Estimates
What an estimate is made of, and what it is not
A good estimate is a document, not a number. It says what we looked at, what we will do, what we won't and what could change the price.
We write every one after a visit to the house. We don't give a price over the phone.
What moves the price
Twelve things that change an estimate
Roof size
Measured in squares, one square being 100 square feet.
Pitch and shape
Steep roofs, valleys and dormers take longer and cost more to flash.
Layers to remove
A second or third layer of old roofing adds tear-off and hauling.
Deck condition
Found after tear-off, so the estimate gives an allowance and a price per sheet.
Ventilation and eaves
Intake and exhaust, plus an ice-and-water barrier where winters call for one.
Flashing
Chimneys, skylights, walls and every vent.
Siding material and wall area
Measured wall by wall, minus the openings.
Window count, size and style
Each opening counted and measured on site.
Gutter run and downspouts
Length, size and where the water goes.
Access
Ladders or scaffold, steep lots and tight side yards.
Permits
Where the town asks for one, the estimate says who pulls it.
Season and schedule
Doing parts together shares the setup. It does not promise a discount.
What the estimate includes
In writing, for every part
Included
What the estimate covers for each part you chose.
Tear-off, hauling and disposal
Deck inspection with a price per sheet
Underlayment, drip edge, starter and flashing
Shingles, ridge and vents
Siding, windows and gutters, if chosen
Cleanup, payment schedule and workmanship page
Priced as extras
What could change after we open the roof or the wall. Each is a signed change sheet.
Decking beyond the allowance
Rafter or framing repair
Fascia and soffit rot
Chimney masonry
Extra layers of roofing
Code upgrades an inspector finds
The visit
What happens when we come to the house
The visit takes about as long as it takes to look carefully. We ask you to be there for the start and the end.
- 01
Step 1: Booking
Tamar sets a day and asks what is leaking and what you want done.
- 02
Step 2: The walk around the house
Roof edge, gutters, fascia, siding and every window, from the ground.
- 03
Step 3: The roof
On the roof tied off, or from a drone when the roof is steep or wet.
- 04
Step 4: The attic
Deck underside, insulation and ventilation, if we can get in.
- 05
Step 5: Measuring
Roof, walls, openings and gutter runs, written down as we go.
- 06
Step 6: Photos
Shown to you on the spot, with what we would repair and what we would replace.
- 07
Step 7: The written estimate
Options for each part, with a total for each and for all together.
- 08
Step 8: Storm paperwork
For wind or hail, inspection photos and an itemized estimate, nothing more.
- 09
Step 9: The follow-up
One call to see whether you have questions. No clock on the decision.
Ask for a written estimate
One visit, one document, with a total for each part and for all of it.