Should You Get Multiple Roofing Estimates?

Part of the Hiring a Roofer series by Bob Harvey

Quick Takeaways

TPO flat roof installation in progress on a residential home, Layton

Yes. Absolutely. And I say that knowing full well that it means you might compare us to somebody else and not pick us. That is fine. The homeowner who does their homework and chooses us because they understand the value is the homeowner we want to work with anyway.

But here is the thing most people miss. Getting multiple estimates is not just about finding the lowest price. In fact, if that is all you are doing, you are doing it wrong.

Why do roofing estimates come in at different prices?

When you get three estimates for the same roof, they will almost never match. This throws people off. They start thinking somebody is overcharging or somebody is undercutting, and they do not know who to trust.

The reason prices differ is that the companies are not all offering the same thing. One might be using builder-grade materials while another is using premium shingles. One includes tear-off and disposal, another does not mention it. One replaces all the flashing, another reuses the old stuff. One includes a workmanship warranty, another does not.

The number on the bottom of the page means nothing without understanding what is above it.

How do you actually compare roofing estimates side by side?

Here is what I tell homeowners to do. Lay the estimates side by side and go through them line by line. If you got a detailed estimate from each company, you should be able to compare specifics.

Look at what materials they are specifying. Are they naming a specific shingle line, or just saying "architectural shingles"? Look at whether they include underlayment, ice and water shield, drip edge, new flashing, ridge vent. Look at what they say about tear-off and disposal. Look at their warranty terms.

If one estimate is significantly lower than the others, ask yourself what is missing. Maybe they are not replacing the flashing. Maybe they are using thinner underlayment. Maybe they are not pulling a permit. Those savings come out of the quality of your roof, and you will pay for them later. There is a reason the cheapest estimate is usually the most expensive in the long run.

How many roofing estimates should you get?

Three is a good number. It gives you enough range to see what the market looks like without turning it into a full-time research project. Two can work if you are confident in both companies. More than four and you are usually just adding confusion without adding useful information.

When you call Bob Harvey Roofing for an estimate, we will come out, assess your roof, and give you a written scope of work that breaks down every line item. We serve homeowners across Davis County and Weber County, and we are happy to walk you through anything on the estimate you have questions about.

What matters more than price when choosing a roofer?

After nearly 40 years in this business, here is what I have learned. The homeowners who are happiest with their roofing experience are not the ones who found the cheapest price. They are the ones who felt informed, respected, and confident in the company they chose.

They understood what they were getting. They trusted the people doing the work. And when something came up during the job, like unexpected decking damage, the company communicated clearly and handled it fairly. Our W-2 crews have been doing this long enough that very little surprises them, and when something does come up, we call you before we touch it.

Price matters. I am not pretending it does not. But it should be one factor in a bigger decision, not the only factor.

Ready to get an estimate from us? We will give you a detailed, written scope of work and walk you through every line item. No pressure, no games. Just clear information so you can make the best decision for your home. Contact us.

★★★★★
"In person consultation, and a very fair bid! Not to mention he fit me in between other jobs to accommodate my needs. Awesome experience, I will highly recommend Bob Harvey Roofing every time!"
Linda Tolman , Google Review

Related Reading

← Previous Article Roofing Contractor vs. Handyman
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