Most roofing estimates are vague on purpose. A vague estimate makes price comparison impossible, and it protects the contractor when corners get cut. The cheapest bid almost always becomes the most expensive roof.
Here's exactly what every roof estimate should specify, line by line, so you can compare bids apples to apples and know what you're buying.
The 14 Items Every Estimate Must Include
If any of these is missing or written as "as needed," ask the contractor to spell it out before you sign.
1. Tear-Off Scope: Number of Layers
The estimate should specify how many existing layers will be torn off. Most homes have one layer; some have two or three. Each additional layer adds disposal cost and labor.
Vague: "Tear off existing roof"
Better: "Complete tear-off of one existing layer of asphalt shingles down to the deck"
2. Deck Inspection & Replacement Allowance
After tear-off, the deck (OSB or plywood) is inspected. Some sections may be rotted from old leaks. A good estimate includes a per-sheet replacement allowance.
Vague: "Deck repair as needed"
Better: "Deck inspection included; rotted decking replaced at $X per 4x8 sheet, billed at completion only for sheets actually replaced"
3. Ice and Water Shield Linear Footage
Ice and water shield is the waterproof membrane along eaves and valleys that stops ice dam damage. Code minimum is 24 inches past the heated wall line. A better install runs it six feet up from every eave and the full length of every valley.
Vague: "Ice and water shield at eaves"
Better: "Ice and water shield (Owens Corning WeatherLock or equivalent) extending 6 feet up from every eave and full length of all valleys, total approximately X linear feet"
4. Synthetic Underlayment
Underlayment is the waterproof layer covering the rest of the deck. It should be synthetic, not the older felt paper, and the estimate should name the brand and weight.
Vague: "Underlayment included"
Better: "Owens Corning RhinoRoof or Titanium UDL synthetic underlayment, full deck coverage"
5. Drip Edge
Drip edge is the metal trim along eaves and rakes that channels water into the gutter. Code requires it. It should be aluminum, not galvanized steel, which rusts.
Vague: "Drip edge"
Better: "New aluminum drip edge at all eaves and rakes, color-matched to shingle"
6. Pipe Boot Replacements
A pipe boot is the rubber gasket at each plumbing penetration. Pipe boots fail every 10–15 years even when the shingles around them are fine, so replace them on every re-roof.
Vague: (often missing)
Better: "All pipe boots replaced with Lifetime brand or equivalent, count: X boots"
7. Step Flashing & Wall Flashing
Step flashing is the L-shaped metal along walls and chimneys. Replace it during a re-roof. Do not reuse it.
Vague: "Re-flash chimney"
Better: "All step flashing and wall flashing replaced with new aluminum, counter-flashing assessed and replaced if compromised"
8. Starter Strip
The starter strip is the first row along the eave, and it creates the seal for the rest of the roof. It should be a dedicated starter strip product, not cut field shingles.
Vague: (often missing)
Better: "Owens Corning ProEdge starter strip at all eaves and rakes"
9. Shingle Brand and Product Line
The estimate should name the shingle's manufacturer, product name, color, and any upgrade tier (impact-resistant, designer, etc.).
Vague: "Architectural shingles"
Better: "Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration architectural shingles, color: Driftwood, lifetime limited warranty registered with manufacturer"
10. Ridge Cap
Ridge cap is the top row of shingles along the ridge. It should be a matching ridge-cap product, not cut field shingles, which fail faster and look worse.
Vague: "Ridge cap"
Better: "Owens Corning DecoRidge or matching dimensional ridge cap"
11. Ridge Vent or Box Vents
Ridge vents and box vents exhaust air at the top of the roof. The estimate should name the type and the total linear feet or count.
Vague: "Ventilation as needed"
Better: "Owens Corning VentSure ridge vent, 40 linear feet, replacing existing box vents"
12. Permit Cost
The municipal permit fee belongs on its own line, and it should match the city's published fee schedule.
Vague: (often buried)
Better: "Mentor city permit fee, $150 (paid to city of Mentor)"
13. Cleanup with Magnetic Sweep
After tear-off, hundreds of nails end up in the yard and driveway. Good crews run a magnetic sweep before they leave.
