How to Write a Roofing Proposal (With What to Include)
October 27, 2026 · Roofing
A roofing proposal is the document a homeowner uses to decide whether to hire you. It should show that you understand the roof, explain exactly what you will do and make the price easy to compare with other quotes. Here is how to write one in six steps.
Step 1: Describe the roof and the job
Start with the property address, the type of roof, the approximate size in squares (one square is 100 square feet) and the reason for the work: replacement, repair or storm damage. This shows the client you measured and looked, not guessed.
Step 2: Spell out the scope
- How many layers of old roofing are removed
- How the roof deck is inspected and what happens if boards are damaged
- Underlayment, ice and water shield, drip edge, flashing and vents
- Clean-up, debris removal and protection of landscaping
Step 3: Name your materials
Write the shingle or metal product line and color rather than just "shingles". Homeowners often compare proposals by product, and a named product makes your quote easier to trust and harder to dispute later.
Step 4: Price it clearly
Show the base price for the job and list extras separately. The big unknown in roofing is the decking under the old roof, so give a price per sheet for replacing damaged boards. That way the client knows the base price is firm and exactly how any extra work is calculated.
Step 5: Add warranty, schedule and terms
List your workmanship warranty and the manufacturer's material warranty as two separate items, since they cover different things and are honored by different companies. Add an estimated start date, how long the job takes, what happens if bad weather delays it, and your payment schedule.
Common roofing proposal mistakes
- Quoting without allowing for damaged decking
- Leaving the product, color or brand vague
- Forgetting to state who handles permits
- Not saying how long the price is valid
- Giving no way for the client to accept quickly
If you would rather not build this from scratch each time, the roofing proposal template has these sections ready to fill in. Add your details, adjust the scope and send it as a link or PDF.