Roofing Estimate: What to Include, Common Mistakes, and How to Write One From Your Phone

By Frank Flores · Updated September 2026

Roofing is one of the trades where customers ask for the most estimates. A storm, a leak or an insurance claim pushes them to get several options fast, often with an adjuster in the picture. The contractor who shows up first with a clear document, priced by the square and with warranties in writing, usually gets the job.

A good roofing estimate is measured in squares (100 square feet of roof), says whether it is a repair or a full replacement, names the exact material, and explains what happens with rotten decking you find once the old roof is off. Customers compare shingles the way they compare cars, so be specific.

The best roofer in town can lose to the one who simply answered faster and looked more formal. You can close that gap without learning a computer: write the estimate from your phone before you come down off the ladder.

What to include in a roofing estimate

• Inspection and measurements. Total squares, roof pitch and how many layers are on now. This is the base of your price.
• Tear-off. Priced per square and per layer. Removing two old layers is not the same work as removing one.
• Main roofing material. Shingle type, brand and product line, or metal or tile. Be exact.
• Underlayment and accessories. Felt or synthetic underlayment, ice and water shield where needed, flashing, drip edge, ridge cap and ventilation. The parts the customer never sees are what make a roof last.
• Decking replacement. A price per sheet of plywood or OSB, always as a separate unit price. Never include it as a guess.
• Labor, crew and timing. Estimated days on site, weather permitting.
• Permit, dumpster and cleanup. The permit if your area requires one, the dumpster or haul off, and a magnetic sweep for nails. Customers hate nails in the yard, so listing the sweep sells itself.
• Warranties in writing. The manufacturer warranty on the material and your own workmanship warranty, listed separately.

Sample roofing estimate lines

Here is how a shingle replacement might look. These are example numbers only. Use your own prices and your own measurements.

Note under the decking line: "Priced per sheet. Final count confirmed after tear-off." That one sentence heads off the most common roofing dispute.

Roofing estimate mistakes that cost you money

• Including rotten decking as a guess. Nobody knows until the roof is open. Price it per sheet as a unit price.
• Not naming the shingle brand and line. "Architectural shingle" alone makes the customer compare apples to oranges.
• Ignoring the insurance process. If the job is going through a claim, your estimate should use the same terms as the adjuster: squares, layers, line items.
• Skipping the extra layer or steep pitch. A second layer or a steep roof takes more time and more safety gear. Charge for it.

How to write a roofing estimate from your phone

Standing next to your truck, no computer and no typing:

1. Open Chambaly and tap the microphone.
2. Describe the job. "Replace 25 squares with architectural shingles, one layer tear-off, synthetic underlayment, replace two sheets of decking, dumpster and magnet sweep." Talk to it like you would talk to your crew lead.
3. AI builds the lines. Tear-off, material, accessories and decking each get a line. If you did not give a price, it suggests one and flags it for you to check.
4. You set the price. The number is always yours. Add a deposit and a valid until date.
5. Send it by text, WhatsApp or email. The homeowner gets a clean PDF with your business name, every line and how to pay you.

Why a detailed roofing estimate works

• It speaks the insurance language. Squares, layers and line items make the adjuster and the homeowner's job easier.
• It closes the scope. Material, decking, cleanup and warranty are all in writing.
• It gets you paid. Turn the accepted estimate into an invoice in one tap, and let Chambaly remind you on the due date.