Free Roofing Estimate Template — Quote Roofing Projects Professionally

Free Roofing Estimate Template — Quote Roofing Projects Professionally

Roofing estimates are among the highest-stakes documents in the trades. Homeowners and property managers know they need multiple bids before signing, which means your estimate is being placed side-by-side with your competitors the moment you send it. A sloppy, vague, or unprofessional estimate signals a sloppy, vague, unprofessional contractor — regardless of how skilled you actually are. A clean, detailed, branded roofing estimate does the opposite: it demonstrates that you measure carefully, price transparently, and stand behind your work. That professionalism is often the deciding factor when the bids are close in price.

Roofing projects range from a straightforward asphalt shingle replacement to complex metal roofing installations, flat roof repairs, gutter replacements, and storm damage remediation. Each job type has its own material categories, labor tasks, and cost drivers. A professional roofing estimate template accounts for all of them in a structured format — so nothing falls through the cracks, the client can compare bids line by line, and you are protected if any question about scope or price arises once work begins. This guide walks you through every component of a winning roofing estimate, from definition to delivery.

What Is a Roofing Estimate Template?

A roofing estimate is a detailed written projection of the cost to complete a specific roofing project — whether that is a full replacement, a repair, a new installation on a construction project, or a maintenance service. It is prepared before work begins and delivered to the property owner or general contractor for review and acceptance. Unlike a verbal quote given over the phone or at a glance, a written roofing estimate creates a formal record that both parties can reference throughout the project lifecycle. You can review the full definition and legal nuances in the Eonebill glossary.

A roofing estimate template is the reusable document structure that ensures every estimate your business produces covers the same essential fields — consistently, professionally, and without requiring you to start from a blank page each time. Templates eliminate the risk of forgetting a cost category (permit fees, for instance, are a famously overlooked item), they standardize your presentation across all bids, and they allow newer employees or subcontractors to produce estimates that meet your business's standards.

Common roofing jobs that require a professional estimate include asphalt shingle replacement (the most common residential roofing job in North America), metal roofing installation, flat or low-slope roof repair and replacement, gutter installation or replacement, and storm or hail damage repair. Each of these has different material cost structures, labor requirements, and line items — but all of them should be quoted using a consistent estimate framework. A roofing estimate is distinct from a final invoice: the estimate projects the cost before work begins, while the invoice documents the actual work performed and requests payment after the fact.

What Should a Roofing Estimate Template Include?

1. Contractor name, license number, insurance information, and contact details. Your business name, contractor's license number, general liability insurance carrier, and contact information must appear at the top of every roofing estimate. In most states, unlicensed roofing contractors cannot legally operate above a certain dollar threshold, and savvy homeowners check. Insurance information — specifically general liability and workers' compensation — is critical because roofing is a high-risk trade. A homeowner who accepts a bid from an uninsured roofer takes on significant liability if a worker is injured on their property. Listing your insurance carrier signals that you are a legitimate, responsible operation.

2. Homeowner or property manager name and complete project address. Identify the client by full name, and specify the complete property address including any unit numbers for multi-unit properties. If the project is for a property management company or commercial client, include both the company name and the contact person. The project address is particularly important in roofing because it is the address that appears on the building permit, and any mismatch between the permit and the estimate can create legal complications.

3. Estimate number, issue date, and validity period. Assign a unique sequential estimate number, record the date it was prepared, and specify how long it remains valid — typically 30 days for most roofing estimates, though some contractors extend to 60 days for large projects. Material prices, particularly for asphalt shingles and metal products, can shift significantly over a quarter. The validity period protects you from being held to a price that no longer reflects current material costs. It also creates a soft deadline that encourages the client to make a decision within a reasonable timeframe.

4. Roof description: size in squares, pitch, and current condition. Describe the roof you are estimating in specific, measurable terms. Roofers measure area in squares, where one square equals 100 square feet. A 2,000-square-foot roof is a 20-square roof. Include the pitch (slope) expressed as rise-over-run (e.g., 6/12 means 6 inches of rise per 12 inches of run), because steeper pitches require more labor, more safety equipment, and sometimes different installation techniques. Note the current condition of the roof — whether shingles are at end of life, whether the decking appears solid, whether there are signs of prior improper repairs. This documentation protects you if structural issues emerge during tear-off that were not visible from the initial inspection.

5. Itemized materials: shingles (brand, product line, color), underlayment, flashing, drip edge, and ridge cap with quantities and unit costs. This is the most detailed section of any roofing estimate and the one most likely to influence the homeowner's decision. Specify the shingle manufacturer (Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed, etc.), the product line (Architectural, Duration, Timberline, etc.), and the color selected. Include the quantity in squares and the per-square cost. Then list every other material separately: synthetic or felt underlayment (specify type and brand), step and valley flashing (material and linear footage), drip edge (material and linear footage), ridge cap (quantity and type), pipe boots, vents, and any specialty materials. Vague material descriptions like "standard shingles" are a red flag to experienced homeowners. Specificity wins trust and bids.

