How to Compare Roofing Quotes
Put two or three roof quotes side by side so you compare the same roof, not just the bottom line. Bring this list to every estimate.
Make the quotes comparable
Two roof quotes can differ by thousands of dollars and still both be fair, because they aren't quoting the same roof. Before you compare prices, make sure every quote answers the same questions. Bring this list to every estimate.
What every quote should spell out
- Tear-off: all the way to the deck, and how many layers are included
- Decking: how rotted boards are handled, and the price per sheet if more are needed
- Underlayment: synthetic over the whole deck, and the brand
- Ice and water shield: where it goes (at minimum the eaves and valleys)
- Drip edge at every eave and rake, and a starter strip
- Shingle: the manufacturer, the exact product line and the color
- Flashing: new step and counter flashing, kick-out flashing where a roof edge meets a wall
- Pipe boots and vents: new, and which kind
- Ventilation: ridge vent and the intake at the soffits, sized for the attic
- Permit, if your city requires one, and who pulls it
- Delivery, dumpster and disposal
- Cleanup: a magnetic nail sweep of the yard and driveway
- What's not included, written down: skylights, chimney work, extra layers, low-slope sections
- Payment schedule: what's due at signing, during the job and at the end
- Written warranty on the labor, and which manufacturer warranty applies
If one quote is missing several of these, ask that roofer to add them in writing before you compare the price.
Warranties, in plain words
A new roof usually carries two separate warranties. Ask every roofer to show you both in writing.
- The manufacturer's warranty covers the shingles and, on some systems, the accessories. Some upgraded system warranties need the contractor to hold a manufacturer credential and register the job.
- The contractor's labor warranty covers the installation: the work itself. It's only as good as the company behind it, so ask how long they've been in business and what happens if they're not around.
Here's how ours compares by package, so you know what to ask other roofers:
No Big Deal roof packages
| Standard | Preferred | Elite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written labor warranty | 5 years | 10 years | 20 years |
| Transfers when you sell | No | Once, within 30 days of the sale | Fully |
| GAF System Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual inspection | No | No | Yes |
| The NBD Pledge | Yes | Yes | Yes |
GAF System Plus covers GAF shingles and qualifying GAF accessories. It doesn't cover workmanship; that's what the written labor warranty is for. The GAF Timberline UHDZ shingle on our Elite package is UL 2218 Class 4 impact-rated.
Questions to ask every roofer
About the company
- Are you fully insured? Can you email me your certificate of insurance today?
- Does my city or county require a license or registration for this work, and do you have it?
- Which manufacturer credentials do you hold? (Check the name on the manufacturer's own contractor finder.)
- Who will actually be on my roof? Are they employees or subcontractors, and are they insured?
- Who is my one contact from signing to the final walkthrough?
About the job
- How long will it take, and what happens if it rains halfway through?
- What happens if you find rotten decking, and how will I know before you charge for it?
- How do you protect my landscaping, siding and driveway?
- When do you take the final payment: before or after we walk the finished roof together?
About the contract
- What's due at signing, and when is every other payment due?
- How do I cancel if I change my mind, and how long do I have?
- If this is an insurance job, what's due before my insurer's decision? (In Kentucky, a contractor can't require payment until the cancellation window after that decision has passed.)
What a written inspection report includes
My inspection is free and includes photos, which I show or text you. If you want something formal to compare quotes against, show your insurer or use in a home sale, I'll write a full report for $150. It includes:
- Photos of every concern, labeled
- A condition rating and an estimate of the roof's remaining life
- Repair recommendations with cost ranges
- Insurance notes, if there's storm damage
Next step
For a quick ballpark before anyone comes out, try the free instant estimate at nobigdealwithjoedeal.com/estimate. For a written, itemized quote with photos, book a free inspection at nobigdealwithjoedeal.com/inspect, or call or text me at (859) 420-7382. I'll answer every question on this list.
Joe Deal, No Big Deal Home Solutions
Want a quote you can check line by line?
I'll get on the roof, photograph what I find and write an itemized quote that answers every question on this list. The inspection is free.