What's the actual process for getting a new roof?
Most Eugene homeowners get a new roof once or twice in a lifetime, so the process is unfamiliar. Here's exactly what happens, when, and what you should expect at each stage from first call through final inspection. Two to four weeks total from sign-off to completion is typical.
Table of Contents
Stage 1: First contact and site survey (Week 1)
You request a quote (form, phone, or referral). A contractor schedules a site survey, typically within 3 to 7 days during peak season. The site survey itself takes 45 to 75 minutes and covers four things: the exterior roof condition, the attic interior, the access for crew and dumpster, and a conversation about your priorities (budget, timeline, material preference, future plans like solar). Expect the contractor to take photos and ask questions. A contractor who walks the roof for 10 minutes without going in the attic isn't doing the survey right, Eugene's deck condition is the variable that swings the quote and you can only see deck condition from below.
Stage 2: Written quote and material selection (Days 5-10)
A complete Eugene roofing quote arrives within 5 to 10 days of the site survey. It should specify in writing:
- Roofing material: manufacturer, product line, color, wind rating, fire rating, warranty terms
- Underlayment specification: ice-and-water shield at eaves and valleys, synthetic across field
- Flashing scope: step flashing at walls, counter flashing at chimneys, valley flashing system
- Ventilation work: ridge vent, soffit baffle upgrades to hit Oregon code 1:300 ratio
- Per-sheet deck repair rate (so post-tear-off discovery doesn't surprise you)
- Permit fee included in price, pulled in contractor's name
- Timeline: dry-in date, expected completion date
- Payment schedule: maximum 1/3 deposit, milestone payment, final on completion
- Workmanship warranty terms
If you're comparing quotes, build a spreadsheet and force each contractor onto identical material specs. The price spread on comparable spec is far smaller than the price spread when one quote includes ice-and-water shield and another doesn't.
Stage 3: Permit and material order (Days 7-14)
Once you've signed and paid the deposit, the contractor pulls the Eugene B&PS permit (or Lane County for rural parcels). Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days for B&PS. Materials are ordered the same week. Standard architectural asphalt is typically in stock at local suppliers; standing seam metal is custom-fabricated and adds 2-4 weeks of lead time. Custom color orders add another 1-2 weeks.
Stage 4: Tear-off day (Day 1 on site)
Crew arrives 7-8 AM with a dumpster, tools, and the day's material delivery. Tear-off itself takes 4-8 hours for a typical Eugene home, depending on how many layers come off and access. By end of day the deck should be fully dry-in, synthetic underlayment across the whole surface, ice-and-water at eaves and valleys, so a surprise rainstorm doesn't damage the interior. If the crew can't dry in by end of day (a real risk in wet season), they tarp the open portion and stage materials for the next morning.
Stage 5: Shingle or panel installation (Days 2-4)
Field installation runs 1 to 3 days for asphalt, 2 to 5 for metal. Starter strip first, then field shingles working up to the ridge, then flashing at all penetrations and transitions, then ridge cap. The crew should be on site by 7 AM and leaving by 4-5 PM; expect noise during these hours. The work is entirely external, the house is fully accessible throughout.
Stage 6: Cleanup and final inspection (Day 4-5)
Magnetic sweep of the driveway, lawn, and garden beds for fallen fasteners (do it yourself a second time, a few always escape the first sweep). All debris hauled. The Eugene B&PS or Lane County inspector visits, typically within 1-3 days of the contractor calling for inspection. Inspector checks underlayment, fastening, flashing, ventilation, and fire rating documentation. If anything fails, the contractor corrects at no cost to you. Once the permit final is approved, you get a copy of the inspection card plus manufacturer warranty paperwork and the contractor's workmanship warranty in writing.
Stage 7: Final walk-through and payment
The contractor walks the finished roof with you. Confirm the work matches the contract scope. The final payment is due on completion and your approval, never before. Save all the paperwork (permit card, manufacturer warranty, workmanship warranty, photos) in one folder, you'll want it at resale and you'll need it if you ever file a warranty claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the whole Eugene roofing process from first call to finished roof?
2 to 4 weeks from first call to permit final for a standard asphalt replacement in the dry season. Add 2-4 weeks if you're choosing standing seam metal with custom fabrication. Wet-season jobs can stretch with weather pauses.
Do I need to be home during the work?
No. The work is entirely external. You can leave for work; the crew has roof access without needing the house. Some homeowners prefer being home day 1 (tear-off and dry-in) to be available if questions come up.
What if the weather changes mid-project?
The crew will dry in (tarp or underlayment) before any rain forecast above 0.25 inches in 24 hours. Wet weather pauses are normal in Eugene and shouldn't worry you, what matters is that the roof is properly dried in before the rain arrives, not that the work continues straight through.