A complete roofing estimate should break down costs, timelines, cleanup, and responsibilities—so there are no surprises for homeowners.
A Complete Roofing Estimate Should Include Several Key Components
If you’ve never gotten a quote for a roof replacement before, you may not know what to expect. At Skyline Contracting, we believe a complete roofing estimate should break down all components of the project—not just the price.
If you don’t get it in writing, you may wind up paying for some unexpected items or dealing with cleanup yourself. Here’s what to look for in an estimate to ensure your roofer has done a thorough job with their quote for your project.
What Should Be Included in a Roofing Estimate?
A complete roofing estimate should include a breakdown of the work the roofer will do, all materials and their costs, a project timeline, applicable warranties, and any permitting or other considerations. Let’s take a look at the most important components to look for in a roofing estimate.
Detailed Cost Breakdown: Labor, Materials & Cleanup
A clear estimate should itemize:
- Roofing materials and underlayment
- Labor charges
- Dumpster rental and waste disposal
- Permitting fees (if applicable)
- Cleanup and warranty details
A complete estimate will clearly outline all of these items, helping you budget accurately for your project and set aside funds for potential contingencies, unexpected damage, or other issues.
Project Timeline: What to Expect and When
An estimate should include a timeline for your project. While unexpected circumstances can always shift this timeline, such as poor weather, your roofer should do their best to ensure the timeline is as accurate as possible. Skyline Contracting includes a detailed timeline in every roofing estimate, helping homeowners feel confident about the next steps.
Warranties & Post-Project Cleanup Responsibilities
A roofing project isn’t done right when the roof is complete, and the estimate should provide information about crucial post-project items. This includes accounting for cleanup—listing out their method of waste removal and disposal, as well as any associated charges, as well as warranty information.
The warranty information should include both the roofer’s workmanship warranty if they have one (they should!), as well as any manufacturer’s warranties that apply to your new roof.
Permitting and Roofer Responsibilities
A reliable roofing estimate should lay out the prospective roofer’s responsibilities. This can determine whether the cost of labor quoted to you is justifiable or not.
For example, your roofing contractor should apply for a roofing permit on your behalf, and this should be included in the estimate.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Signing a Roofing Estimate
While it’s important for homeowners to know what components to look for in an estimate, this still may not cover everything. There are important questions for homeowners to ask to ensure the quote truly covers the full scope of the work. Ask questions like:
- Is cleanup included?
- What warranty coverage is standard?
- Are you fully licensed and insured?
- What is your process for handling unexpected problems or damage?
- Who will be my main point of contact during the project?
Always Look for a Roofer with Transparent Estimates
At Skyline Contracting, we value trust and transparent communication above all else. We strive to deliver complete, comprehensive estimates to our customers—and to make sure homeowners fully understand the scope of the project before we get started.
As a fully credentialed roofer based right here in Gainesville, we won’t leave you guessing about your project. Call us at (770) 530-3095 or reach out online for a full estimate on your project.
Roof Estimate FAQs
How much should a new roof cost in Gainesville?
In Georgia, roofing estimates generally range from $12,000 to $30,000, depending on the materials used and the size of the roof.
Can I negotiate a roofing estimate?
It is generally possible to negotiate prices with a roofer. If you have budgetary limitations, your roofer may be able to compromise on certain items. It’s best to ensure you fully understand the scope of the project before doing so, however.