# Free Roofing Estimate Template

Professional estimate template used by 50,000+ contractors. Download instantly in PDF, Excel, or Google Sheets. Fill it out in under 3 minutes.

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## ROOFING ESTIMATE

**Johnson Roofing Co.**  
Client: Mike & Sarah Thompson  
742 Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77002  
Date: April 15, 2026  
Valid for 30 days

| Description                                           | Cost     |
|------------------------------------------------------|----------|
| Tear-off existing shingles (30 sq)                   | $2,400  |
| GAF Timberline HDZ shingles (30 sq)                  | $4,200  |
| Underlayment + ice & water shield                     | $1,100  |
| Flashing, drip edge, ridge vent                        | $850    |
| Labor (3-person crew, 2 days)                        | $3,600  |
| Disposal + dumpster rental                             | $475    |
| **Total**                                            | **$15,940** |

## What Every Roofing Estimate Should Include

- Company name, license number, and contact info  
- Client name and project address  
- Detailed scope of work (tear-off, install, repairs)  
- Materials list with quantities and unit costs  
- Labor hours and crew size with daily rates  
- Equipment rental (dumpster, scaffolding, safety gear)  
- Markup and profit margin (typically 15-25%)  
- Subtotal, tax, and grand total  
- Payment schedule (deposit, progress, final)  
- Estimate validity period (30-60 days)  
- Terms, warranty, insurance, and permits  
- Signature line for client approval

## How to Write a Roofing Estimate in 5 Steps

1. **Step 1: Assess the Job Site**  
   Walk the property before quoting. Measure the roof area in squares (1 square = 100 sq ft), check for existing damage, note the pitch, and count penetrations (vents, skylights, chimneys). Take photos of everything.

2. **Step 2: Itemize Materials and Quantities**  
   List every material with quantities and unit costs. For roofing: shingles (by square), underlayment (by roll), ice and water shield, drip edge, flashing, ridge cap, ridge vent, nails, and sealant. Use supplier pricing as your baseline.

3. **Step 3: Calculate Labor Costs**  
   Estimate crew size and days. A typical 30-square re-roof takes a 3-person crew 2 days. Factor in tear-off time, complexity (steep pitch, multiple layers), and local labor rates ($45-75/hr depending on your market).

4. **Step 4: Add Your Markup**  
   Apply your markup (15-25% is standard for roofing). This covers overhead, insurance, warranty reserves, and profit. A 20% margin on a $12,000 job is $2,400 in profit. Don’t underbid to win the job.

5. **Step 5: Send It and Follow Up**  
   Export a clean PDF and send it within 24 hours of the site visit. Include a cover note summarizing the scope. Follow up within 48 hours if you don’t hear back. Speed wins jobs.

## Average Roofing Job Costs to Guide Your Estimates

| Job Type                                 | Material Cost         | Labor Cost        | Total Range            |
|------------------------------------------|-----------------------|-------------------|-----------------------|
| Asphalt shingle re-roof (30 sq)        | $3,600 – $5,400      | $3,000 – $4,500  | $8,000 – $14,000     |
| Flat roof (EPDM, 20 sq)                 | $2,000 – $3,200      | $2,400 – $3,600  | $5,500 – $9,000      |
| Metal roof install (30 sq)              | $6,000 – $12,000     | $4,500 – $7,500  | $14,000 – $25,000    |
| Roof repair (leak/patch)                | $100 – $500          | $200 – $600      | $350 – $1,200        |
| Gutter install (200 lf)                 | $600 – $1,200        | $400 – $800      | $1,200 – $2,400      |
| Skylight install                         | $500 – $1,500        | $800 – $1,500    | $1,500 – $3,500      |

## Estimating Best Practices for Roofing Contractors

1. **Use Good-Better-Best pricing**  
   Offer 3 tiers: basic (architectural shingles), mid (designer), premium (metal/slate). Clients close faster with options.

2. **Include a payment schedule**  
   Never ask for 100% upfront. Standard: 40% deposit, 30% at tear-off, 30% at walkthrough.

3. **Build in contingency (10-15%)**  
   Hidden damage, rotten decking, unexpected flashing work. Budget for it.

4. **Always walk the job first**  
   Satellite measurements are a starting point, not a final answer.

5. **Speed wins more than price**  
   Send a professional estimate within 24 hours. Responsiveness signals reliability.

6. **Quote per project, not per hour**  
   Fixed-price builds confidence. Per-hour pricing creates anxiety.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What’s the difference between an estimate and a quote?**  
An estimate is an approximation of costs based on your initial assessment. A quote is a fixed price you commit to. Most roofing contractors start with an estimate after a site visit, then convert it to a firm quote once the scope is finalized.

**How many pages should a roofing estimate be?**  
One to two pages is ideal. The first page covers scope, materials, labor, and total. The second page (optional) covers terms, warranty, and payment schedule.

**Should I charge for roofing estimates?**  
Most residential roofers offer free estimates. For complex commercial jobs, charging $100-$250 for a detailed assessment is reasonable. Deduct it from the project if they hire you.

**What file formats can I download this template in?**  
PDF (for sending to clients), Excel (for editing and calculations), and Google Sheets (for cloud-based collaboration). All three are free to download.

**Is this template really free?**  
Yes, completely free. No sign-up, no email gate, no strings.