# How to Get Roofing Quotes: What to Ask and Compare | RYH

> Getting roofing quotes? Know what belongs in a real proposal, questions to ask every contractor, and how to compare bids that look wildly different.

![Roof Replacement project photo](/images/roofing/shutterstock_219787252.jpg)

RemodelYourHome Editorial Team · 2026-06-01 · 6 min read

![Remy](/images/remy/pose-3bd57a0a.png)

A roofing quote should be a detailed written proposal, not a number on a business card. Knowing what belongs in a complete quote — materials, scope, warranties, and timeline — lets you compare bids accurately and catch contractors who are cutting corners before they ever touch your roof. Here is what to ask for.

Most homeowners get one or two roofing quotes, pick the one that feels right, and hope for the best. The problem is that without knowing what a complete quote looks like, it's impossible to tell whether you're comparing equal proposals — or whether the cheapest bid left out half the scope.

## What Should a Roofing Quote Include?

A complete roofing proposal should have all of these elements. If any are missing, ask for them in writing before you proceed.

- **Shingle manufacturer, product line, and color** (e.g., GAF Timberline HDZ, Charcoal)

- **Total square footage** (roofing squares — 1 square = 100 sq ft)

- **Number of layers being removed**

- **Underlayment type** (synthetic vs. felt)

- **Deck inspection policy** — what happens if damaged decking is found

- **Flashing scope** — is step flashing, drip edge, and pipe boot replacement included?

- **Ventilation assessment**

- **Manufacturer warranty level** (standard vs. system/enhanced)

- **Contractor workmanship warranty** (duration and what it covers)

- **Payment schedule**

- **Permit responsibility**

## What Is the Difference Between a Quote and a Proposal?

A quote is a price. A proposal is a documented scope of work with a price attached. When contractors give you a verbal quote or a one-line estimate, you have no basis for comparison and no protection if the job goes sideways.

Always get the full written proposal before agreeing to anything. Any contractor unwilling to put scope in writing is a contractor you should not hire.

## Why Do Roofing Quotes Vary So Much?

A $7,000 variance between two quotes on the same house is common and often explainable — but you need the line items to understand why. Typical explanations include different shingle grades, whether tear-off is included, whether a deck inspection allowance is built in, and contractor overhead differences.

| Variable | Lower Bid | Higher Bid | Cost Difference |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Shingle grade | 3-tab, 25-yr | Architectural, 30-yr | $800-$1,500 |
| Tear-off layers | 1 layer included | 2 layers included | $500-$1,200 |
| Deck repair allowance | Not included | $500 allowance included | $500 |
| Underlayment | Felt | Synthetic | $300-$600 |
| Flashing | Reuse existing | Full replacement | $400-$900 |

## What Questions Should You Ask Every Roofer?

Ask the same questions of every contractor so you can compare answers, not just prices.

1. Are you pulling the permit, and what does that cost?

2. What shingle manufacturer are you using and what warranty level will I qualify for?

3. What happens if you find damaged decking? What do you charge per sheet?

4. Who is doing the physical installation — your employees or subcontractors?

5. How long is your workmanship warranty, and what does it cover?

6. What is your payment schedule? (Never pay more than 10-15% upfront.)

7. Can you provide three local references from jobs in the past 12 months?

## What Are Red Flags in a Roofing Quote?

Watch for these signs that a quote is incomplete or the contractor is cutting corners: no permit mention, no material specifications, large upfront payment required, vague warranty language ("we stand behind our work"), or pressure to sign before you've had time to compare bids.

**Bottom line:** A roofing proposal that doesn't specify materials, scope, warranty, and payment terms isn't a quote — it's a handshake. Get complete written proposals from at least three contractors, ask the same questions of each, and compare scope before you compare price.

Ready to get quotes? [Find top-rated roofers near you](/roofers-near-me/index.md). For pricing context, see our [roof replacement cost guide](/roof-replacement-cost/index.md).

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![Remy](/images/remy/face-6aa3719e.png) Remy's Take

If a 'quote' doesn't spell out materials, scope, warranty, and payment terms, it's not a quote, it's a handshake. Get three real written proposals and compare scope before you compare the bottom-line number.

## Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions homeowners ask most often before starting this project - what it costs, how long it takes, what a fair quote looks like and which details change the price. Each answer below is written to stand on its own, so you can read just the one you need.

### How many roofing quotes should I get?

Get at least three. With one quote, you have no market reference. With two, you can't tell which is the outlier. With three, you have a genuine price range and can spot both the overpriced bid and the suspiciously cheap one.

### How long does it take to get a roofing quote?

Most roofing contractors can do an initial inspection and provide a written proposal within 2-5 business days. During peak season (spring and after storms), expect delays. If a contractor can only give you a verbal number on the spot, that's a red flag.

### What does a roofing square mean?

A roofing square is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof surface. A typical 2,000 sq ft home with a moderate pitch might have 22-28 roofing squares. Quotes priced per square are easier to compare than lump-sum totals.

### Should I tell each contractor what the other bids?

Not initially. Get each independent bid first, then you can use lower bids as leverage with your preferred contractor. If you reveal competing numbers too early, some contractors will simply undercut rather than compete on quality.

### What happens if my deck needs repair — is that extra?

Usually yes. Ask each contractor to specify their per-sheet decking repair rate upfront (typically $80-$120 per sheet). A trustworthy contractor will give you this number in writing so there are no surprises mid-job.

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Source: https://remodelyourhome.com/articles/get-roofing-quotes/