How To Quote A Roofing Job That Converts

Being the preferred roofing company depends on a variety of factors. Customers will always pay attention to the level of service provided and the materials used. Still, one crucial aspect many roofing companies overlook is being able to provide a customer with a detailed, but effective, quote.

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Since roofing can determine the comfort level of a home, it’s no surprise that most customers prefer to take their time in reviewing quotes to find the best possible service provider. Having the right quote allows you to stay competitive.

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Wondering how to price a roofing job per square? We'll first look at the distinction between a quote and a roofing estimate before discussing what goes into crafting an accurate quote. We’ll also go over how Roofr can help you with generating quality quotes.

The difference between estimates and quotes

Although these phrases are frequently used interchangeably, they do have some key distinctions. 

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An estimate for roofing is what a contractor estimates the general cost of a project to be. The project's actual cost may be higher or lower than the stated estimate.

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Meanwhile, a roofing quote (sometimes referred to as a bid) is a comprehensive document covering every aspect of the project. Once signed, it acts as a contract.

What's included in a roofing quote?

Roofing quotes differ depending on the type of project you’re working on. But regardless of the type, certain elements are non-negotiable. Here are the items that should go into a quote, which you should consider when thinking about how to quote a roofing job.

Company contact info

Your roofing company’s name, address, phone number, and email address should be included with every quote.

A full work description

A roofing quote must contain a thorough explanation of the work that needs to be done for the client. It’s vital to specify every component of the roof, the type and thickness of the underlayment, the positions of the flashing, and even the size of the nails and fasteners that will be utilized. Each step needs to be specified in detail.

Approximate timeline

A project's start and anticipated completion dates must be specified in a roofing quote so that homeowners can modify their schedules accordingly. However, keep in mind that if additional damages are found on the roof, the timeframe may change. 

Materials needed

Cost estimation requires consideration of all materials that will be used to complete the roofing project. Common roofing materials you can add to your quote include: 

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• Shingles (asphalt or synthetic)
• Flashing
• Underlayment and ventilation materials, such as box vents and shift vents

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The amount needed depends on the roofing square measurements done.

Total cost

When thinking about how to write a roofing quote, the total project cost should be included—i.e., how much the client will be required to pay in total by the end of the project.

Waste management

The removal and cleanup of waste materials are part of repairing or replacing a roof, and your quote should consider these costs. For instance, you might have to pay for the rental of a dumpster or the removal of construction debris.

Permits

Depending on where the job takes place, local and city building codes may demand permits for a roof repair or replacement job. You’ll need to know what is required for permits and should include these charges in the quotation.

Licensing 

Proof of your roofing license and evidence of liability insurance and workers' compensation should be included in your roofing bid. This demonstrates your reputation and work authorization.

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The client should be able to see the insurance and licenses on the quote so that they can verify your legitimacy. Customers are more likely to go against hiring a roofing contractor who doesn’t take the necessary precautions.

Warranty

You should also include a complete description of any warranties offered in your quote. Some clients like to know this, because they want to know how long the warranty lasts and whether it can be transferred to the new owner if they decide to sell their houses in the future.

Things to keep in mind when creating a quote

Along with considering how to quote a roofing job per square and including all the necessary details, it’s important to remember that some customers don't base their choice of selecting a roofing company on the price of a service. Instead, they concentrate on a few fundamental aspects of your roofing quote.

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• Your roofing quote should be based on the nature of the work you'll do for the client. A more expensive estimate will involve slightly more extensive work, or may require a total roof replacement. In contrast, a less expensive estimate might be based on a roof repair.

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• Depending on how far away you are from the client, you should include transportation expenses in your roofing quote. However, this may not be necessary if you only operate locally.

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• Due to the complexity of roofing jobs and the higher safety concerns for roofers in general, you may decide to add additional expenses if the client has a steep roof. 

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• Your choice of roofing material will also affect the final price. Due to variations in material composition, functionality, and aesthetic qualities, different types of roofing shingles and related components or accessories (like underlayment and vents) come in a range of price points.

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• The price may change if the client decides to upgrade their current roof in addition to the repairs. These improvements should also be considered in your estimate, such as improved ventilation through more roof vents, an attic fan, or a skylight to promote energy efficiency.

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• When choosing between a roof repair and a complete roof replacement, some clients may ask why you suggest a particular course of action. To help your clients make more informed choices, you should have estimates that cover both tasks.

Final thoughts

As you can see, when it comes to how to quote a roofing job per square, it’s not the most straightforward, but we have some great news for you. There are tools available to make your job much simpler.

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Roofr lets you generate quotes using a predefined price list and perform automatic material calculations using a measurement report. You can also get a roof report within hours or create one yourself in minutes using a drone, satellite, or blueprints. Send high-quality, professionally-prepared proposals to your client in just a few clicks.

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Roofr streamlines all these tasks and does the administrative-intensive work for you. Ready to optimize your roofing process to win more customers? Register for Roofr today!

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