How to compare different roofing contractor quotes?
Are they apples to apples?
One of the challenges homeowners often face when looking to do a roofing or other exterior project is how to differentiate from one contractor to the next. Comparing their roofing or siding quotes and making sure they are apples to apples is crucial. Making sure their hard earned money gets spent on quality materials and installation that will last for decades to come is important. Here are some useful tips for picking a roofing contractor that can help ensure you choose the right one for your needs.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a contractor
1. INSURANCE, LICENSING & REPUTATION:
Roofing and exterior replacement projects can be a dangerous endeavor. You need to make sure that you only deal with properly licensed and insured contractors who have a time-tested good reputation. The risk of not following this advice can be very costly in the long run.
Make sure the contractor can provide a copy of their builder’s license, and a Certificate of Insurance(COI). This would have all the insurance coverage’s the contractor has in place. This is in case anything were to happen to their employees or to your home while the work is being done.
Always research a contractor’s reputation prior to hiring them for a project. Make sure they have an established business with reviews and testimonials that speak to the things that you find important in a contractor you will be hiring.
If you feel the need to, ask for references. Any contractor should be able to provide a list of professional references. Just know they most likely will provide references of ones they know will sing their praises.
2. SCOPE OF WORK:
As a roofer and a homeowner, I would not look for your average list of things you would see on a roofing quote. I would look at the details. Is the scope of work detailed, or is it very general and vague? What about additional services required, are those included in the quote? Are they left as options to be selected for an additional cost, or missing altogether? Also, consider the material specifications. A quote for premium materials would naturally cost more than one using builder-grade materials.
Most roofers and general contractors are probably able to nail shingles out in the wide open and get that part basically correct. However, some roofers fail in the details. For instance, weaving valleys, flashing walls, pipe collar installation, low slope roof sections, and chimney flashings.
Those are places where if not installed correctly, leaks will occur. Bringing the proper attention to detail both on the roof and on your estimates in these areas will definitely start to separate out your roofing quotes. For your estimate, you don’t need a 50-page report or book that will take forever to read. On the other hand, you don’t want a price written on the back of a napkin. What you do need is all the information concerning your particular project and addressing problems you have brought up to your contractor.
3. PRESENTATION & ANSWERING QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS:
How much time and effort does a roofing company spend in getting what they need to get you your estimate? What exactly does that look like when it gets to you? Nowadays with new technology, we can use satellites, high-tech cameras, drones, and a multitude of different computer programs to help get the proper measurements. They also help get your estimate to you.
Emails and text messaging can have your estimate in the palm of your hand quickly. But even with that, your contractor should still go over in detail what this estimate covers. Has the contractor presented everything in a well-thought-through manner? You will most likely be spending a good amount of money on this project. Making sure the details are presented in a way you understand is paramount.
Like in many instances today, listening can be a challenge for the most seasoned contractor. When looking at many homes and issues over the course of weeks, months, and years, the natural tendency is to grow numb to the concerns and questions of homeowners.
Any Contractor worth partnering with should be willing to address any questions or concerns you have. Home Renovation projects can be a big endeavor. A red light for any contractor is a homeowner who asks zero questions. So share your questions and concerns about the project. Don’t get me wrong, there are important things that the salesman needs to say and share. However, listening to the homeowner and addressing their questions and their concerns is very important.
4. WARRANTY AND GUARANTEES:
Most building products used in any exterior project, and the labor to install them should have a manufacturer warranty for the materials. Additionally, there should be a workmanship warranty for the labor to accompany the project. If there is a defect with any of the products used, you need reassurance that the manufacturer will stand behind their products and replace them.
Some manufacturer warranties will have a time period where they will replace a % of the cost. Other manufacturer warranties will prorate the cost down as the material ages. Some will only cover the material costs and not the labor to remove and replace the defective material.
A reputable contractor will stand behind the work they are doing with a labor or workmanship warranty. The few instances where this isn’t usually provided is if there is an estimate for exploratory repairs being done.
Otherwise, if the contractor is doing a full replacement project, the contractor should provide anywhere from a couple of years to 25+ years. Ask for clarification on any manufacturer warranties so that you have a good understanding of what warranty or guarantee the project will provide to you. What do they cover? What don’t they cover?
Comparing roofing contractors and their quotes can be a challenge, but by focusing on these key areas, you can feel confident in making an informed decision.
Remember, the lowest quote isn’t always the best deal. Consider the quality of materials, the experience of the crew, and the overall reputation of the contractor.
Taking the time to compare quotes thoroughly will ensure you get the best value for your investment. Doing your due diligence will also ensure a roof or siding project that will protect your home for years to come.
Free Download: Contractor Comparison Guide
Choose the Right Contractor with Confidence
Hiring the right contractor can make or break your project. That’s why we’ve created a free, easy-to-use Contractor Comparison Guide to help you evaluate your options and feel confident in your decision.
Whether you’re replacing a roof, siding, or starting a full home renovation, this guide will walk you through what to look for—and what to watch out for.
✅ What’s Inside:
- Side-by-Side Contractor Comparison Checklist
Easily compare bids, timelines, warranties, licenses, communication, and more.
Best regards,
New Beginnings Construction
Your Trusted Storm Damage Specialist
843-789-4604
