Before You Sign a Roofing Contract: 15 Things That Should Be on Your Estimate
Don't Sign a Roofing Contract Until You Know Exactly What You're Paying For
Replacing your roof is one of the largest investments you will make in your home. Whether your roof is aging, leaking, or has suffered storm damage, choosing the right roofing contractor is only part of the process.
Before you sign a roofing contract, you should understand exactly what the contractor is proposing to do, what materials will be used, what is included in the price, and what happens if unexpected issues are discovered.
A professional roofing estimate shouldn't simply say, "Remove old roof and install new shingles — $X."
A complete estimate should give you a clear picture of the entire roofing project.
At Covered Construction Inc., we believe homeowners deserve to know exactly what they are purchasing before they sign a contract. That's why we take the time to inspect your roof, explain our recommendations, answer your questions, and provide a detailed estimate.
Here are 15 things that should be addressed on your roofing estimate before you sign.
1. Complete Scope of Work
Your estimate should clearly explain what work the contractor will perform.
Will the existing shingles be removed? Will the decking be inspected? Will damaged materials be replaced? Will flashing be replaced or reused?
The more detailed the scope of work, the fewer surprises you are likely to encounter later.
2. Tear-Off and Disposal
Find out whether the price includes removing the existing roofing materials.
Your estimate should specify:
Number of existing layers being removed
Tear-off labor
Disposal of old shingles
Dumpster or trailer costs
Cleanup following the tear-off
A low roofing estimate may not be as inexpensive as it initially appears if important costs are excluded.
3. Roofing Shingle Manufacturer and Product
"New shingles" isn't enough information.
Your estimate should identify the manufacturer and specific shingle product being proposed.
Different shingles have different warranties, appearances, wind ratings, performance characteristics, and costs.
Make sure you know exactly what is being installed on your home.
4. Shingle Color
Your roofing estimate should identify the color you selected.
This may seem like a small detail, but documenting your selection helps eliminate confusion before installation begins.
Your roof is a major part of your home's appearance, so make sure the color and product are clearly documented.
5. Underlayment
Your estimate should explain what type of underlayment will be installed beneath the shingles.
Synthetic underlayment and other roofing underlayment products provide an additional layer of protection between the shingles and your roof decking.
This is one of those components that you may never see after the project is completed — but it is an important part of the roofing system.
6. Ice and Water Protection
For homeowners in Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan, ice and water protection deserves special attention.
Your estimate should identify where ice and water protection will be installed and what product will be used.
Proper protection in vulnerable areas such as eaves, valleys, and around roof penetrations can help protect your home from water intrusion.
Ask your contractor exactly what areas of your roof will receive this protection.
7. Flashing
Flashing is one of the most important components of a roofing system.
Your estimate should explain how flashing will be handled around areas such as:
Chimneys
Walls
Skylights
Valleys
Plumbing penetrations
Roof-to-wall transitions
Ask whether existing flashing will be replaced, reused, or modified.
Don't be afraid to ask questions about flashing. A professional contractor should be willing to explain exactly what they plan to do.
8. Roof Ventilation
A complete roofing estimate should address ventilation.
Proper attic ventilation helps your roofing system perform properly throughout Michigan's hot summers and cold winters.
Your contractor should identify the type of ventilation being installed or retained, including intake and exhaust ventilation.
Examples may include:
Ridge vents
Box vents
Powered ventilation
Soffit intake
Intake ventilation products
Simply installing a new roof without considering the ventilation system may leave an important part of your home's roofing system unaddressed.
9. Pipe Boots and Roof Penetrations
Plumbing vents and other penetrations through the roof need proper attention.
Your estimate should explain whether pipe boots and other roof penetration components will be replaced as part of the project.
These small components can play a big role in preventing water from entering your home.
10. Decking or Plywood Replacement
Your roofing estimate should explain how damaged roof decking will be handled.
Once the existing shingles are removed, the contractor may discover deteriorated, damaged, or otherwise unsuitable decking.
Ask:
What happens if damaged decking is found?
Does the estimate include replacement? Is it charged separately? What is the cost per sheet?
Having this conversation before the project begins can prevent an uncomfortable surprise when the roof is torn off.
11. Drip Edge
Your estimate should specify whether drip edge is included.