Vague: "Cleanup included"
Better: "Complete magnetic-sweep cleanup of yard and driveway, all debris hauled away, lawn left as-found"
14. Workmanship Warranty in Writing
The workmanship warranty covers installation errors. The estimate should state the term in years and what it covers.
Vague: "Lifetime workmanship warranty" without details
Better: "10-year workmanship warranty in writing, covers any failure caused by installation method (separate from manufacturer's lifetime shingle warranty)"
What Are the Red Flags in a Roof Estimate?
Watch for:
- A single-line "Roof Replacement: $X" with no breakdown. You can't compare it against other bids, and that is the point.
- "Tear off as needed" without specifying layers. Lets the contractor skip tear-off entirely if they decide the existing roof is "good enough."
- No brand names on materials. Means the contractor will buy whatever's cheapest at the supply house that day.
- No permit fee listed. Either they're not pulling one (illegal in most cities) or they're hiding the cost.
- Verbal-only warranty. A spoken promise doesn't survive the contractor's bankruptcy or the sale of the business. Get it in writing.
- Demand for >25% deposit. Standard mobilization deposit is 10–25% of total. Anything higher is a cash-flow play, not a legitimate cost.
How Do You Compare Three Roofing Bids?
If you have three estimates and one is dramatically lower, ask each contractor specifically:
- Which line items am I getting that the cheap bid doesn't include?
- Is the cheap contractor proposing tear-off or layover?
- What grade of underlayment is each using?
- How much ice and water shield (linear feet)?
- What's the workmanship warranty term?
Most cheap bids are cheap because they're missing 2–4 of the 14 items above. The "savings" disappear within five years when something the cheap bid skipped fails.
What Our Estimates Look Like
Every estimate from Rockstar Roofing LLC, based in Ashtabula, Ohio, is a single page that line-items all 14 items above with brand names, quantities, and unit costs. We give you a copy to take home and compare. We don't pressure you to sign on the spot.
If a competitor's estimate is hard to compare against ours, that's by design, and a reason to be cautious with that contractor.
Free Estimate
Call (440) 645-2003 or request a free written estimate. Owner Mike Ende brings 9+ years of Northeast Ohio roofing experience to every estimate. We serve Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Summit, and Mahoning counties.
Sources & Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a roof replacement estimate include?
A complete estimate line-items 14 things: tear-off layers, deck allowance, ice and water shield, underlayment, drip edge, pipe boots, step flashing, starter strip, shingle brand and line, ridge cap, ventilation, permit fee, magnetic-sweep cleanup, and a written workmanship warranty. Each line should name brands and quantities. If any line is missing or says "as needed," ask before you sign.
Why is one roofing bid so much lower than the others?
Most cheap bids are missing 2–4 of the 14 standard items. Ask each contractor whether they propose tear-off or layover, what underlayment they use, how many linear feet of ice and water shield they include, and what the workmanship warranty term is. The savings on a cheap bid usually disappear within five years when a skipped item fails.
How much deposit should a roofer ask for?
A standard mobilization deposit is 10–25% of the total. A demand for more than 25% is a cash-flow play, not a legitimate cost.
Should the permit fee be listed on a roof estimate?
Yes. The permit fee should be its own line and match the city's published fee schedule. If no permit fee is listed, the contractor is either not pulling one, which is illegal in most cities, or hiding the cost.
How far should ice and water shield go on an Ohio roof?
Code minimum is 24 inches past the heated wall line. A better install runs it six feet up from every eave and the full length of every valley. The estimate should state the total linear footage.
Is a verbal workmanship warranty good enough?
No. A verbal warranty doesn't survive the contractor's bankruptcy or the sale of the business. Get the term in years and what it covers in writing, separate from the manufacturer's shingle warranty.
About the Author
Mike Ende, Founder, Rockstar Roofing LLC
Mike Ende has 9+ years of Northeast Ohio roofing experience and founded Rockstar Roofing LLC in 2024. He is an Owens Corning Duration installer, BBB A-rated, fully insured, and personally answers the phone at (440) 645-2003. Based in Ashtabula, OH, Mike serves homeowners across Ashtabula, Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Summit, Mahoning, and Stark counties.
Read Mike’s full story →This article was last reviewed and updated on November 2, 2026.