Free template · Excel · Estimates by trade
Free roofing estimate template
A roofing estimate priced by the square, with tear-off, underlayment and flashing on their own lines, a unit price for rotten decking, and a deposit and signature block.
Roofing estimate template
Excel workbook (.xlsx) · 20 KB · 4 sheets
| Item | Description | Qty | Rate | Amount | Tax? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tear-off | Remove 1 layer of asphalt shingles (squares) | 24 | 75.00 | 1,800.00 | Y |
| Shingles | Architectural shingles, installed (squares) | 24 | 340.00 | 8,160.00 | Y |
| Underlayment | Ice and water shield at eaves and valleys (rolls) | 4 | 145.00 | 580.00 | Y |
| Flashing | Drip edge, step and chimney flashing | 1 | 780.00 | 780.00 | Y |
| Ventilation | Ridge vent (linear ft) | 42 | 9.00 | 378.00 | Y |
| Decking | Allowance: replace rotten sheathing, 3 sheets at unit price | 3 | 95.00 | 285.00 | Y |
| Disposal | Dumpster and haul-away | 1 | 520.00 | 520.00 | Y |
| Permit | Building permit, at cost | 1 | 150.00 | 150.00 | Y |
| Subtotal | 12,653.00 | ||||
| GST | 632.65 | 5% | |||
| PST (Saskatchewan) | 759.18 | 6% | |||
| ESTIMATE TOTAL | 14,044.83 | ||||
| Deposit required | 3,000.00 | ||||
| BALANCE ON COMPLETION | 11,044.83 |
Why a roofing estimate needs its own layout
The hardest part of a roofing estimate is what you can't see: the decking under the old shingles. A good estimate prices the known work as a fixed amount and the unknown as a unit price, so neither side is surprised when the old roof comes off.
This template prices by the square (100 square feet of roof), lists tear-off, underlayment, flashing and venting separately, and has a per-sheet price for decking replacement. The example is a re-roof in Saskatchewan, where PST applies to the whole charge.
What to include on a roofing estimate, and why
- Roof size in squares, and the pitch. Every price follows from these. Writing them down lets the customer compare quotes like for like.
- A unit price for decking. Nobody knows how much sheathing is rotten until the shingles come off. A per-sheet price, with an allowance, avoids an argument on day one.
- Product names and colour. "Architectural shingles" covers a wide range. Name the line and colour so the customer gets what they chose.
- Underlayment and flashing. These are what make a roof last, and the first things a cheap quote leaves out. Show them.
- Warranty: yours and the manufacturer's. Two different warranties; say what each covers and for how long.
- Clean-up and disposal. Nails in the lawn are the most common complaint. Say how you'll clean up.
How to price it
Per square
The industry standard: a price per 100 square feet, by product, with tear-off and extras on top.
Allowances and unit prices
For hidden conditions like decking, give an allowance and a unit price for anything beyond it.
Deposit
Many roofers take a deposit to order materials, with the balance on completion.
Deposits and payment terms
- Deposit to schedule and order materials
- Balance on completion and final inspection
- Unit-price extras confirmed with the customer before the work
- Price valid for 30 days, as material prices move
Put the deposit and payment schedule on the estimate itself, so the customer signs up to them and they carry straight onto the invoice. For how to record a deposit you take up front, see customer deposits and retainers.
Sales tax, GST/HST and PST on roofing work
United States
A re-roof is usually an improvement to real property. In many states, the roofer pays sales tax on materials when buying them and doesn't add it to the estimate; in others, the job or the materials are taxable to the customer.
Check your state's rules for contractors, and state on the estimate whether tax is included.
Canada
GST/HST applies to the whole price once you're registered.
In Saskatchewan, PST applies to roofing on the total charge, labour included. In British Columbia, PST generally doesn't apply to the customer's roof; the roofer pays PST on materials.
