What should be included in a roofing estimate?

A roofing estimate is more than a price — it is a scope document. The clearer it is, the fewer surprises you will have, and the easier it is to compare against other bids.

A complete estimate should include: the measured roof area in squares; the specific material brand and product line (not just "architectural shingle"); the number of existing layers being torn off and whether disposal is included; a decking replacement allowance or per-sheet rate; underlayment type; ice and water shield in valleys, plus at the eaves where your local code or climate calls for it; drip edge; starter strip; ridge or other ventilation; flashing details around chimneys, skylights, and walls; and any skylight or chimney work.

It should state the manufacturer warranty on the material and the workmanship warranty on the labor, with the number of years for each. It should name who is responsible for the building permit. And it should lay out the payment milestones — deposit, progress payment, and final — with dollar amounts, not just percentages.

If any of these are missing, the estimate is incomplete, and a low price usually lives in the gaps. A contractor who skips the decking allowance, the ventilation, or the permit is not cheaper — they have just moved the cost somewhere you cannot see it.

QuoteVya reads your uploaded estimate and flags exactly which of these items are present, missing, or vague, then gives you a Clarity Score and a list of questions to ask.