Measuring a roof, rebuilding quotes line by line, worked examples with tax, contracts, licences, financing and holdbacks.
A roofing or siding quote is easier to judge once you can rebuild it yourself. This section takes you from a tape measure to a signed contract: how to measure your roof in squares, a full asphalt re-roof worked example, a two-storey siding estimate, what a roofing contract should say, contractor licensing by province, financing a roof and holdbacks under provincial lien acts.
The pillar guide, how to compare roofing quotes, pulls these together into one decision process. Every example uses clearly illustrative numbers with the arithmetic shown, so you can swap in the measurements and line items from your own quotes. The calculators on the tools page let you do the same without a spreadsheet.
Worked Estimates and Checklists
A line-by-line illustrative quote for re-roofing a Canadian two-storey house in asphalt shingles, with decking, ventilation, HST or GST/QST, deposit and holdback.
Worked Estimates and Checklists
A step-by-step way to compare roofing and siding quotes in Canada on scope, materials, unit prices, warranty, licence, insurance, payment schedule and holdback.
Worked Estimates and Checklists
How the 10% holdback works under Ontario's Construction Act and BC's Builders Lien Act, Alberta's rules, Quebec's legal hypothec, deadlines and when to release payment.
Worked Estimates and Checklists
Measure a roof from the ground or plans, convert footprint to sloped area with the pitch factor, add waste and count roofing squares and shingle bundles.
Worked Estimates and Checklists
Compare contractor financing, personal loans, lines of credit, HELOCs and mortgage refinancing for a roof or siding job, with worked payment examples and contract risks.
Worked Estimates and Checklists
The clauses to look for in a Canadian roofing or siding contract, from scope and unit prices to deposits, cancellation rights for door-to-door sales, warranty and holdback.
Worked Estimates and Checklists
Quebec's RBQ licence, Alberta's prepaid contracting licence, municipal business licences, Red Seal roofers, insurance and workers' compensation checks for Canadian roofing contractors.
Worked Estimates and Checklists
Measure walls, price vinyl or fibre cement siding, add removal, sheathing, rigid insulation, trim, soffit and tax, and compare two illustrative quotes for one Canadian house.
