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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742 Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77002
Date: April 15, 2026 | Valid for 30 days
$15,940
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What Every Roofing Estimate Should Include
How to Write a Roofing Estimate in 5 Steps
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
Use these benchmarks as starting points. Actual costs vary by region, materials, and job complexity.
| 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 |
Costs vary by region. Get a location-specific estimate in 6 seconds with SimplyWise AI Estimator →
Estimating Best Practices for Roofing Contractors
Use Good-Better-Best pricing
Offer 3 tiers: basic (architectural shingles), mid (designer), premium (metal/slate). Clients close faster with options.
Include a payment schedule
Never ask for 100% upfront. Standard: 40% deposit, 30% at tear-off, 30% at walkthrough.
Build in contingency (10-15%)
Hidden damage, rotten decking, unexpected flashing work. Budget for it.
Always walk the job first
Satellite measurements are a starting point, not a final answer.
Speed wins more than price
Send a professional estimate within 24 hours. Responsiveness signals reliability.
Quote per project, not per hour
Fixed-price builds confidence. Per-hour pricing creates anxiety.
Estimate Template vs. Estimating Software
Free
- ✓ Pre-filled line items
- ✓ PDF, Excel, Google Sheets
- ✓ Print or email to clients
- ✓ Manual updates required
- ✓ No cost database
SimplyWise App
- ✓ Photo-to-estimate in 6 seconds
- ✓ Live material pricing by ZIP code
- ✓ Professional PDF estimates + invoices
- ✓ Send directly to clients
- ✓ Track all your estimates
Frequently Asked Questions
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