6. Labor costs: tear-off and disposal, installation, and specialty work. Separate your labor into distinct tasks. Tear-off and disposal is often a significant cost — removing old shingles, loading them into a dumpster or trailer, and disposing of them legally. Installation labor for the new roof should be listed separately. If there is decking repair, valley rework, flashing fabrication, or chimney counter-flashing, each should be its own labor line. Breaking labor into tasks allows the client to see what they are paying for, and it gives you flexibility if the scope changes — you can add or remove specific tasks as a change order rather than re-estimating from scratch.

7. Additional costs: permit fees, dumpster rental, and insurance deductible note. Permit fees are required for most roofing replacements and are the contractor's responsibility to obtain in most jurisdictions. They vary by municipality, typically ranging from $75 to $500 depending on location and project scope. Dumpster rental is a common separate cost for large tear-offs. If the project is an insurance claim, note the insurance deductible amount as understood at time of estimate, and clarify who is responsible for paying it. These additional costs are frequently omitted from competing estimates, making those bids appear lower than they actually will be at final invoice. Transparency here differentiates professional contractors from less scrupulous operators.

8. Warranty terms: workmanship warranty and manufacturer product warranty. A roofing estimate is not complete without warranty disclosure. State the length and scope of your workmanship warranty (the guarantee on your installation quality) — typically one to ten years depending on the contractor and job type. Then specify the manufacturer's product warranty on the shingles and other materials. Manufacturer warranties vary widely: standard shingles may carry a 25-year limited warranty, while premium architectural products may carry a 50-year or lifetime limited warranty. Clients comparing bids will factor warranty terms heavily into their decision. Not including warranty information sends the message that you are not confident in your work.

How to Create a Roofing Estimate in 5 Steps

Step 1: Inspect the roof and document conditions with photos. Conduct a physical inspection of the roof. Walk it if it is safe to do so, or use a ladder to assess from the edge. Photograph the entire surface, noting any damage, previous repairs, flashing conditions, and the state of the decking where visible through vents or at the eaves. Count or calculate the squares. Document the pitch. Note the shingle brand currently installed if identifiable. This documentation is your baseline — it defines what the estimate is based on and protects you if conditions discovered during tear-off differ from what was visible at inspection.

Step 2: Open the Eonebill roofing estimate template and fill in header fields. Navigate to /estimate-template/roofing and begin a new estimate. Enter your business name, license number, and insurance information. Enter the client's name and the project address. Create a new estimate number in your sequential series, set today's date, and set the validity to 30 days from today. Write the roof description: size in squares, pitch, and current condition. This structured start ensures you never skip a field that matters to the client or to permit compliance.

Step 3: Specify the shingle brand, product line, and color in the materials section. Do not use generic material descriptions. Name the manufacturer, the product line, and the specific color. For example: Owens Corning Duration — Estate Gray — 22 squares. Then complete the rest of the materials section: underlayment type and quantity, flashing materials and linear footage, drip edge, ridge cap, pipe boots, and any specialty vents. Specific material callouts demonstrate expertise and give the client something concrete to evaluate. They also protect you — if the client later claims you installed inferior materials, your estimate is the written record of exactly what was agreed.

Step 4: Build your complete material and labor list with the free estimate generator. Use the Eonebill free estimate generator to input all material quantities and unit costs, all labor line items, and your additional costs (permit, disposal). The tool calculates subtotals, applies your overhead and profit margin percentage, and produces a final project total with a complete itemized breakdown. This eliminates arithmetic errors — which can either make your bid non-competitive if you accidentally overprice, or cost you money if you accidentally underprice a large material quantity.

Step 5: Deliver the estimate within 24 hours of the inspection. Roofing clients are often collecting multiple bids simultaneously. The first professional, detailed estimate to arrive in their inbox has a meaningful advantage. Aim to deliver within 24 hours of your inspection while the project is still fresh in the client's mind and before a competitor has filled that mental space. Include a brief cover note that invites questions, reiterates your experience and warranty, and notes the validity date.

Free Roofing Estimate Template: Download and Customize

Eonebill's free roofing estimate template is designed specifically for residential and commercial roofing contractors. It includes all eight fields described above, pre-formatted sections for materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing, drip edge, ridge cap), labor (tear-off, installation), and additional costs (permits, disposal). Access it now at /estimate-template/roofing — no account required for the basic version.

Contractors who want to send estimates directly from the platform, track which bids are pending versus accepted, receive e-signature approvals, and convert accepted estimates into invoices instantly should explore Eonebill's paid plans at /pricing. The paid platform also lets you upload your logo and business colors for fully branded estimates, set automatic follow-up reminders for pending bids, and maintain a complete history of every estimate you have ever sent. Start with the free template at /estimate-template/roofing and upgrade when your volume demands it.

Best Practices for the Roofing Industry

Specify the shingle brand and product line on every estimate. Generic material descriptions cost you bids. When a homeowner is comparing your estimate against a competitor's, they want to know exactly what they are buying. Naming Owens Corning Duration or GAF Timberline HDZ gives the client something to research, compare, and feel confident about. It also prevents disputes about material quality after the job is complete.

