Roof Replacement Quote Checklist: Materials, Flashing and Warranty
Corvellis Editorial
A roofing quote should identify the roof areas and the work at their edges, joints, and penetrations—not just the shingle name. Use this checklist from a safe ground-level position. Ask the contractor to provide roof measurements and inspection photographs; do not climb up to complete your own survey.
Define the roof being priced
Confirm whether the proposal covers the house, garage, porch, additions, and any low-slope sections. Ask for a marked drawing or clear area description. A quote for “the main roof” may exclude a section you expected to replace. Record any skylights, chimneys, roof-mounted equipment, or attachments that need coordination.
| Scope line | Clarification to request |
|---|---|
| Removal | Existing layers to be removed and how additional layers would be charged. |
| Roof assembly | Named covering and supporting components appropriate to the specified roof. |
| Flashing and penetrations | Which details are replaced, retained, or excluded, and why. |
| Deck condition | Included allowance, repair units, and approval process for uncovered damage. |
| Site protection | Protection of landscaping and access routes, debris handling, and final cleanup. |
Require a weather plan
Ask what happens if the roof cannot be completed before rain. Who decides when to open a section, what temporary protection is included, and how will you be contacted if conditions change? Request the emergency contact for the job, not only the salesperson's number.
Also identify responsibility for moving or reconnecting items attached to the roof. Do not assume the roofer's contract covers a separate solar installer or another specialist.
Do not reduce ventilation to a vent count
For a vented attic, ask the contractor to explain the proposed intake and exhaust arrangement and any existing obstruction. ENERGY STAR warns against blocking soffit vents with insulation. More visible roof vents do not, by themselves, explain the complete design. Other attic assemblies may need a different approach; obtain project-specific advice.
Read both warranty documents
Separate the roof-product warranty from the installer's workmanship commitment. Write down provider, duration, exclusions, registration requirements, and the procedure for reporting a leak. Ask whether retained components affect coverage. Do not accept the single word “lifetime” as a complete answer.
Before making the choice
Have exclusions priced or consciously accepted. The FTC recommends written estimates describing the work and materials. Keep your questions and responses with the signed proposal so later disagreements can be resolved against the same record.
Use our roof hidden-cost worksheet for deck-repair scenarios and the roof replacement cost guide for general context. This is a proposal-review aid, not a roof specification or a determination that your roof needs replacing.
