Getting a Roofing Estimate in Des Moines

By Omer Okic, owner of Ultimate Exteriors · 28 years on Des Moines homes
Originally published December 2021 · Updated November 2026

Before any roof work starts, you should have a detailed written estimate. It protects you from surprise charges and makes it possible to compare one roofer to another. Here's what a good one covers.

Materials, not just shingles

A new roof is a system. Besides the shingles, a complete estimate should list:

• The shingle brand and product line (not just "architectural shingles")
• Underlayment over the deck
• Ice and water barrier at the eaves and valleys
• Drip edge, flashing and pipe boots
• Ridge and intake ventilation

Tear-off and disposal

Removing the old roof and hauling it away is real work, and some quotes leave it out or charge extra by weight or by layer. Make sure the estimate says the old roof comes off down to the deck, and that disposal and cleanup are included.

Decking repairs

Nobody can see rotten decking until the shingles come off. A good estimate gives you a price per sheet for any bad decking up front, so there's no surprise on the final bill.

Labor and timeline

Weather makes exact dates hard to promise, but the estimate should give you a target start window and how long the job should take. Most Des Moines homes are done in one to two days. It should also say who's doing the work: the company's own crew or a subcontractor.

Permits

Ask whether your city requires a permit for the work and who pulls it. Your roofer should handle it and include the cost.

Warranty

You should see two warranties: the manufacturer's warranty on the materials and the contractor's written warranty on the labor.

Compare more than one

It's smart to get more than one estimate, but compare them line by line. A quote that's thousands lower may be skipping ice barrier, tear-off or new flashing. Our roof replacement cost guide shows typical Des Moines prices and a quote checklist.

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