A roofing quote is one of the easiest documents to misread — and one of the most consequential to get wrong. Two quotes for the “same” job can differ by thousands of dollars and still be quoting completely different scopes, materials, and warranty coverage. Knowing what to ask about a roofing quote is how you compare meaningfully rather than just comparing numbers.
“I’ve seen homeowners choose the lowest quote and end up paying more in the end than if they’d chosen the second-highest. The low quote left out the decking allowance, used felt underlayment instead of synthetic, and didn’t include flashing replacement. By the time those things were added as change orders, they’d spent more than any of the other quotes. Get the full picture before you compare.”
— Roman Vesely, Apple Roofing Toronto, residential roofing contractor decades years of experience across the Toronto and GTA markets
Table of Contents
Before You Compare Quotes
Are you getting at least three quotes?
For a full roof replacement — typically a $10,000–$25,000+ investment — three quotes is the right minimum. It gives you a market baseline, reveals outliers in both directions, and gives each roofer a reason to be competitive and specific about what they’re including.
A single quote is a price with no context. Three gives you information.
Are all quotes based on the same scope?
Before comparing numbers, confirm every roofer is quoting on identical scope — the same shingle brand and grade, the same underlayment type, the same ice and water shield coverage, the same flashing policy, the same decking allowance. If they’re not, you’re not making a meaningful comparison. Ask each roofer to match scope before you evaluate price.
Questions About What’s Included
What shingles are specified, and what is the warranty class?
The quote should name the specific shingle product — brand, line, and warranty class. “Architectural shingles” is not sufficient. IKO Cambridge 30, GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration — these are the specifics that let you compare quality and warranty coverage across quotes.
For a full breakdown of shingle questions: Questions to Ask a Roofer About Materials and Shingles
Does the quote include tear-off and disposal of the old roof?
Old shingles and underlayment must be removed before a new roof can be installed — and disposing of that material costs money. Some low quotes exclude tear-off entirely, assuming you’ll handle it. Ask directly: is full tear-off and disposal included?
What a good answer looks like: Full tear-off and disposal explicitly listed as included in the quote.
Is decking replacement included, and at what price per sheet?
Rotted or damaged roof decking is discovered after tear-off and must be replaced before new shingles go on. No roofer can know in advance how much decking will need replacement. What they can do — and should do — is establish a pre-agreed per-sheet price in the quote.
Ask: what is your per-sheet price for OSB or plywood decking replacement, and is that price locked in as part of this quote?
What a good answer looks like: A specific per-sheet replacement price (typically $60–$100/sheet in many regions) included as a line item in the quote.
Is all flashing included — new metal, not reused?
Ask specifically whether all flashing — at the chimney, walls, valleys, and penetrations — will be replaced with new material. Reusing old flashing on a new roof is a common cost-cutting measure that creates leak risk at the most vulnerable points on the roof.
What a good answer looks like: New flashing specified as standard, with the type of metal specified (galvanized steel or aluminum).
What does the cleanup include?
Ask specifically: will a magnetic roller be used to collect nails from the lawn and driveway? Will landscaping be protected during the job? Who is responsible for any incidental damage to siding, gutters, or landscaping?
What a good answer looks like: A cleanup commitment that includes a magnetic nail sweep, protection for landscaping, and clear accountability for any damage.
Questions About What’s Excluded
What is explicitly not included in this price?
Ask for an exclusions list in writing. Common roofing exclusions include: chimney masonry repair, skylight replacements, gutter work, fascia and soffit repair, interior damage if rain gets in during the job, and permit fees. Knowing the exclusions upfront prevents surprise invoices.
What a good answer looks like: A written exclusions list specific to your project.
What could cause the price to increase?
Legitimate variables in roofing include: extent of damaged decking found after tear-off, chimney flashing complexity, unexpected rot at eaves, and non-standard penetrations. Ask the roofer to identify the most likely sources of additional cost for your specific project.
What a good answer looks like: A short, honest list of project-specific variables, with pre-agreed unit pricing for the most likely ones (decking, in particular).
Questions About Payment
What is the payment schedule?
A standard roofing payment schedule is: a deposit of 10–25% at signing, and the balance due upon satisfactory completion. Some roofers split large jobs into milestone payments. Confirm the schedule in writing.
A roofer who asks for 50% or more upfront — especially in cash — is a red flag, particularly in the context of storm-related work.
Do you require cash, or do you accept cheque and e-transfer?
Always pay by cheque or e-transfer. Cash leaves no paper trail and no recourse if a dispute arises. A roofer who insists on cash only should prompt serious questions about their business legitimacy.
What a Complete Roofing Quote Should Contain
- Company name, address, licence/registration number
- Specific shingle product (brand, line, color, warranty class)
- Underlayment type and weight
- Ice and water shield coverage description
- Flashing: new or reused, type of metal
- Tear-off and disposal: included or excluded
- Decking replacement: per-sheet price established
- Cleanup and site protection plan
- Timeline: start date and estimated completion
- Payment schedule
- Warranty: both manufacturer and workmanship
Related Questions
- Questions to Ask a Roofer Before You Hire One
- Questions to Ask a Roofer About Materials and Shingles
- Questions to Ask a Roofer About Warranties
- How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost ?
- Red Flags When Hiring a Roofer
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