Roofing estimate template
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A roofing estimate prices a re-roof by the square, ties the payments to stages, and says what happens when hidden damage turns up. Below is a worked example for a 175 square metre roof, then five plain questions.
Worked example: a re-roof priced by the square
Every price below is made up to show the working, so do not read them as market rates. The "$" can be any currency, and tax is left out.
A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof. That is about 9.29 square metres. To convert, divide the area in square metres by 9.29. This roof measures 175 square metres, so 175 ÷ 9.29 = 18.84. The estimate rounds up to 19 squares.
| Line | Working | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Labour | 19 squares × $210.00 | $3,990.00 |
| Materials | 19 squares × $185.00 | $3,515.00 |
| Tear-off | 19 squares × $40.00 | $760.00 |
| Flashings and vents (allowance) | one line | $480.00 |
| Skip bin | one line | $420.00 |
| Estimate total | $9,165.00 |
- Sum: $3,990.00 + $3,515.00 = $7,505.00. Add $760.00 for $8,265.00. Add $480.00 for $8,745.00. Add $420.00 for $9,165.00.
- Deposit, paid before the materials are ordered: 30% of $9,165.00 = $2,749.50.
- Stage payment when the tear-off is done: 40% of $9,165.00 = $3,666.00.
- Balance after the final inspection: $9,165.00 − $2,749.50 − $3,666.00 = $2,749.50.
- Check: $2,749.50 + $3,666.00 + $2,749.50 = $9,165.00.
Now say the old roof comes off and rotten decking shows under one section. The estimate says damage found under the old roof is priced as a variation before more work goes ahead. Four sheets of decking at $95.00 each cost $380.00. Three hours of extra labour at $70.00 an hour cost $210.00. The variation is $380.00 + $210.00 = $590.00.
The new total is $9,165.00 + $590.00 = $9,755.00. The final balance becomes $9,755.00 − $2,749.50 − $3,666.00 = $3,339.50. A second route gives the same answer: $2,749.50 + $590.00 = $3,339.50.
Make your own estimate
Make an estimate with your own squares, rates and stages. When the client accepts, raise a work order for the crew.
Five plain questions
What is a roofing square and how do I convert from square metres?
A square is 100 square feet of roof, or about 9.29 square metres. Divide your area in square metres by 9.29 and round up. In the example, 175 ÷ 9.29 = 18.84, so the estimate uses 19 squares. Measure the roof surface itself. It is larger than the floor plan under it.
What happens if rotten timber is found after tear-off?
Write down the repair, its price and the new total, and get the client's yes before you carry on. In the example, the repair adds $590.00 and the total moves from $9,165.00 to $9,755.00. On accepted quotes, the New Zealand consumer regulator says the provider "can’t charge you more than that unless you agree to extra work". The regulator wrote that for quotes, and we read nothing similar for estimates.
When should the deposit be taken: before ordering materials?
That is your choice, and we found no official rule on deposits. Many roofers ask for a deposit before they order, because the materials are the first big cost. In the example, the 30% deposit is $2,749.50 and the materials are $3,515.00. Put the percentage and the due date on the estimate.
How do I show weather delays in the estimate?
Weather is a matter of practice, and no official page we read covers it. Give a start window instead of one fixed date. Say that wet or windy days move the dates. Then say whether a delay changes the price. The example adds nothing for delay days.
What do I put in the estimate about warranty?
Warranty wording is practice too. We found no official source for a warranty period, so this page states none. Write what you promise in your own words: what is covered, for how long, and who to call. Keep it apart from the maker's warranty on the materials. Check your local licensing or consumer body for what it expects.
Checked 22 October 2026 against consumerprotection.govt.nz (Quotes and estimates).
Sources
- MBIE Consumer Protection (NZ): Quotes and estimates, read 22 October 2026
About this page: written by Papertern from the official sources linked on this page, and checked against them. Rules checked 22 October 2026.
Estimate makers by country
Each country edition uses the same tax name and business ID field as that country's invoice maker, with this preset selected.
| Country | Business ID field | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | ABN | GST |
| New Zealand | GST no. | GST |
| United Kingdom | VAT no. | VAT |
| Ireland | VAT no. | VAT |
| Canada | GST/HST no. | GST/HST |
| United States | EIN | Sales tax |
| Singapore | GST reg. number | GST |