A Homeowner’s Roofing Estimate Checklist

Before the assessment

• Write down your project city and the problem or goal you want to discuss.
• Gather prior roofing invoices, repair notes, and warranty documents if you have them.
• List access concerns such as a narrow driveway, shared access, pets, or landscaping.
• Note any scheduling constraints and questions you want answered.

You can prepare this information without going onto the roof. Let the person assessing the property determine what measurements or closer inspection are needed.

Get the work and materials in writing

Look for a written description of removal, the proposed roof materials, and the components included around edges, openings, and ventilation. Ask which existing components are being retained. Confirm whether cleanup, disposal, and any applicable permit work are included.

GAF’s homeowner checklist also recommends comparing itemized written estimates that identify materials, payment terms, and warranties.

Make a plan for unknown conditions

Some details may remain uncertain until work begins. Ask the contractor to list those uncertainties rather than leaving you to infer them from a general exclusion.

For each potential change, agree on how it will be documented, who will contact you, how pricing will be calculated, and what approval is required before proceeding. For example, ask how additional decking work would be shown and priced if it is discovered after removal.

Use the same questions for every proposal

• What is included in this price, and what is specifically excluded?
• Which products and quantities form the basis of the estimate?
• How long is the estimate valid?
• What are the payment stages and how are changes documented?
• How are site access, daily communication, and schedule changes handled?
• What documents and cleanup should I expect at completion?

Keep the written answers with the proposal. If one estimate leaves an item vague, ask for a revised scope so the comparison is based on the same information.

Read the actual coverage documents

Ask for manufacturer product coverage and any contractor workmanship coverage separately. Confirm which documents apply to the proposed installation, what is excluded, and whether registration or maintenance requirements apply.

A guide cannot establish the coverage offered on a specific project. Request the written terms before choosing an option; do not rely on a badge, headline, or verbal summary alone.

Keep a record of the decision

Save the final scope, any agreed changes, and the contact information for the person coordinating the job. Before the start date, review access arrangements and how you will receive updates.

This checklist is general planning information for homeowners in Vancouver and Oregon. The current TIK Roofing website uses sample contact details; its preview form does not send requests.