QuotewellWhat goes on a roofing estimate
Whatever the trade, a good estimate says what the work is, what it costs and what it does not cover. The lines Quotewell starts you with for roofers are below; rename, delete or add lines to suit the job.
- Tear-off and disposal. State how many layers come off and who pays for disposal.
- Shingles and underlayment. The material, color and warranty line, priced by area.
- Flashing, vents and fasteners. Small items that are easy to forget and easy to dispute.
- Installation labor. Hours at your rate, or one price for the installation.
- Permit. If the job needs one, say whether it is in the price.
Around the lines, put a clear scope of work, your contact details, the date and a valid-until date, the payment terms and a place to sign. Sources that describe what to include list the same things: the scope, labor and material costs, dates, inclusions and exclusions, and the payment terms (FreshBooks, Housecall Pro).
How to price roofing work
Roofers usually measure the roof and price by area, with the unit being square feet or the roofing square (100 square feet) depending on the business. You can use sq ft, sq or job as the unit. Put the measured area in the scope, so the customer can see what the price is based on, and say what happens if the decking underneath is damaged.
An example, with made-up numbers
This is a estimate for a made-up job, worked out by the same engine the tool uses. The numbers are invented to show the layout. They are not a price guide: charge what your costs, your market and your area support.
| Line | Quantity | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tear-off and disposal | 1,800 sq ft | $1.10 | $1,980.00 |
| Shingles and underlayment | 1,800 sq ft | $2.40 | $4,320.00 |
| Flashing, vents and fasteners | 1 lot | $380.00 | $380.00 |
| Installation labor | 16 hr | $70.00 | $1,120.00 |
| Permit (if needed) | 1 ea | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Subtotal | $7,950.00 | ||
| Sales tax (6%, on the taxable lines) | $282.00 | ||
| Total | $8,232.00 | ||
| Deposit to start (30%) | $2,469.60 | ||
| Balance on completion | $5,762.40 | ||
How to make your estimate in four steps
- Choose Roofer. Click Roofer in the tool. It fills in typical lines and starting terms.
- Add your business and the customer. Your name, phone, email, address, license or registration number and, if you like, your logo. Add the customer's name and the job address, then describe the scope of work.
- Price the lines. For each line choose labor, materials or other, then enter the quantity, unit and rate. Tick Taxable on the lines your area taxes.
- Set discount, markup, tax and deposit. Each is optional. The total, the deposit and the balance due update as you type.
- Download the PDF. The PDF is built on your device. Send it, print it with the signature lines, or use Copy as text for a message.
Tips for a estimate that wins the job
- Write the area you measured and how you measured it.
- Say what happens if rotten decking is found: a price per sheet agreed in writing beats an argument on the roof.
- Put the material name, color and any manufacturer warranty on the estimate.
Check your local rules
Licensing, permits, written-contract rules and sales tax on materials or labor differ by state, province and country. In California, for example, the state licensing board says home improvement work over $500 needs a written contract signed by all parties, and changes must be in writing too (CSLB). Check your own licensing board or tax office, and use the terms box for the terms that apply to you. Quotewell is an independent tool, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules for estimates, contracts, permits and sales tax differ by state, country and trade, so check yours.
Sources
- FreshBooks: Quote, estimate, bid or proposal? The differences explained
- Housecall Pro: Free handyman quote template
- California Contractors State License Board: What is a contract?
Supplies for printing
The estimate maker is free. If you price jobs on site, these are the usual tools and supplies:
- Carbonless estimate form books on Amazon
- Laser distance measurer on Amazon
- 25 ft tape measure on Amazon
- Clipboard with storage case on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Related free tools
- Contractor invoice template: invoice the job once the work is done.
- Punch list with photos: list and photograph the finishing touches before you bill.
- Price list maker: print a menu of your standard services and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I price per roofing square?
Yes. Type sq as the unit and enter the number of squares. Many roofers use square feet instead. Use whichever you measure in.
How do I handle damaged decking?
Add a line for it with a price per sheet and quantity 0, or say in the terms that extra work is agreed in writing before it starts.
Is this roofing estimate template really free?
Yes. There is no account, no sign-up and no limit. Each PDF has a small “Made with Quotewell” line in the bottom margin.
Where is my information stored?
Only in your browser. Your details and documents stay on your device and the PDF is built there. Nothing is uploaded.
Can I add my logo and a signature line?
Yes. Upload a PNG or JPG logo and tick Add signature lines. The PDF then has a customer and a contractor signature and date.
More estimate templates
Last updated · Written by the Rooh Sites team. Prices on this page are made-up examples.