Roofing Quotes, Simplified: How to Get Apples-to-Apples Bids You Can Trust

Collecting roofing quotes can feel chaotic. The trick is to lock your scope first, then demand line-item details so you’re comparing real value—not vague promises.

• Define scope before anyone climbs a ladder

Give the same brief to every contractor:

Roof type & size: Steepness/pitch, layers present, approximate squares (100 sq ft = 1 square).

Tear-off vs. overlay: Full tear-off is best practice; overlays hide problems and void warranties.

Decking: Specify repair allowance per sheet of plywood/board (e.g., “$85 per 4×8 sheet”).

Material:

Asphalt architectural shingles (specify brand/series)

Metal (standing seam gauge/panel profile)

Tile/wood (if applicable)

Underlayment: Synthetic vs. felt; ice & water shield in valleys/eaves/penetrations.

Flashing: New drip edge, starter, valley method (metal vs. woven), step & counterflashing at walls/chimneys.

Ventilation: Ridge vent vs. box/turtle vents; confirm code math (1:150 or 1:300 with vapor barrier).

Accessories: Pipe boots, chimney cap, skylight replacement or reflash, gutters/guards if in scope.

Disposal & protection: Landscape protection, trailer placement, magnet sweep.

• What a professional roofing quote must include

Brand + series + color (no “contractor grade” vagueness)

Installation method & nailing pattern (e.g., 6-nail/high-wind for coastal or storm zones)

Performance ratings: Wind rating, Class 3/4 impact if desired

Scope of work: Tear-off layers, deck repairs (allowance), underlayment zones, flashing plan, ventilation changes

Code & permits: Who pulls permits; ice-barrier requirements; egress/ladder safety plan

Cleanup plan: Daily debris control, end-of-job haul-away

Warranties: Manufacturer (product & enhanced system, if registered) and installer workmanship term, in writing

Schedule: Lead time + install duration per squares/pitch

Proofs: License, liability & workers’ comp, manufacturer credentials (preferred/elite status)

• Cost drivers to watch

Tear-off layers & decking rot

Steep/complex roofs (hips/valleys, dormers)

Material upgrades (impact-resistant shingles, heavier metal gauge)

Flashing complexity (large chimneys, sidewalls)

Skylights/gutters add time and materials

• Compare roofing quotes the right way

Build a grid (rows = scope items; columns = Contractor A/B/C). Verify each bid includes: full tear-off, specific underlayment locations, valley metal, new step/counterflashing, drip edge, starter, ventilation, and deck-repair allowance. Big price gaps usually hide missing components or a shorter workmanship warranty.

Quick example (30 squares, architectural shingles)

Bid A: Full tear-off; synthetic + ice/water at eaves/valleys; metal valleys; new step/counterflashing; ridge vent; 10-yr workmanship; Class 4 shingles.

Bid B: “Replace shingles,” felt underlayment, re-use flashing, box vents; 1-yr labor. Why A may cost more (and be worth it): Better water management, longer labor coverage, storm resilience, proper ventilation.

• Avoid common pitfalls

Reusing old flashing. False economy; demand new step & counterflashing.

Vague “lifetime” talk. Get warranty PDFs; note workmanship vs. manufacturer terms.

No deck repair line. Hidden rot becomes a surprise change order—price it up front.

“Today-only discount.” Reputable firms honor pricing 15–30 days.

Overlay instead of tear-off. Can void warranties and trap moisture.

• Value-engineering without regret

Choose architectural shingles (great cost-to-value) over premium designer lines.

Use Class 3 instead of Class 4 if hail risk is low.

Keep color standard (custom/extra-dark can add lead time/cost).

Replace aging skylights now while roof is open to avoid later labor duplication.

• Timeline & logistics

Lead times: 1–6 weeks (season + material).

Install duration: Often 1–3 days for typical homes; complex roofs longer.

Prep: Move cars, cover attic valuables (dust), flag irrigation heads, unlock gates, secure pets.

Aftercare: Expect warranty packet, photos of flashing/valleys, and proof of permit close-out.

• RFQ template to paste (for clean roofing quotes)

“Please provide an itemized quote for a full tear-off and replacement of approximately [X squares] on a [pitch/roof type] home. Specify brand/series/color of shingles (or metal gauge/profile), nailing pattern (high-wind if applicable), underlayment (synthetic + ice & water at eaves/valleys/penetrations), valley metal, new drip edge & starter, new step & counterflashing at all walls/chimneys, pipe boots, and ridge vent with code-compliant intake/exhaust. Include deck repair allowance per sheet, permits, site protection, debris removal, magnet sweep, schedule, and written warranties (manufacturer system + installer workmanship with term). Provide license/insurance and manufacturer credential level.”

• Insurance claims (if a storm is involved)

Get two detailed bids with the same scope; share with your adjuster.

Understand ACV vs. RCV payouts and your deductible; reputable contractors do not “cover” deductibles.

Require the same materials/specs on the insurance scope to avoid shortfalls.

• Payment milestones (example)

Deposit for scheduling (10–20%) → After tear-off & dry-in → After shingle/metal install → Final 5–10% after punch-list & city sign-off.

Bottom line: Great roofing quotes are model-specific, code-compliant, and transparent about tear-off, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and warranties. Standardize your scope, insist on line items and a deck-repair allowance, and compare total installed value—not just the cheapest number. That’s how you choose a roof that protects day one and still performs a decade later.