What it is for
Leave it with the homeowner after you look at the roof. It shows what you found, gives three options side by side, and says what happens next. The contract comes after, when they pick an option.
It has four pages: a cover, Your roof today, Your options (good, better and best), and How the job goes.
How to use it
- Look at the roof and take photos. Our roof inspection checklist helps.
- On the cover, fill in the customer name, the job address, the date, your contact details and your license or registration number. Add a photo of the home if you like.
- On Your roof today, fill in the age, material, layers, area and pitch. List the problems you found and add up to four photos.
- On Your options, fill in the shingle, underlayment, ventilation, warranties and price for each option. Then fill in what every option includes and what is not included.
- On How the job goes, fill in the usual number of install days, answer the three questions, and set the valid-until date.
- Leave a copy with the homeowner. When they choose, they tick an option and sign. Then send the contract.
What you fill in
- Customer name, job address and date
- Your name, phone, email and license or registration number
- Roof age, current material, layers, measured area and pitch
- Problems found, with up to four photos and captions
- For each option: shingle, underlayment, ventilation, workmanship warranty, manufacturer warranty and price
- Decking sheets included, and what is not included
- Usual install days and the valid-until date
- Your answers to three common questions
- The option chosen, with the customer's signature and date
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a roofing estimate, a proposal and a contract?
An estimate is a price for one scope of work. A proposal helps the homeowner choose: it shows what you found and gives options. A contract is the signed agreement with the full terms. Many roofers send a proposal first, then a contract for the option the customer picks.
Should I offer three options?
Three options let the homeowner compare without pressure. Each option in this file lists the shingle, underlayment, ventilation, warranties and price, so the differences are clear. If a job has only one right answer, delete the other columns.
How many photos should I include?
Show each problem you write about. The file has room for one photo of the home and four photos of the roof, each with a caption. Clear photos help the homeowner see what you saw.
Should I put financing on the proposal?
Put the price first. A short financing line after the price is fine. Do not let it hide the price.
How long should a proposal stay valid?
Pick a date you can keep, based on how often your material prices change. Write it in the valid-until line on page 4. After that date, check your prices before the customer signs.