What To Know About Your Residential Roofing Estimate
A roofing estimate is more than a price tag—it’s a roadmap that helps you understand the scope of work, the materials involved, the timeline and the warranties protecting your investment.
Litespeed Construction believes that an informed homeowner is our best customer.
This guide explains every step of the residential roofing estimate process, answers common questions about payment schedules, hidden costs, and weather delays, and offers preparation tips so that your project goes smoothly from start to finish.
Key Points
- Understand Your Estimate in Detail – A thorough residential roofing estimate should be itemized, list all materials and labor, and include a clear payment schedule.
- Expect Transparency About Hidden Costs – Reputable estimates include a price per board for replacing rotten decking so there are zero surprises, and our own terms of service include a price‑per‑board policy with notification before any additional work.
- Plan for Weather and Scheduling – Roof installations require dry conditions. Weather delays and permitting often mean it takes about two weeks from agreement to the start of work, although high‑demand seasons may extend material delivery.
- Prepare Your Home and Yard – Clearing vehicles, protecting fragile items and cutting your grass make the job safer and cleaner. We recommend clearing the driveway, moving patio furniture and marking delicate plants to protect them from falling debris, and securing attic items and wall décor.
What’s In a Roofing Estimate?
The roofing estimate is a formal document that outlines the cost, scope and terms of your roofing project.
After inspecting your roof, Litespeed Construction provides both a handwritten and digital estimate so you can review and sign it in whichever format you prefer.
In Knoxville, the average time from signing your estimate to beginning work is typically around two weeks. This window accounts for ordering materials, obtaining permits, and coordinating our crew’s schedule. During peak season, material delivery can take longer due to high demand and supply‑chain conditions.
Components of an Estimate:
Your residential roofing estimate will include:
- Condition report – explains the quote itself and the overall scope of work to be performed. This will also include any insurance statements.
- Inspection images – during your roof evaluation and assessment, we’ll take images of damage, degradation, and other problem areas. We will include these in your estimate so you have a clear understanding of what problems your roof has.
- Roof installation line item details – this is your labor and installation plan. Expect to see a breakdown of all the materials and labor that will be used or carried out during your roof installation.
- Upgrades – we call this the “better” category and will look similar to the roof installation line items page but will include a higher grade and often longer lasting type of roofing shingles. It will also include any labor or materials.
- Color availability – details on available colors of shingles.
- Authorization page – where you will choose which type of roofing you want, select any upgrades, and sign to accept the terms of the estimate and get your project on the schedule.
- Terms & conditions – outlines the Litespeed Construction guarantees, process, products, payments, and insurance contingencies.
- Warranty – explains any warranties offered on labor and/or materials.
Payment Terms and Financing
For asphalt shingle projects, we require 50 % of the total cost at the time of material drop and the remaining 50 % when the roof is complete.
Metal roofing projects require a 1/3 deposit at signing, 1/3 at the start of work and 1/3 at completion.
We accept personal checks, cashier’s checks, cash and credit cards, and credit card payments over $500 require a certificate of completion.
Financing is available through third‑party vendors, but Litespeed does not provide direct financing.
Hidden Costs and Decking Replacement
The ONLY additional cost on your roofing estimate involves replacing rotten roof decking (the wooden boards that form the roof’s foundation). The condition of the decking often remains unknown until the old shingles are removed, so most estimates include a per‑sheet price rather than a fixed amount.
Weather Considerations and Scheduling
Roofing must be performed in dry conditions because rain compromises the quality of installation and exposes your home to water damage.
How Weather Affects Your Start Date
We will contact you to reschedule if the chance of rain or snow is 30% or more.
Project Duration
Most residential roof replacements take 3 to 5 days.
Preparation: Getting Ready for Your New Roof
Proper preparation ensures the safety of your property and the efficiency of your project. When you sign your roof estimate, we will schedule a pre‑installation call to discuss logistics. Here are some steps you can take based on roofing best practices.
Prepare Your Yard
- Clear vehicles from the driveway – Roofing teams need access to your driveway for dumpsters and material delivery. Park cars on the street if possible.
- Remove outdoor furniture and toys – Make sure there is a 15‑foot clearance around your house so roofers can work safely and falling shingles don’t damage patio furniture or children’s toys.
- Protect plants and landscaping – Mark fragile or valuable plants with tape and cover them with tarps. Cut your grass short to make cleanup easier and ensure nails are easier to find.
- Mark hidden hazards – Flag sprinkler heads, ponds or other obstacles so workers avoid tripping or damaging them.
- Inform your neighbors – Let neighbors know when work will occur; they might need to unlock gates or move vehicles.
Prepare Your Yard
- Clear your attic – Move sentimental or fragile items from the attic to avoid them being damaged by vibrations.
