What goes in a roofing estimate
A homeowner comparing three roofing bids wants to see what they're paying for. A good roofing estimate spells out:
- Roof size in squares, plus the pitch and how many layers are coming off.
- Tear-off and disposal, priced per square, with the dumpster as its own line.
- Underlayment and ice and water shield, and where the ice and water goes (eaves, valleys, around penetrations).
- The shingle line and color, with the waste allowance included in the quantity.
- Metal and ventilation: drip edge, step and chimney flashing, ridge vent, pipe boots.
- A decking allowance, priced per sheet and billed only for the sheets you actually replace.
- Permit, schedule, deposit and warranty.
Typli drafts all of this from the notes you'd jot down on the roof. You check the prices, change anything you like, and send it.
Pricing by the square
Roofing is priced by the square: 100 square feet of roof surface. Measure the roof, not the footprint of the house. A 6/12 pitch has about 12% more surface than the floor area it covers, and steeper roofs have more.
Order 10 to 15% extra shingles for waste. Use the higher end for roofs with lots of hips and valleys. Put the waste in the shingle quantity (26.5 squares for a 24-square roof) rather than hiding it in the price, so the numbers add up when the homeowner checks them.
Price tear-off per square for one layer and add a line for each extra layer. Steep or tall roofs take longer and need more safety gear, and it's fair to say so on the estimate.
Keep the decking separate
You can't see rotten decking until the old shingles are off. Instead of guessing, put a per-sheet price on the estimate ("plywood replacement, $85 a sheet as found") and bill for what you replace. Homeowners accept this far more easily than a change order on day two.
Repairs and insurance jobs
Repairs work the same way. Describe the leak and what you'll replace, and the estimate breaks it into flashing, shingles and labor.
For insurance work, list the same items the adjuster's report uses so the homeowner can match your estimate line by line. Note anything the adjuster missed as a separate line for a supplement.
Tips for estimates that win the job
- Name the materials. "Architectural shingles, Charcoal" beats "shingles". It shows you listened, and it protects you if the color is disputed later.
- Say what's not included, like gutters, fascia and soffit repair, or skylight replacement.
- Set a valid-until date. Shingle prices change, and an estimate from last spring shouldn't bind you.
- Ask for the deposit on the estimate, with what it pays for (ordering materials) and when the balance is due.
- Send it the same day. The first clear estimate in the homeowner's inbox has an edge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the roofing estimate generator free?
Yes. Drafting is free, with no account needed. To download the PDF or send a link, create a free account; free accounts can save 3 documents a month. Paid plans save unlimited documents, add your logo and remove the Typli footer.
Can I use my own prices?
Yes. Save your hourly rate and price list in your details and every estimate uses them exactly. You can also put prices in your notes ("shingles $360 a square, tear-off $95") and the draft uses them. Every line and price can be edited before you send it.
Can I send it to the homeowner?
Yes. Download a PDF to email or print, or send a link the homeowner can open on their phone.
Yes. Describe the roof, the system you're installing (standing seam, TPO, modified bitumen) and how you price it, and the draft itemizes it. Check the line items before you send it, since a shingle roof is the starting point.