Evaluating Contractors' Roofing Quotes

Comparing contractor quotes is an important step to your roofing repair and replacement process. A recent Modernize survey revealed 63 percent of homeowners compare three to four contractor estimates ahead of a home improvement project. This gives homeowners the best chance of finding the best price, which we know is one of the most stressful aspects of roof replacements. Evaluating multiple roof replacement quotes helps homeowners scope their budget and encourages contractors to be competitive with their pricing. This article covers why it’s important to understand your project estimates and why quotes may differ from each other. It’s the fourth in this series, following finding roof damage from a storm, how to find the best contractors for the job, and how to file a roofing claim with your insurance company.

The Difference Between Estimates and Quotes

The terminology used with your roof replacement is important. You may receive estimates, quotes, or bids from local contractors, but these contain different information.

An estimate on a project is roughly how much the professional believes the job will cost. A contractor will use their past experience and expertise to make this estimate. The actual cost of the project may be more or less— within 10 to 15 percent.

A quote, or bid, becomes a contract once it is signed. This should be a very detailed document that outlines all aspects of the project. At Modernize, we pair homeowners with contractors that offer free quotes for their roofing project.

Evaluating Roof Replacement Quotes

Once you have received multiple quotes, it’s important to carefully consider each. Your project quote should be transparent, thorough, and even lengthy— depending on the scope of your roofing project. Every detail of the project should be noted, including the cost of materials, start and finish dates, and hourly rate. Your quote should also include factors like disposal/dumpsters, permits, and even porta-potties. Labor should also be included in your quote.

It is important to consider the numbers— as well as how they are presented. A good contractor will make sure the information is in an organized document. If your quote is not properly itemized, feel comfortable asking for a revised quote before signing a contract.

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Your Roof Replacement Quotes May Vary

Ideally, your roofing project quotes will be very similar, but sometimes bids will be wildly different. Extremely low bids can be the sign of a scam. It’s important to understand why an estimate or quote is extremely high or low.

Factors that will lead to a higher bid:

• High-end contractors will likely have more equipment and overhead.
• Roof shingles can vary drastically in price. The price jump may be due to the shingles themselves. We encourage homeowners to research the lifespan and price of shingles to find what works best for your home and budget.
• Warranties will also impact your quoted cost.
• Research and be aware of hidden costs, like permits and tear off fees. Discuss these factors with your contractors.

Factors that will lead to a lower bid:

• If a contractor does not have proper insurance (or any at all), they will often provide a lower bid. This may leave the homeowner responsible for laborer injuries or damages that occur. Modernize recommends that homeowners always select a licensed contractor for their home improvement project.
• If there has been a recent hurricane or storm, and demand for home improvement projects are high, scammers may prey on stressed homeowners. If a bid is too good to be true, it probably is.
• Extremely low bidders may also be desperate for a job, which is never a reassuring sign.

For both high and low bids, always check your roof replacement quotes for errors. Contractors are human and, while rare, errors can happen. Communicate any and all questions and concerns with your contractors.

Research Your Contractors

Vetting your contractors will ensure you find the best, reliable, roofing professional for your project.

Visit their website to ensure it is professional looking and updated. Check review sites and make sure they are accredited through the Better Business Bureau. Look at a contractor’s content information to make sure they have a physical address and not a P.O. Box (which can be a worrisome sign).

If something feels off about a contractor or business— go with your gut.

To help homeowners easily vet and find a trusted roofing contractor, Modernize recently created a free contractor checklist. You can access the interactive checklist by visiting the Modernize Homeowner Portal or by downloading it here.

Homeowners Can Negotiate Bids

Remember, you can always negotiate with your contractor on the price for the successful project before signing a contract. Discuss your budget with your contractors. Agree that any unexpected project expenses will be presented in writing to help you remain within your budget.

5 Tips for Negotiating Costs With Roofing Contractors

Once you've looked over each bid you've gotten, you're ready for the next article in our series: how to negotiate that price.

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Keep All Paperwork 

Lastly, keep all estimates, quotes, and contracts in a folder, so you can reference these details easily if you have any questions or concerns throughout your roof replacement.