How To Bid A Roofing Job: Roofing Pricing Guide
Bidding a roofing job is one of the most important skills for any roofing contractor. It’s not just about throwing out a number. It’s about striking the perfect balance between being competitive enough to win the job and ensuring you make a profit.
Whether you’re just starting your roofing business or looking to improve your bidding process, mastering how to price a roofing job will set you apart from the competition.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to bid a roofing job the right way. From calculating your costs and adding a profit margin to presenting your bid professionally, you’ll learn how to create bids that impress clients and protect your bottom line.
By the end, you’ll have the tools and confidence to take your roofing business to the next level.
Table of Contents
Why a Great Roofing Bid Matters
Creating a great roofing bid is more than just good business practice. It’s essential for thriving in today’s competitive market.
The U.S. roofing industry is valued at over $56 billion, driven by growing demand for roof repairs, replacements, and installations due to aging infrastructure and severe weather events.
Clients aren’t just looking for the cheapest price; they’re seeking professionals who can deliver quality work. A detailed, well-structured bid shows clients you’re reliable, transparent, and prepared.
For example, a roofing contractor in Texas recently landed a $15,000 project because their bid included a clear breakdown of materials, labor, and timelines. This level of detail earned the client’s trust, helping them win the job over competitors with vague estimates.
By learning how to price a roofing job effectively, you’ll position your business as trustworthy and professional, giving you an edge in this thriving industry.
Steps to Bid A Roofing Job
Step 1: Inspect the Roof
The first and most critical step in bidding for a roofing job is conducting a thorough roof inspection. This process ensures you understand the scope of work and can provide an accurate, competitive bid. During your inspection, focus on:
- Measuring the Roof’s Square Footage: This helps determine the amount of material needed, whether it’s shingles, metal panels, or tiles.
- Identifying Damage: Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracked shingles, water damage, or mold. Pay close attention to areas like chimneys, vents, and flashing, which are prone to leaks.
- Assessing Roof Complexity: A roof with steep slopes, intricate designs, or multiple layers will take more time and effort, impacting labor costs.
- Noting Special Requirements: Check for client-specific needs, like energy-efficient roofing or high-end materials, and factor these into your bid.
Consider a Roofing Business Insurance
This step is also a perfect opportunity to discuss insurance coverage with your client. Gradual wear and tear is not usually covered. But if the roof shows clear signs of storm damage, such as hail dents, water intrusion, extreme heat, or wind-teared shingles, suggest they contact their insurance company.
Partnering with an insurance agent can help your client navigate the claims process, increasing the likelihood that the work will be partially or fully covered.
Offering to provide photos and a detailed report of the damage as part of your bid can showcase your expertise and make the process smoother for your client.
John, a roofer in Florida, was bidding on a hurricane-damaged roof. During his inspection, he found water damage that required additional repairs. He documented the damage thoroughly and guided the client to contact their insurance company.
By including the anticipated insurance coverage in his bid, John secured the $20,000 project and helped his client save significantly on out-of-pocket costs.
Tip! Bring a checklist to ensure you don’t miss any details. Our Receipt Scanner tool can help you log material costs during your inspection, especially if the client has specific requests like high-end shingles.
RELATED ARTICLE: How To Get Your Roofing Business Insurance
Step 2: Calculate Material Costs
Materials can account for a significant portion of your bid. Calculate costs based on the roof’s square footage and the type of materials required. Here are some common prices:
- Asphalt Shingles: $90–$150 per square (100 sq. ft.)
- Metal Roofing: $150–$350 per square
- Tile Roofing: $300–$500 per square
Also, factor in additional items like underlayment, nails, and flashing. If a client requests specialty materials, such as impact-resistant shingles, be sure to include these costs in your bid.
Sarah, a roofer in California, included high-end solar-compatible shingles in her bid for a 3,000-square-foot roof. While the materials were pricier at $350 per square, her detailed breakdown helped her win the project because the client valued transparency.
Tip! Use our Estimate Generator to calculate material expenses quickly and accurately.
Step 3: Estimate Labor Costs
Labor costs are often the largest expense in a roofing project. Here’s how to calculate them:
- Determine Crew Size and Duration: Estimate how many workers you’ll need and how long the job will take.
- Multiply Hours by Hourly Rate: Calculate the total labor cost based on your crew’s wages.
For example, if a job requires four workers for three 8-hour days at $25/hour:
- 4 workers x 8 hours/day x 3 days x $25/hour = $2,400
Jobs with complex roofs, like steep slopes, may require additional time. Adjust your labor estimate to reflect the project’s difficulty.
A contractor in Kentucky underestimated the labor for a steep, multi-level roof. After recalculating with a more accurate timeline, they increased the bid to $10,000, winning the client’s trust by explaining the added safety precautions required.
Step 4: Account for Overhead
Neglecting overhead can eat into your profits, leaving your business financially strained despite landing projects. Including these costs ensures your business remains sustainable and allows you to reinvest in growth.
