to provide you with a detailed roof estimate. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at (469) 871-6475 to get started with us today.

What Should Be Included in Your 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.

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 Estimate 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 down to the finest details in the estimate. 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 generally 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 the 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 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

Every 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 your 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 the 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 the 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.

Schedule a Free Roof Estimate with Elevated Roofing

Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are created equal, and the roofing industry has gained a bad 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.

We’re committed to changing the roofing industry’s reputation, one roof at a time. We already have over 900 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 estimate today. Elevated Roofing is here to ensure your home remains safe, secure, and weather-tight.

Contact Elevated Roofing Today

About Elevated Roofing:

Elevated Roofing provides the assistance you need to repair roofing problems quickly and easily or provide full roof replacement. If you are looking for a Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney area roofing company, take a look at our website to learn about the services we offer or call (469) 305-0010 today to schedule a free roof inspection.

Roofing Repair Frisco TX
Elevated Roofing, LLC
15222 King Road, Suite 402
Frisco, Texas 75034
469-305-0010