Drip edge is installed along appropriate roof edges to help direct water away from the roof structure and into the gutter system.
It is another important component of a complete roofing system that shouldn't be overlooked simply because it isn't highly visible from the ground.
12. Gutters and Gutter Protection
If your roofing project affects gutters, the estimate should clearly explain what will happen.
Will gutters be removed and reinstalled?
Will they be replaced?
Will gutter guards be removed and reinstalled?
Will any gutter damage discovered during the project be addressed?
Don't assume something is included simply because it seems like it should be.
If it's important to you, get it in writing.
13. Cleanup and Final Inspection
Your estimate should explain what happens when the roofing installation is finished.
A professional roofing project should include cleanup of the work area, removal of roofing debris, and a final inspection.
At Covered Construction Inc., we believe the project isn't finished simply because the last shingle has been installed.
We perform a final inspection of our work and conduct a final walkthrough with the homeowner.
In many cases, one of our owners will be involved in that final walkthrough.
This gives you an opportunity to see the completed project, ask questions, and make sure you understand what was completed before making your final payment.
14. Workmanship Warranty
Don't just ask about the manufacturer's shingle warranty.
Ask about the contractor's workmanship warranty.
The manufacturer's warranty generally covers the roofing materials under its specific terms and conditions. The contractor's workmanship warranty addresses the installation itself.
Your estimate or contract should clearly explain:
Length of workmanship warranty
What is covered
What is excluded
Who is responsible for warranty work
How to request service
A professional contractor should be comfortable explaining their warranty.
15. Total Project Cost and Payment Terms
Finally, your estimate should clearly identify the total project price and payment terms.
Make sure you understand:
Total contract price
Deposit requirements
Payment schedule
Financing options, if applicable
Additional costs that could occur
How change orders are handled
Final payment requirements
Never hesitate to ask a contractor to explain a charge or line item you don't understand.
You should feel comfortable with the contract before signing it.
Your Roofing Estimate Should Leave You With Answers — Not More Questions
At Covered Construction Inc., we understand that homeowners aren't roofing professionals.
You shouldn't have to understand every roofing term before you can make an informed decision about your home.
Our job is to explain the project in terms you understand.
When we provide an estimate, we're happy to walk you through the proposed roofing system, materials, ventilation, flashing, decking, warranties, cleanup, and any other components that may affect your project.
We don't believe homeowners should have to compare three pieces of paper with nothing more than a total price at the bottom.
You deserve to know what you're getting for your money.
Why Choose Covered Construction Inc.?
Covered Construction Inc. proudly serves Metro Detroit, Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, and surrounding communities.
We bring more than 20 years of roofing, siding, and exterior construction experience to every project.
We also believe in something that has become increasingly important to homeowners:
We don't use subcontractors for our installations.
Our work is performed by our in-house crews, allowing us to maintain greater control over the installation process and the quality of our work.
One of our owners is on-site during every installation, and after the work is completed, our crew foreman will walk the project with you.
That means you aren't simply handed a bill and left wondering what was done.
We're here to answer your questions.
Getting a Roofing Estimate? Ask Questions.
If you're getting multiple roofing estimates, don't automatically choose the contractor with the lowest price.
Instead, compare the entire roofing system and scope of work.
Ask each contractor:
What exactly am I getting for this price?
If one estimate includes upgraded materials, better underlayment, ice and water protection, flashing replacement, ventilation improvements, cleanup, and a strong workmanship warranty while another simply lists "tear-off and shingles," those estimates aren't necessarily comparing the same project.
The details matter.
Get a Complete Roofing Estimate From Covered Construction Inc.
If you're considering a roof replacement, don't sign a contract until you understand exactly what you're buying.
Covered Construction Inc. can provide you with a detailed roofing estimate and take the time to answer your questions before you make a decision.
Whether your roof is aging, leaking, or you simply want to know what condition it's in, we're happy to help.
Call Covered Construction Inc. today to schedule your FREE roof inspection and estimate.
📞 248-883-7663📧 sales@coveredconstructioncompany.com
Serving Metro Detroit, Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County & surrounding areas.
Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Windows
Covered Construction Inc. — Quality Work. In-House Crews. Professional Results.
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