Overhead includes all the costs of running your roofing business that aren’t tied to a single job, such as:
- Insurance Premiums: General liability and workers’ compensation insurance are critical for protecting your business.
- Equipment Maintenance: Repairs or replacements for tools like nail guns, safety harnesses, and ladders.
- Office Expenses: Costs for software (like Roofing Software), marketing, utilities, and administrative tasks.
A common practice is to add 10–15% of the project’s total cost to cover overhead. For example:
- If your materials and labor total $10,000, adding 12% for overhead brings the total to $11,200.
A roofing business in Florida learned the importance of overhead after bidding low on a job. They didn’t factor in their $400/month liability insurance or $150 worth of monthly software subscriptions.
After recalculating and applying a 10% overhead markup, they added $1,000 to their next bid, which accurately covered their business expenses.
Step 5: Include Profit Margins
Profit is what keeps your business growing. Most roofing companies aim for a profit margin of 20–30%. To calculate your profit:
- Add up all costs (materials, labor, and overhead).
- Multiply by your desired profit margin.
- Add this amount to your total costs.
For instance, if your total costs are $8,000 and you want a 25% margin:
- $8,000 x 0.25 = $2,000 profit
- Total Bid = $8,000 + $2,000 = $10,000
A Texas roofer who initially underpriced jobs at a 10% margin found themselves barely breaking even. By increasing their margin to 25% and explaining the value of quality materials and skilled labor, they retained clients and grew their business profitably.
RELATED ARTICLE: Gross Profit vs. Net Profit: Analysis, Formula & Examples
Step 6: Prepare a Professional Bid
Once you’ve calculated all the necessary components—materials, labor, overhead, and profit—it’s time to combine everything into a professional bid. A clear, well-organized bid looks professional and makes it easier for clients to choose your business over competitors.
Your bid should include:
- Cost Breakdown: Materials, labor, overhead, and profit.
- Timeline: Start and completion dates.
- Payment Terms: Deposit requirements and due dates.
- Warranty Information: Coverage for materials and labor.
A roofing contractor in Colorado found that detailed, professional bids helped them win 30% more jobs. Clients appreciated the transparency, making them more likely to choose their services.
Tip! Our Invoice Maker can help you create polished, professional bids that leave a great impression on clients.
Step 7: Present Your Bid to the Client
Schedule a meeting to present your bid in person or online. Walk the client through the details, answer their questions, and highlight the value you bring. This personal touch can make a big difference.
Tip! Use a Client Portal to share your roofing bid digitally. This makes it easy for clients to review the roofing bid in advance. It also allows them to approve it online.
Step 8: Follow Up
Don’t wait for clients to contact you after submitting a bid. Follow up within a few days to show you’re serious about earning their business. This proactive approach builds trust and increases your chances of securing the job.
Alex, a roofer in Florida, followed up with a client after submitting a $50,000 commercial bid. The client appreciated his eagerness and chose him over competitors who didn’t follow up.
Following up after sending a bid might seem like a small step, but it’s one of the easiest ways to land more roofing jobs. A lot of contractors assume that if the client is interested, they’ll call. But that’s not always the case. Taking a few minutes to reach can often be the difference between winning or losing the job.
After sending the bid, wait a couple of days and then follow up with a quick call or email, or even a message through your Client Portal (if you’re using Roofing Software). Keep it casual but confident. Something like:
“Hi [Client’s Name], I just wanted to check in on the roofing bid I sent over. Do you have any questions or need anything clarified? I’m happy to go over the details whenever you’re ready!”
This lets the client know you’re available, helpful, and genuinely interested in working with them.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to bid a roofing job is not just about crunching numbers. It’s about setting the foundation for a successful roofing business. A well-prepared bid does more than just outline costs. It demonstrates your professionalism, transparency, and commitment to delivering top-notch work.
Clients appreciate a contractor who takes the time to break down expenses, factor in overhead and profit, and clearly communicate every detail of the project. These efforts go a long way in building trust and credibility, which are essential for winning jobs and growing your business.
Don’t underestimate the power of a personal touch. Walking your clients through your bid, whether in person or virtually, gives you the chance to address their questions, explain your process, and ease any concerns they may have.
It’s your moment to show them why you’re the best choice for their project—not just because of your pricing but because of your professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction. In a competitive industry like roofing, clear communication and transparency can set you apart and turn potential clients into loyal customers.
By honing your bidding skills and focusing on building strong client relationships, you’ll not only secure more jobs but also establish a reputation as a trusted professional in the roofing industry.
With a well-thought-out bidding process and the right tools, such as our Invoicing Software for Roofing Businesses , you’ll be ready to tackle more projects, land bigger jobs, and grow your business.
Ready to take your bidding process to the next level?
Download Invoice Fly today and start winning more roofing jobs!
