Free Roofing Template
Roofing Scope of Work Template
Use this free template and checklist to get clear, comparable roofing bids—and avoid overpaying due to missing scope details.
Based on real projects where unclear scopes led to major price differences.
Copyable roofing scope template
Roofing checklist
Real example scope
Want a fully generated contractor-ready version? Join early access →
Real Experience
How I Learned the Hard Way
When I first started getting roofing bids, I did what most people do— I sent over the plans and said:
“Can you give me a quote?”
The bids came back all over the place. Some were double others. Some were missing obvious things. None of them were easy to compare.
I’ve seen the same roof come back at 2x the price just because the original scope was vague. It didn’t make sense at first.
Then I realized the problem wasn’t the contractors—it was the scope.
Contractors don’t price your project.
They price the information you give them.
If your scope is vague, they either:
add padding to protect themselves
or leave things out
This is where most people lose money.
Here’s a simple roofing scope you can use to:
- get cleaner bids
- compare contractors
- avoid surprises later
Why Roofing Bids Vary So Much
Contractors don’t price your project—they price the information you provide.
When the scope is unclear, they have two options:
- Add padding to protect themselves
- Leave things out to stay competitive
Either way, you end up with inconsistent bids that are hard to compare.
The only way to fix this is a clear, consistent scope—so every contractor is pricing the same work.
New Construction vs Replacement Roofs
Most roofing scopes fall into two categories:
1. Replacement (tear-off)
You’re removing an existing roof and installing a new one.
2. New construction
You’re installing roofing on a new structure with exposed decking.
The structure of the scope is mostly the same, but a few things change:
no tear-off on new builds
decking is usually handled by the framing crew
timing and coordination matter more (dry-in, inspections)
I’ll call out where things differ below.
ROOFING BASICS
Roofing Scope Checklist
Before requesting roofing bids, make sure your scope clearly covers the items below. This is what helps contractors price the same work—and helps you compare bids more accurately.
Removal
- Full tear-off or overlay
- Number of existing roof layers
- Disposal of removed materials
Decking
- Whether damaged decking is replaced
- Whether replacement is billed by allowance or unit price
Underlayment and Ice/Water Protection
- Type of underlayment
- Ice and water shield locations
Flashing and Edges
- Flashing at valleys, penetrations, and transitions
- Drip edge scope
- Whether existing flashing is reused or replaced
Ventilation
- Ridge, box, or soffit vent scope
- Whether ventilation changes are included
Roofing Material
- Roofing material type
- Manufacturer or product line if known
- Color or finish if selected
Cleanup and Protection
- Site protection during work
- Cleanup expectations
- Final debris removal
Exclusions / Open Items
- What is not included
- Any items still to be finalized before contract
If these details are missing, contractors will fill in the gaps with their own assumptions—and that’s when bids stop being easy to compare.
Practical tips
- If you’re supplying materials, consider a supplier that delivers to the roof to reduce labor and handling.
- Ventilation and drip-edge details are often finalized with the contractor unless you already know the exact system.
- Define how damaged decking will be handled (allowance vs. unit price) to avoid surprises.
Copyable Roofing Scope Template
Copy this template, fill in your details, and send it to contractors to get clear, comparable bids.
Roofing Scope of Work
(Copy, edit, and send to contractors)
Project Information
Scope summary (1–2 sentence project description):
Briefly describe the project (e.g., full roof replacement, partial repair, new construction).
1.0 Project Overview
2.0 Existing Roof Conditions
Known damage or concerns:
3.0 Tear-Off and Disposal
- Remove existing roofing materials to deck
- Dispose of debris (specify on-site vs. off-site)
4.0 Decking
- Replace damaged decking as needed
- Specify allowance or unit pricing for replacement
Tip: Define whether decking replacement is handled as an allowance or unit price to avoid unexpected costs.
5.0 Underlayment and Ice/Water Protection
6.0 Flashing
- Replace all flashing at penetrations, valleys, and transitions
- Drip edge: install at all roof edges
7.0 Ventilation
Specify product or performance requirement if known.
8.0 Roofing Material
9.0 Site Protection and Cleanup
- Full job site cleanup and debris removal
- Protect surrounding property during work
10.0 Open Items and Final Selections
Items to be finalized with contractor before or at contract.
11.0 Contractor Notes / Clarifications
What ScopeCraft Generates
This is the format contractors see—clear sections for scope, materials, and installation requirements, plus a “Details That May Need Clarification” list when anything is still unresolved.
Roofing
Generated on March 17, 2026
Project Description
This project involves a full replacement of the existing roof with architectural asphalt shingles over a moderate pitch, two-story home. The current roof has two layers, which will require a full tear-off before installing the new shingles.
Scope of Work
- Remove existing two layers of roofing down to the roof deck.
- Install architectural asphalt shingles over entire roof area.
- Replace damaged roof decking as needed.
- Replace damaged flashing as identified during inspection.
- Evaluate existing ventilation and recommend improvements.
- Install new drip edge at roof edges.
- Leave existing gutters in place.
- Handle cleanup and disposal of all debris.
Materials
- Architectural asphalt shingles
- Drip edge
- Roof decking repair materials
- Flashing
- Fasteners
Installation Requirements
- Conduct full tear-off of existing roofing layers before new installation.
- Replace damaged roof decking where deterioration is discovered.
- Install shingles using manufacturer-specific fastening requirements.
- Install drip edge and flashing as part of the new roofing system.
Details That May Need Clarification
- Final shingle color or product line
- Exact ventilation component type
Exclusions
- Gutter replacement or repair is excluded unless specified otherwise.
- Interior ceiling or drywall repairs are excluded.
Be the First to Create Clear, Contractor-Ready Scopes
Get better, more consistent contractor bids—without guesswork.
Start with your roofing project.
- Guided scope builder
- No missed details
- Clear, structured output contractors can price