Everything you were wondering, answered plainly.

It depends on the size of the roof, its shape and the weather. As a loose illustration only, a typical house is often one to three working days, and a larger or more complicated roof can take longer. Your written estimate gives a start window and an expected number of days for your home. Illustrative

You do not need to stay home all day. It helps if someone can be there on the first morning to say hello, point out anything to be careful around and agree where we can park. At the end we walk the roof and the garden with you, or go through photos if you are at work.

We work around them carefully, and the estimate says whether gutters are included. Sometimes a section needs to come off to fit the drip edge properly. If your gutters are loose or full of old shingle granules we will tell you, and you can decide whether to have them fixed while the ladders are up.

We watch the forecast and move the job rather than open up a roof we cannot close in. If rain turns up unexpectedly, the exposed area is covered with a waterproof underlayment and tarps before the crew leaves. A short delay is better than a wet ceiling.

Nobody can see the wood under old shingles until they come off. Your estimate lists a clear price per sheet for replacing any damaged roof decking. If we find soft or rotten boards, we stop, show you photos and ask before doing anything extra. You only pay for the boards that actually need replacing.

Rules differ between counties and towns, and some jobs need a permit while others do not. Your estimate should say who applies for it, and we are glad to handle the paperwork. You will not be asked to figure it out yourself.

Old shingles are lifted into a trailer or bin and the site is swept at the end of each day. At the end of the job we run a magnetic sweeper over the lawn, beds and driveway to pick up nails. If you find one later, tell us and we will come back.

There are usually two kinds. The manufacturer covers the shingles themselves against defects, and the contractor covers their own workmanship, meaning how it was installed. Terms, lengths and exclusions vary, so ask for both in writing and ask what you would do if something went wrong. Your written estimate should show where each one appears.

Some homeowners pay in stages as the job progresses, some use savings, and some use a loan or finance plan from a separate lender. Any plan has its own terms, so read them and compare. We cannot quote rates here, and we will never ask you to decide on the spot.

Put them side by side and compare what is included, not just the total. Check the tear-off, decking allowance, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, shingle line, cleanup, warranty and payment schedule. Our printable checklist walks through each of these, so you can hold any estimate up against it.