Every homeowner should know exactly what needs to be included in a roofing estimate. No exceptions. The roof replacement process can be a long one—one that requires careful attention and good instincts.

If you’re wondering what to look for in a roofing estimate, DMG Exteriors has got you covered. Let’s discuss the four key elements every legitimate roofing estimate should have. In a market inundated with numerous roofing businesses and contractors, it’s important to understand how to tell the bad ones from the good.

The Importance of Receiving a Roofing Estimate

Your roofing estimate gives you insight into the exact changes that need to be made to your roof, how the company will execute those changes, and how much you can expect to invest in the repairs. It gives you a realistic outlook on the project, which will help you financially and mentally prepare.

Gathering roofing estimates will also provide guidance on hiring the right roofing contractor in Indiana. It helps homeowners:

Compare different roofing contractors with one another. Not every roofing business is created equal. Estimates are a great way to assess the level of quality a roofing contractor will provide and show whether the qualitative aspects are well-aligned with the price they charge.
Decipher whether a business’s online reviews actually ring true. Reviews are a great way to gain an initial perception of a business. But a roofing estimate serves as an additional resource to gauge how trustworthy a contractor is.

Your 4-Point Roofing Estimate Checklist

Now, not all roofing estimate templates will look the same, but each one should cover four critical areas. To help you stay on track, here is your roofing estimate checklist.

1. Full Description of the Roofing Project

Take time to read through the project description. The more details they provide, the better. The description should outline the step-by-step replacement process, which should include the following areas:

Tearing off old roofing or wood materials. It’s essential the company notes the specific number of layers they will tear off. The more layers of old roofing material you have, the higher the cost will be.
Roofing materials. The estimate should indicate the material of your new roof. There are various roofing materials you can choose from, such as asphalt shingles, wood shakes, metal, slate, and tile.

Note: The material you and your contractor select often depends on the slope of your roof—just because your neighbor has a tile roof doesn’t mean it’ll work for your home.

Underlayment Installation. Underlayment is the layer between the roof material and sheathing. It’s a critical component that protects your home and can help lengthen the life of your roof.
Cleaning of the worksite. Roofing contractors will likely bring a dumpster to dispose of old materials. Their team may also use a blower to get rid of materials and clean out gutters and downspouts.
Quality check. The right contractor will perform a quality check at the conclusion of the project. The quality check ensures there are no leak risks and that your new roof is in top condition.

As you’re reading through the description, look out for red flags. Read the 17 most common roofing mistakes to ensure these errors are not indicated on your estimate.

2. Start and Completion Date

This is basic yet critical information you need to have. It illustrates the business’s organization and trustworthiness.

You want to ensure the project you pay for will be completed promptly. Having this in writing will give you peace of mind. You want to make sure you get exactly what you pay for.

It’s essential that the project duration equates with the amount of work outlined in the project description. Different types of materials necessitate different installation timelines.

For reference, here are the average project durations per material:

Asphalt shingles: 1–2 days
Metal roof: 1–2 days
Wood shakes: 3–4 days
Slate: 6–7 days
Concrete tiles: 8–9 days

3. Warranties

A warranty is a written guarantee between the homeowner and the roofing company. It essentially offers protection for labor and installation—the company promises the homeowner they will repair or replace their roof or certain roofing materials within a specific period.

The warranty should include information such as:

Workmanship/labor guarantees
Material guarantees
Impact, weathering, and wind warranties
Clean up expectations
Transferable guarantees (in the event you sell your home)

4. License and Insurance Information

A legitimate roofing company should have the proper licenses and insurance required by the city. Indiana does not require roofing contractors to hold a state license, but there may be local requirements.

Insurance policies should cover third-party injuries and property damage caused by roofing company vehicles and tools.

Contact DMG Exteriors for Your Free Estimate

As leading general contractors in Lake, LaPorte, and the northwest region of Indiana, the DMG Exteriors team is ready to offer exceptional services to your home. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.