Include tear-off and disposal as a separate line item. Tear-off is labor-intensive, and disposal has real costs — dumpster rental or dump fees, labor to load, and sometimes hazardous material handling for older roofs with multiple layers. Burying these costs in a general labor total hides your value and makes your estimate harder to compare against competitors. A visible tear-off and disposal line shows the client exactly what is involved in preparing the roof for a new installation.

List your insurance carrier and license number on every estimate. Roofing carries the highest rate of worker injury in the construction industry. Homeowners who hire unlicensed or uninsured roofers face real liability exposure. Making your credentials visible on the estimate is not just good marketing — it is a trust signal that distinguishes you from storm chasers and fly-by-night operators who disappear after a bad job.

Offer two or three material options at different price points. Some clients have a firm budget; others will spend more for better materials if given the option. Offering a good/better/best menu — for example, a standard 25-year shingle option alongside a premium 50-year architectural shingle option — gives the client agency and increases the likelihood of an upgrade. It also demonstrates your product knowledge and positions you as a consultant rather than just a bidder.

Include inspection photos with the estimate. Attaching the photos you took during your roof inspection accomplishes two things: it documents the pre-work condition of the roof (protecting you from claims that damage existed before your work began), and it shows the homeowner the specific problems that justify your recommended scope. Photos make estimates more credible and more persuasive. A visual record of damaged flashing or depleted shingle granules is more compelling than a written description alone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pricing per square without specifying materials. A price-per-square estimate that does not name the shingle manufacturer, product line, and materials included is an incomplete estimate. It invites the homeowner to assume you are quoting premium materials when you mean standard, or vice versa. Every price must be tied to specific, named materials and specific, described labor tasks.

Not naming the shingle manufacturer. This is roofing's most common estimate mistake. "Architectural shingles" is not a material specification — it is a category that spans products from $80 to $200 per square. If you do not name the manufacturer and product line, the homeowner cannot verify that the two bids they received are for comparable materials. When bids are not comparable, the homeowner defaults to price — and that is rarely the contractor's friend.

Forgetting permit costs. Building permits for roofing replacements are required in most jurisdictions and typically range from $75 to $500 depending on location and project size. Omitting permit fees from the estimate means you either absorb the cost yourself or surprise the client with an unexpected addition to the final invoice. Neither outcome is acceptable. Always include permit fees as a separate line item, even if the exact amount is approximate at time of estimate.

Not including warranty terms. An estimate that is silent on warranty leaves the client guessing about what protection they are buying. Clients comparing two bids of similar price will choose the one that offers a clearer, more generous warranty. Not including warranty terms also creates ambiguity about your obligations if the installation has a problem — a situation you want to define clearly in your favor, not leave open to interpretation.

Delivering a verbal estimate only. In roofing especially, verbal estimates are a serious professional liability. Storm damage claims, insurance-funded repairs, and large replacement projects all require a written document trail. A verbal estimate is unenforceable, unmemorable, and unprofessional. Any roofing job above a nominal threshold should always be quoted in writing, with full detail, and delivered to the client before work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a roofing estimate include?

A professional roofing estimate should include your company name, license number, insurance carrier, and contact information; the homeowner name and complete project address; a unique estimate number, issue date, and validity period; a roof description with size in squares, pitch, and current condition; itemized materials specifying shingle manufacturer, product line, color, quantities, and unit costs for all materials including underlayment, flashing, drip edge, and ridge cap; itemized labor covering tear-off and disposal plus installation; additional costs for permits and dumpster rental; and explicit warranty terms for both workmanship and manufacturer product warranties.

How do roofers calculate material costs?

Roofers start by measuring the roof area in squares (one square = 100 square feet), then add 10–15% for waste, overlap, and cut lines depending on roof complexity. They then look up current pricing for each material — shingles priced per square, underlayment and flashing priced per roll or linear foot, and so on. Unit costs are multiplied by quantities to produce line-item totals. Material costs are then totaled and combined with labor costs and overhead to arrive at the project estimate.

What is a fair profit margin for roofing?

Profit margins in roofing typically range from 10% to 30% depending on market conditions, project type, and business size. Overhead (insurance, vehicles, tools, administration) typically adds another 15–25% on top of direct costs. Net profit margin after overhead varies by contractor but 10–15% net is considered healthy in the roofing industry. Pricing too thin to win bids results in jobs that do not cover overhead, which is a common reason roofing businesses fail despite high revenue.

Do I need a contract after a roofing estimate is accepted?

Yes. An accepted estimate establishes agreement on scope and price, but a formal contract adds important protections for both parties — payment terms, dispute resolution procedures, change order processes, start and completion dates, and remedies for breach. In many states, home improvement contracts above a certain dollar amount are required by law to be in writing and to include specific disclosures. Always follow a signed estimate acceptance with a signed contract before scheduling work or ordering materials.

How do I send a roofing estimate to a client?

Create your estimate using the Eonebill roofing estimate template, then use the free estimate generator to finalize your totals. You can download the completed estimate as a PDF and send it by email, or use Eonebill's paid platform to deliver it through a branded client portal where the homeowner can review, ask questions, and e-sign their acceptance. Always follow up with a phone call or text within 24–48 hours of sending. Review plan options at /pricing to find the level that fits your volume.