Roofing · Hiring and comparing quotes · Updated November 2026
What Should a Roofing Estimate Include?
Roofing quotes are hard to compare because the cheapest one often leaves out the parts you cannot see. A complete estimate spells out each of these items.
The checklist
| Line item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Roof measurement | Total squares (100 sq. ft. each) plus waste allowance. Big differences between quotes mean someone measured wrong. |
| Tear-off | How many existing layers are removed. Removing the old roof costs $1,000–$3,000 on average. |
| Decking | A per-sheet price for replacing damaged decking, and how many sheets are included, if any. |
| Underlayment | Type named (synthetic or felt), and ice-and-water membrane at eaves and valleys where your climate calls for it. |
| Shingles or panels | Manufacturer, product line and color. |
| Flashing | Whether chimney, wall, vent and skylight flashing is replaced or reused; drip edge included. |
| Ventilation | Ridge vents, intake vents or other ventilation changes. |
| Disposal | Dumpster and haul-away ($500–$1,500), plus magnetic nail sweep of the yard. |
| Permits and inspection | Who pulls the permit ($100–$1,400). |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty term, workmanship warranty term, and whether the warranty requires registration. |
| Schedule and payment | Start date, deposit and when the rest is due. |
Typical costs from our roofing cost guide.
Questions to ask
- Are you licensed and insured for roofing in this state? (How to verify)
- Are you certified by the shingle manufacturer, and does that change the warranty?
- Who supervises the crew on site?
- How do you protect landscaping, siding and gutters?
- What happens if it rains after the old roof is off?
Compare quotes side by side
Use our quote comparison worksheet and choose "Roofing" to add these questions to the comparison.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our roofing cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor. Calls connect you with an independent service provider in our network. FixFinch is not a contractor and does not perform the work.