Check a rate with the US sales tax calculator or the GST/HST calculator, then set it beside the tax lines in the template. Both tax lines can be renamed, so one estimate works for sales tax, HST, or GST plus PST or QST.
The example, filled in
The Estimate sheet opens filled in with the example in the preview: a Saskatchewan roofer quoting a re-roof, estimate R-26-058 for an example customer. The lines come to a subtotal of $12,653.00 and a total of $14,044.83, with a deposit required of $3,000.00 and a balance on completion of $11,044.83. The price holds for 30 days. The figures are made up to show the layout; they are not market rates.
In Saskatchewan, a registered roofer charges 5% GST, and 6% PST applies to the total charge for work on a building, labour included.
The notes box reads: “Price holds 30 days. Decking beyond 3 sheets at $95 per sheet installed, confirmed with you before we proceed. 10-year workmanship warranty; manufacturer warranty registered in your name.”
Lines on the price list sheet
The Price list sheet starts with the lines roofing businesses usually charge for. Add your rates once and copy them onto each estimate.
| Line | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Shingles, installed | per square | By product line. |
| Tear-off | per square per layer | Extra for each additional layer. |
| Steep or high roof | per square | Surcharge above a set pitch or height. |
| Ice and water shield | per roll or square | Eaves, valleys, penetrations. |
| Synthetic underlayment | per square | Field of the roof. |
| Drip edge and flashing | per linear ft or flat | Step, chimney, wall. |
| Ventilation | per linear ft or each | Ridge vent, box vents. |
| Decking replacement | per sheet | Unit price for what's found rotten. |
| Dumpster and disposal | per bin | By size. |
| Permit | at cost | Where required. |
What's in the file
| Sheet | What it holds |
|---|---|
| Estimate | The printable roofing estimate, filled in with the example on this page: your details, the customer, roof, 15 lines, two tax lines, deposit required, scope and terms, and signature lines. |
| Price list | The lines roofing businesses usually charge for, with the unit for each. Enter your own rates once and copy them onto each estimate. |
| Estimate log | One row per estimate: status (Pending, Accepted, Declined, Expired), the invoice number once billed, a follow-up date and your win rate. |
| Instructions | How to fill it in, plus the notes on this page about what to include. |
Pale yellow cells are for your entries; white cells calculate. Nothing is locked, so you can rename lines or change the layout. The Instructions sheet repeats the steps and the notes on this page.
Download the roofing estimate template (.xlsx)
Or send it from AcboBooks
Need one estimate today? The free invoice generator makes a PDF in your browser. Sending them every week? AcboBooks keeps your roofing price list, turns an accepted estimate into the invoice (see estimate software), tracks what each customer owes and adds up the tax you collected. It's Windows desktop software, bought once; try it free for 15 days.
Sources
Checked October 25, 2026. Tax rules change and differ by state and province; confirm with the tax agency or your accountant.
- Canada Revenue Agency: input tax credits (information an invoice needs)
- CRA RC4022, General Information for GST/HST Registrants
- CRA: GST/HST rates by province
- IRS Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records
- Federation of Tax Administrators: links to every state tax agency
- Government of Saskatchewan: provincial sales tax
- Government of British Columbia: provincial sales tax (PST)
Questions
What is a roofing square?
100 square feet of roof surface. A 2,400 sq ft roof is 24 squares. Add a waste factor for cuts, hips and valleys when ordering.
How do I price rotten decking I can't see?
Give a unit price per sheet and an allowance (say, three sheets). If more is found, show the customer and get approval before replacing it.
Should the estimate include the permit?
Yes, if one is required. Show it as its own line at cost.
How long should a roofing estimate be valid?
Thirty days is common, because shingle prices change. Say so on the estimate.
Related
- Customer deposits and retainers
- Estimate (glossary)
- Contractor invoice template
- Markup and margin calculator
- Accounting software for roofers
- General estimate and quote template
- All invoice and estimate templates by trade
General information, not tax, legal or accounting advice. Check with your accountant or the tax agency before relying on a template for tax.
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