Money, Paper and People
Lesson 14. How to Read a Roofing Estimate
A complete roofing estimate names twelve specific things, and a one page bid with a single number on it is not an estimate, it is a price.
At a Glance
- Square count should be stated, not implied
- Deck repair needs a rate per sheet, before the job
- Both warranties should be named, material and workmanship
- Watch for the words as needed and if required
The Twelve Things
- The square count, and how it was measured
- The shingle by manufacturer, product line and color
- The underlayment by name
- Ice and water shield, and exactly where it goes and how far
- Drip edge, and whether it is new
- Flashing, and which pieces are new versus reused
- Pipe boots, and how many
- The ventilation plan, ridge vent footage and soffit work
- Tear off, how many layers, and disposal included
- The deck repair rate per sheet
- Both warranties, material and workmanship, with lengths
- The payment schedule, and what is due when
Phrases Worth Questioning
| Phrase | Ask This |
|---|---|
| Ice and water shield as needed | Where exactly, and how many feet up from the eave |
| Replace decking if required | At what price per sheet |
| Lifetime warranty | Whose lifetime, on what, and is it transferable |
| Includes all flashing | New flashing or the existing flashing |
| Standard ventilation | How many feet of ridge vent and how much soffit intake |
| Deposit required | How much, and what does it buy before work starts |
Deposits
A reasonable deposit covers materials. A large deposit before anything has been delivered is a risk with no upside for you.
A good arrangement is a modest deposit, a payment when materials arrive on site, and the balance when the work passes inspection and you have walked it. Never pay in full before the work is finished and never pay in cash without a receipt.
Compare Like for Like
Two bids that differ by thousands are usually not bidding the same job. Put them side by side against the twelve item list above and the difference will show up in specific lines.
Then decide. Sometimes the cheaper scope is genuinely right for your situation. You just want to be choosing it rather than discovering it.