Owning your own home comes with a particular set of challenges, including all of the maintenance that comes with the house. One such challenge occurs when you find out your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. How do you know who to call or what to expect with the process?  Read here and here for more information on how to choose a good roofing contractor. But once you have lined up several companies for estimates (we recommend at least two or three), then what?  How do you know what to expect from the process? Never fear! We’re here to break it down for you. These are the seven things you should expect to see on your roofing quote:

1. Company Information

Any good quote includes all of the company’s contact information (name, address, phone numbers, and email address). You want to be able to contact them easily with questions or concerns. Also, the quote should include their licensing and insurance information. You want to make sure the company is fully insured so that you are not left liable for any problems.

2. Detailed Description 

Your roofing quote should contain an extremely detailed description of the work to be done. Also, be sure it defines the steps to completion clearly. This description should include the following:

  • A list of the specific types of materials to be used
  • An explanation for the removal and disposal of your old roof
  • What they will do in the event they find rotting materials

3. Dates: Start Date, Estimated Completion Date, and Quote Date/Expiration

The start date should be a firm date. Since repairing or replacing a roof can be quite noisy, you want to make sure this date works with your schedule.  The project end date will be an estimate, of course, since many variables impact the project’s completion. However, the contractor should factor in those considerations. The company should also include the date the quote was given, which determines how long your quoted estimate will be honored. 

4. Materials 

This list should include all of the materials that will be needed. This includes the shingles, gutter, roof decking, and vents — even down to the types of nails, they will use. 

5. Total Cost with a Detailed Cost Breakdown

The total cost includes a list of the individual costs for all of the details going into your new roof or roof repair. These individual costs include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Removal of old roof 
  • Disposal of old roof
  • New shingles
  • Underlayment
  • Roof Decking
  • Gutters
  • Flashing
  • Vents
  • Permits
  • Clean Up
  • Labor
  • Warranties 

6. Warranty Information

A reputable company stands behind its work and workmanship. Your roofing quote should include what is and isn’t covered by the company warranty. It should answer the following questions: 

  • What are the guarantees regarding workmanship?
  • How long is the workmanship guaranteed?
  • What are the guarantees regarding materials?
  • How long are materials guaranteed?
  • What are the guarantees regarding clean-up and disposal of materials?

7. Expected Payment Information 

A good roofing quote details your payment process. How much is the deposit? When will you pay the remaining balance? Just a note of caution: Beware of any company that asks you to pay the full balance before they begin any work. Reliable companies will not do that. Although many companies will request a deposit before the work begins, never pay the full cost upfront.  Also, we recommend not paying in full until the work is done to your satisfaction. A good roofing company wants you to be happy with their job and will not consider the job finished until you sign off on it.

As you compare quotes, remember that details matter. Established, reliable roofing companies and should be happy to discuss the scope of their work in detail. Good roofing companies will protect their customers — and their quotes demonstrate this. 

For more information or to book an estimate, contact us or our sister company, Four Seasons KangaRoof