Most homeowners receive a roofing estimate in Spokane, look at the total, and have no idea what the lines above it actually mean.
A few vague terms, maybe “materials and labor,” and a number somewhere north of $10,000 — then the contractor asks for a decision.
This guide breaks down every line item on a complete roofing estimate, what each one covers, and what’s missing from an estimate that isn’t worth signing.
Last updated August 2026
Quick Answer: What Should a Roofing Estimate in Spokane Include?
A complete roofing estimate in Spokane should include: tear-off and disposal, decking inspection with a stated per-sheet repair rate, underlayment, ice and water shield, drip edge, flashing, shingles with the manufacturer and product line named, ridge cap, ventilation, cleanup, permit, and a written workmanship warranty.
If any of those items are missing or lumped into one number with no breakdown, ask for clarification before signing.
The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make
Most people compare the bottom-line number of two estimates without realizing they describe completely different jobs.
One contractor includes new flashing, ice and water shield, a decking repair allowance, and a workmanship warranty. Another includes none of those things. The second bid looks cheaper — until the missing items show up as leaks a year later.
Line Item 1: Tear-Off and Disposal
What it covers: Removing your old shingles, underlayment, and any damaged material — and hauling everything away.
What’s normal: Listed separately, priced by the square (one square = 100 square feet). If your roof has two layers, tear-off costs more. In Spokane and most Washington jurisdictions, a third layer is prohibited, so two-layer tear-off is required.
Red flag: Tear-off bundled into a general “labor” line with no stated quantity or rate.
Line Item 2: Roof Decking Inspection and Repair
What it covers: The plywood or OSB panels that form the base of your roof. No contractor can see their true condition until the old roof comes off.
What’s normal: The estimate should state a per-sheet repair rate upfront — for example, “$85 per 4×8 sheet if replacement is needed.” This protects you from surprise charges mid-job.
Red flag: “Decking extra” with no rate, or no mention of decking at all.
Line Item 3: Underlayment
What it covers: A water-resistant layer installed on the roof deck beneath the shingles. It provides backup protection if shingles are damaged or displaced.
What’s normal: Two types — felt (traditional, less expensive) or synthetic (more durable, better in freeze-thaw conditions). The estimate should name which one is being used.
Red flag: “Standard underlayment included” with no product specified.
Line Item 4: Ice and Water Shield
What it covers: A waterproof membrane installed at the eaves, valleys, and around chimneys. It is the main defense against ice dams pushing water under your shingles.
What’s normal: Listed separately from underlayment. In Spokane and North Idaho, ice dams are a real recurring issue — this is not an optional item.
Red flag: Not on the estimate at all.
Line Item 5: Drip Edge
What it covers: Metal strips along the roof edges that direct water into the gutters and away from the fascia board.
What’s normal: Listed separately, priced by the linear foot. Most local building codes require it on a full replacement.
Red flag: Not listed. Ask whether it’s included elsewhere or simply not being installed.
Line Item 6: Flashing
What it covers: Thin metal pieces installed around chimneys, skylights, vents, and valleys. Flashing failure is one of the most common causes of roof leaks.
What’s normal: The estimate should specify whether existing flashing is being replaced or reused. On an older roof, reusing old flashing is a common cost-cutting move that leads to leaks.
Red flag: “Reuse existing flashing” on a roof that is 20-plus years old.
Line Item 7: Shingles
What it covers: The main weather layer of your roof. This should be the most detailed section of any roofing estimate in Spokane homeowners receive.
What’s normal: The estimate must name the manufacturer, product line, color, and quantity. “Architectural shingles” with no brand is not enough. GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, and CertainTeed Landmark are examples of how it should read.
Red flag: “Shingles” as a single line with a price but no brand or product specified.
Line Item 8: Ridge Cap
What it covers: The material that runs along the peak of the roof where two slopes meet. It wears faster than the rest of the roof because of direct wind and UV exposure.
What’s normal: Listed separately from field shingles, priced by the linear foot.
Red flag: Not listed. It is part of every shingle replacement and should not be buried in a general materials line.
Line Item 9: Ventilation
What it covers: The system that moves air through your attic — ridge vents, soffit vents, or box vents. Poor ventilation shortens shingle life and can void manufacturer warranties.
