A roofing quote that wins is clear on a phone screen, shows exactly what the homeowner gets, and arrives quickly with a short personal message. Price matters, but most homeowners comparing three quotes also judge which roofer understood the job and seems easiest to deal with. Then, because most people don't decide on the day, the follow-up does as much work as the quote itself.
This guide covers what to put in the quote, a checklist to run before you hit send, and messages you can copy for the cover note and the follow-ups.
What should a roofing quote include?
Use this structure. It works for a leak repair and a full restoration, with more detail as the job grows.
- 1Customer and propertyName, address, roof type and the date you inspected.
- 2What you foundTwo or three plain sentences: "Cracked ridge capping on the north side is letting water into the ceiling above the lounge."
- 3What you'll do (scope)The work in order, in plain English. Avoid trade shorthand the homeowner won't follow.
- 4What's includedMaterials, colours or brands, safety equipment, waste removal, clean-up.
- 5What's not includedThings the customer might assume: ceiling repairs, gutters, internal painting, structural timber.
- 6PriceTotal price, whether it includes GST, and any options priced separately.
- 7TimingHow soon you can start and roughly how long it takes, weather permitting.
- 8Payment termsDeposit, progress payments if any, and when the balance is due.
- 9WarrantyWhat your workmanship warranty covers and for how long, plus any manufacturer warranty.
- 10ValidityHow long the price stands, such as 30 days.
- 11Licence and insuranceYour licence number and that you're insured.
Add photos from the inspection
Photos do more than any paragraph. Take them during the inspection and put three to six in the quote, each with a one-line note:
- The problem: "Broken tiles near the valley, north face"
- The cause where you can show it: "Ridge pointing cracked and lifting"
- The scale: a wide shot of the whole roof
They prove you went up, they help the homeowner explain it to a partner who wasn't home, and they make a higher price easier to understand.
Australian contract rules to check
Quotes and contracts are regulated differently in each state, so check yours. As one example, in New South Wales:
- A written contract is needed for residential building work over $5,000 including GST
- Work between $5,000 and $20,000 needs a small jobs contract, and work over $20,000 an extensive home building contract
- The most you can ask as a deposit is 10%
Checklist before you send a roofing quote
Roofing quote checklist
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Messages to send with your quote
Send the quote with a short personal message, by text or email, from a real person. These are templates: change the names, details and timing to suit.
Hi Sarah, it's Dan from Harbourside Roofing. Thanks for having me out today. Your quote for the ridge capping and tile repairs is attached, with the photos I took. The main issue is the cracked ridge on the north side, which is where the water's getting in. Any questions, just reply here or call me on 0400 000 000.
How to follow up a roofing quote
Most quotes aren't accepted on the day, and many that "go quiet" are still undecided. A simple schedule keeps you in the conversation without being pushy.
Day 1
Send the quote with the cover message.
Day 3
Check they received it and offer to answer questions.
Day 7
Mention one useful detail, such as weather or start dates.
Day 14
Ask if they've made a decision and whether anything is holding them back.
Day 21
A final, friendly close-out message.
Hi Sarah, Dan from Harbourside Roofing. Just checking the quote came through OK. Happy to go over any part of it, or the photos, if that helps.
Hi Sarah, Dan here. Have you had a chance to decide on the roof repairs? If anything in the quote doesn't fit, such as timing or budget, let me know and I'll see what we can do.
Hi Sarah, Dan from Harbourside Roofing. I'll close off your quote for now so I'm not chasing you. If you'd like to go ahead later, just reply here and I'll check the price still stands.
These are factual follow-ups about a quote the customer asked for. If you start sending promotional messages, the Spam Act rules on consent, identifying yourself and an unsubscribe option apply. See SMS rules for roofers. The full five-message plan is in How to follow up roofing quotes.
Old quotes that never got an answer are worth more than most roofers think:
Interactive tool · Old quotes worth chasing
Work sitting in old quotes
$14,000
About 2.0 jobs at your average quote value.
A friendly follow-up costs a few cents a text. Even one revived job usually covers it.
quiet quotes × your % × average quote value
Check my real numbersWhere LeadKites fits
LeadKites follows up your quotes for you, with personal messages over 21 days that stop as soon as the customer replies, and can work back through old quotes that went quiet. We sell that service, so we have a stake in this guide. See quote follow-up, quote reactivation or book a free lead audit.
Frequently asked questions
What should be included in a roofing quote?
The customer and property details, what you found, the scope of work, what's included and excluded, the total price and whether GST is included, timing, payment terms, warranty, how long the quote is valid, your licence number and insurance, and photos from the inspection.
How long should a roofing quote be valid for?
Many roofers use 30 days, but it's your choice. State it clearly so the homeowner knows when the price may change, especially when material prices are moving.
How much deposit can a roofer ask for in NSW?
In NSW, the most a builder or tradesperson can ask for as a deposit on residential building work is 10%. Other states have their own rules, so check with your regulator.
Do I need a written contract for roofing work?
In NSW, residential building work over $5,000 including GST needs a written contract. Other states set different thresholds. Check with your state's fair trading or building regulator.
How many times should I follow up a roofing quote?
A common approach is around five messages over three weeks, for example on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21, stopping as soon as the customer replies.
Sources and fact-check
Checked against these sources on 26 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so confirm with the provider before you buy.
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