- Lay down tarps – Dust and debris will accumulate in the attic. Cover surfaces with tarps or painter’s drop sheets.
- Protect your garage – If your garage roof is being replaced, cover valuable items with tarps since shingle granules can fall through non‑insulated roofs.
- Secure windows and wall décor – Roofers may place boards over windows to prevent scratches, and vibrations can dislodge pictures and shelves.
- Protect fragile items – Keep glassware and decorative items separated from one another to prevent breakage.
Prepare Your Pets and Children
Replacing a roof is noisy and disruptive. Keep pets indoors or arrange care at a friend’s house to prevent them from stepping on nails.
Explain to young children that they need to be careful around debris and always wear shoes.
Where Litespeed Stages Materials
Our crews typically stage materials on your driveway or a paved area close to the roof access point.
In most cases, the delivery truck drops shingles or metal panels the evening before or morning of installation. If your driveway is inaccessible, we will discuss alternative staging areas.
Understanding Our Terms and Conditions
At Litespeed Construction, our terms and conditions are designed to be transparent and customer‑focused. Below are the highlights you should know.
Workmanship and Material Warranties
We provide a 10‑year no‑leak workmanship warranty on all shingle roof and gutter replacements and a 2‑year warranty on commercial roofing projects. As a GAF Factory Certified Contractor, we can upgrade to a 25‑year workmanship warranty and a 50‑year materials warranty when enough GAF products are used. These warranties are transferable, adding value if you sell your home.
Repair Policies
Repair work does not come with a warranty, but we provide one complimentary follow‑up visit within the first year of your roof repair. During follow‑ups we address any recurring leaks at no additional charge. Repairs will attempt to match existing colors, but slight variations may occur.
Yard Magnet and Debris Policies
Litespeed Construction will sweep your yard and driveway with powerful magnets twice to collect stray nails and metal debris. roofing debris that may fall into the attic during installation.
Structural and Cosmetic Considerations
We take care to avoid damaging gutters, but small scratches are possible during installation. If you plan to change shingle colors, most products allow color changes up to a week prior to the project start. Special‑order materials require a deposit before delivery.
Liability for Penetrations
We are not liable for damage to electrical wires, plumbing or HVAC lines located within the nail penetration areas of any roof, soffit, gutter or wall. To minimize risk, please notify us of any known hidden systems or utilities before work begins
Insurance Claims
If your project is funded by insurance, we will meet with the adjuster and supplement the insurance company for any code‑related items that are missing. Homeowners are responsible for paying the deductible, upgrades and non‑recoverable depreciation. If you cancel after we secure insurance funding, you agree to pay 15 % of the total insurance estimate.
Dispute Resolution and Acceptance
All contract disputes are settled through arbitration, except for collections. To accept your residential roofing estimate, sign the front and initial the terms and conditions, then send us a photo of both sides. Once the contract is signed, we will schedule your project and keep you informed every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s wise to obtain at least three residential roofing estimates to compare pricing, materials and workmanship warranties. When reviewing proposals, focus on the level of detail provided. Estimates that lack an itemized list of materials or fail to mention deck replacement may be hiding fees.
You don’t need to remain home throughout the installation, but it’s helpful to be present at the start and finish. At the beginning, answer questions about utilities or valuables; at the end, perform a walk‑through with the project manager to ensure that workmanship meets your expectations and that debris has been cleaned. If you cannot be present, provide a phone number so we can reach you for approvals or notifications during the project.
If weather forecasts indicate a high probability of rain, we will contact you the morning of your scheduled start to discuss options. Because installing a roof in the rain is unsafe and can cause damage, we will postpone until dry weather is anticipated. We appreciate your flexibility; rescheduling ensures the quality and longevity of your roof.
Most roof replacements require building permits. Our team handles permit applications and scheduling inspections. The permit process typically takes three to ten days depending on the municipality and may lengthen the two‑week window between signing your residential roofing estimate and the start of work. We’ll provide you with permit paperwork and coordinate inspections.
Ready to Get Started?
A quality residential roofing estimate empowers you to make informed decisions about one of your biggest investments. By understanding payment schedules, hidden costs, material options and preparation steps, you’ll be ready to navigate your roofing project with confidence. Litespeed Construction’s transparent estimates, industry‑leading warranties and commitment to safety make us a trusted partner for homeowners in Knoxville, TN and the surrounding area. When you choose us, you’re not just getting a roof—you’re getting peace of mind and a team dedicated to protecting your home for decades to come.
If you have more questions or are ready to schedule your own roofing estimate, contact Litespeed Construction at (865) 297‑3286 or email roofing@litespeedconstruction.com. Our friendly staff will schedule a free inspection, explain your options and guide you through the estimate process. Let’s protect your home together.
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Call: (865) 297-3286