What’s normal: The estimate should either confirm your existing system is adequate or specify what will be added.
Red flag: No mention of ventilation anywhere in the estimate or conversation.
Line Item 10: Cleanup and Debris Removal
What it covers: Dumpster or haul-away service, magnetic nail sweeps of the lawn and driveway, and a final walkthrough.
What’s normal: Cleanup should be included in the estimate total — not a separate add-on. Ask specifically whether a nail magnet sweep is part of the process.
Red flag: Cleanup listed as optional, or not mentioned at all.
Line Item 11: Permit
What it covers: The building permit required for a full roof replacement in Spokane, Spokane County, and most Kootenai County jurisdictions. A permit triggers an inspection that catches installation errors before they’re buried under new shingles.
What’s normal: Listed as a line item. The contractor pulls it on your behalf. Permit costs in Spokane typically range from $75 to $250.
Red flag: No permit listed, or a contractor who suggests skipping it.
Line Item 12: Workmanship Warranty
What it covers: The contractor’s guarantee of their own installation — not the manufacturer’s warranty on materials. If a leak develops because of how the roof was installed, only this warranty applies.
What’s normal: A written term of 2 to 10 years stated in the estimate or attached contract.
Red flag: No workmanship warranty, or a contractor who points only to the manufacturer warranty when you ask.
How to Compare Two Estimates
When you have multiple estimates, compare scope first — not price. Use this checklist:
| Line Item | Estimate A | Estimate B |
|---|---|---|
| Tear-off layers and rate | ||
| Decking repair rate per sheet | ||
| Underlayment type and brand | ||
| Ice and water shield specified | ||
| Drip edge included | ||
| Flashing — new or reuse | ||
| Shingle manufacturer and product | ||
| Ridge cap specified | ||
| Ventilation addressed | ||
| Cleanup and nail sweep included | ||
| Permit included | ||
| Workmanship warranty term |
If one estimate includes all of the above and another doesn’t, the cheaper bid isn’t actually cheaper — it’s just incomplete.
Red Flags to Watch For
These are the specific things that should make you pause before signing any estimate:
- “Materials and labor” as a single line with one price
- “Decking extra” with no rate stated
- No manufacturer or product line named for shingles
- “Reuse existing flashing” with no explanation
- No permit listed
- No workmanship warranty in writing
- A handwritten estimate with no contractor license number
- Cleanup listed as an optional add-on
FAQ: Roofing Estimates in Spokane, WA
How much should a roofing estimate cost in Spokane?
A legitimate roofing estimate in Spokane should always be free. Any contractor who charges for an estimate before doing any work is an outlier. The inspection that informs the estimate should also be free.
How long is a roofing estimate valid?
Most estimates are valid for 30 to 60 days. Material prices can change, so contractors typically include an expiration date. If your estimate is older than 60 days, ask the contractor to reconfirm pricing before signing.
Is it normal for the final invoice to be higher than the estimate?
It is normal if decking damage is found during tear-off — but only if the per-sheet repair rate was disclosed in the estimate upfront. Any other cost increase not covered by a written change order should be questioned before work continues.
What does "squares" mean on a roofing estimate?
One square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. A 2,000-square-foot home typically has 20 to 25 squares depending on pitch. Shingles, underlayment, and tear-off are all priced per square.
Should I get more than one roofing estimate in Spokane?
Yes — two to three estimates is reasonable for any project over $5,000. The goal is not to find the lowest price. It is to confirm the scope is consistent across bids and pricing is realistic. If one estimate is significantly lower, use the checklist above to find what is missing.
About This Guide
This guide was written by RC Roofing Specialists, a family-owned roofing contractor based in Liberty Lake, WA, serving Spokane County and Kootenai County, ID since 2015.
RC Roofing provides free, written, itemized estimates for homeowners throughout Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, and surrounding areas. Every estimate includes the manufacturer and product line, a per-sheet decking rate, and a written workmanship warranty.
Service area
RC Roofing Specialists serves Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, South Hill, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, and Hayden. We are licensed and insured in Washington and Idaho with over 10+ years of local experience.
RC Roofing Specialists | 2207 N McKinkie Ln #105, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 | (509) 990-9653 Serving Spokane County, WA and Kootenai County, ID