Guide
What to include in a roofing estimate
A clear estimate wins more jobs than a cheap one. Here's what belongs on every roofing estimate, so the homeowner understands it and can say yes without a second phone call.
Published · welvy team
The checklist
- Your company name, logo, phone, email and license or insurance details where your state requires them
- The customer's name, the property address and the date, plus the claim number on insurance jobs
- A scope of work in plain words: tear-off, decking repairs, underlayment, ice barrier, flashing, ventilation, shingle line and color, cleanup
- The price, with sales tax shown the way your accountant advises for your state
- The deposit due at signing and when the balance is due
- How long the price is good for, so the estimate doesn't stay open forever
- Your terms and warranty, and a place to sign and date
How much detail to show
Some homeowners want every line with quantities; others only want to know what's included and the total. Pick what suits the customer. A clear scope of work matters more than a long list of numbers.
Optional upgrades
Listing an upgrade, such as better ventilation or a premium shingle line, as a separate optional item lets the homeowner choose without you writing a second estimate.
Make it easy to say yes
Send the estimate the same day as the inspection if you can, and make approving simple. A homeowner who can read, agree and sign from their phone doesn't have to print, scan or wait for you to come back.
How welvy does it
In welvy you build the estimate from your price book or your own templates, choose whether the customer sees every line, the items without prices, or just the scope and total, and email it as a PDF from your own Gmail. The email has a Review & approve online button, and the customer signs by typing their name.
Common questions
What should a roofing estimate include?
Your company details, the customer and property, a plain-English scope of work, the price and tax, the deposit and when the balance is due, how long the price is valid, your terms and warranty, and a place to sign.
Should a roofing estimate show quantities and unit prices?
It's up to you and the customer. Many roofers show the scope of work and the total, and keep line-by-line prices for customers who ask.
How long should a roofing estimate be valid?
Many roofers use 30 days, because material prices change. Put the valid-until date on the estimate so there's no question later.