Roof replacement and repair work is a significant investment that requires advanced planning and careful research. And if you’ve never tackled a large home improvement project before, knowing where to begin can be challenging. To help you source accurate estimates from contractors, we spoke with five roofing industry experts, including Angie Hicks, cofounder of Angi , a local service review site, about the nine best strategies.
From roof inspections and independent research to spotting contractor red flags, this guide addresses every step of the estimation process to help you feel informed and empowered before you start calling contractors.
9 strategies for sourcing accurate estimates for roofing repairs and replacements
Whether you’re hiring out for basic repairs or a full roof replacement, these expert-informed tips can help ensure you get a fair and accurate estimate from your roofing contractors.
1) Research roofing costs and companies before sourcing quotes
“Before you bring in a pro to get an estimate, look at a cost guide to familiarize yourself with roofing costs,” said Hicks. “This will give you an idea of what to expect from the estimate.”
Average roof repair and replacement costs fluctuate seasonally and by location. By learning more about the going rates in your area, you can better understand whether the quotes you receive from contractors are reasonable. You can research average roofing costs on sites like Consumer Reports , Roofing Calculator and This Old House .
It’s also wise to do some preliminary research on the contractors you might work with, said Brandon Foote, Owner and President of Advanced Roofing & Construction , an Alabama-based roofing company. “Make sure they are licensed and insured and that they have a long track record of success,” he said. Start by researching contractors via their company websites and by reading online reviews. Note any unanswered questions so you can follow up during a call or in person.
Finally, ask for contractor recommendations from friends, family or neighbors if possible, recommended Paul Dashevsky, Co-CEO of GreatBuildz , a free online service matching homeowners with prescreened contractors. Knowing a contractor has already completed quality work at a fair price for others in your community can help streamline finding an honest roofer .
2) Get a roof inspection
Roof inspections are crucial for sourcing accurate estimates, as roofing contractors cannot offer accurate quotes without closely inspecting your roof. Each contractor you source a quote from should perform an independent, on-site inspection. While some roofing companies may provide aerial or over-the-phone ballpark estimates, an on-site inspection is required for an accurate estimate.
During the inspection process, the roofing contractor will use a range of tools and methods to assess the state of your roof. While some roofers rely on digital assessment tools like aerial photography and drones, an in-person inspection is the most accurate estimation strategy. In fact, simply being “on site” may not even be enough, according to Dashevsky. “If a roofer or contractor estimates the job from the ground instead of climbing on the roof and in the attic,” this could be a red flag, he said.
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Roof inspections are typically free and non-binding, so you can comfortably schedule inspections with multiple contractors and compare quotes. Learn more by checking out our guide to roof inspections and costs .
3) Avoid online-only estimation services
“One issue, especially with estimates that are done completely online or over the phone, is accuracy,” said Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build , a San Diego home contracting business. “It's easy for miscommunications or outdated information online to throw off an estimate.”
Some online estimation services even offer “instant estimates” based only on your address, but this isn’t a trustworthy way to get an accurate quote. Many roofers conduct initial estimates via aerial photography or drone inspection, but if the contractor doesn’t plan to follow up with an on-site inspection, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Foote agreed, noting that the biggest mistake he sees homeowners make when sourcing roofing estimates is not insisting on a thorough roof inspection. “Be wary of roofing contractors that don't provide an adequate inspection [that involves] getting on the roof [and] into the attic,” he said. Digital-only inspections that skip these steps are bound to be less accurate.
4) Compare quotes from at least three different roofing contractors
The experts we spoke with unanimously agreed that sourcing multiple quotes is the most important part of receiving an accurate and fair roofing estimate.
“I always recommend getting multiple quotes — especially for a big job like roofing,” said Hicks. “Getting multiple quotes, or at least a second opinion, can help you feel confident that you’re getting a fair price for your project.”
“More bids mean more information,” added Zakheim, whose top advice is to “never commit to a project without getting at least three estimates.”
As you gather quotes, pay attention to how they compare to each other and to industry-standard prices for the area. “Be cautious of unusually low bids,” said Dashevsky. “They may indicate subpar work or the use of inferior materials.” He added, "A reasonable and competitive bid reflects the contractor’s understanding of the project’s requirements.”
Finally, ask lots of questions during the estimation process, especially if any of the quotes you receive surprise you. “If a roofing estimate seems notably higher or lower than you expected, ask the contractor to explain in detail how they landed on that price,” recommended Dashevsky.
5) Be transparent about your roofing needs
“I recommend being upfront [...] about damage or problems with your roof,” said Hicks. “Downplaying the issues [...] will only make the estimate less accurate and lead to more problems later on.”
The same applies if you’re interested in any specialty services that extend beyond the scope of basic installation or repair. For example, if you want your roofers to install new plumbing, air vents, windows or gutters, you should discuss this during the inspection process so the contractor can factor this into your estimate.
6) Provide each contractor with the same information
Comparing quotes will be much easier if you provide the same information to each contractor. If you tell one contractor you want asphalt shingles and another that you’d prefer a slate roof, the quotes you receive will be difficult to compare.
As you source estimates, make sure you describe the same scope of work to each contractor. This includes what roofing materials you prefer, any additional services you’d like to add and whether you want your roofers to use special installation methods for durability and weather resistance.
7) Don’t be afraid to negotiate
Some people may prefer to steer clear of haggling with contractors, but gentle negotiation is actually standard practice in the industry, and customers who are willing to negotiate may receive slightly lower estimates. If you don’t have experience with price negotiation, ask an experienced friend or family member for support or try researching the basics of negotiation.
“People should always check to see if there is a ‘same-as-cash’ option or a payment plan with low interest,” said Ali Zane of iMax Credit Repair Firm , an online consumer credit repair firm. “Roofers want to work with you, and some will make it easy for you to pay,” he added. Just be wary of partnering with contractors who are too eager to slash prices, as this could mean the work or materials you receive may be of lower quality.
8) Get your estimates in writing
“Make sure your contractor provides estimates in writing,” said Zakheim.
While roofing estimates typically aren’t binding, requesting hard copies can help protect you if a contractor tries to raise the quoted price. It can also provide important details on how your contractor calculated the quote.
Agreeing that estimates should be provided in writing, Hicks added that homeowners should “make sure [the estimate] includes what materials will be used, the timeframe of the project and information on the warranty.” Sourcing estimates isn’t just about gauging total costs — it’s also about understanding what you’ll be getting in exchange for your investment.
Dashevsky agrees, adding that homeowners should “ask for substantiations supported by paperwork, receipts, visual examples or other points of proof and validation,” especially if anything is unclear about how the contractor calculated the estimate. “A serious lack of detail in line item breakdown would be [a] red flag,” added Foote.
9) Watch out for roofing company scams and red flags
“When the price is too good to be true,” said Hicks, this can indicate that the estimate is inaccurate, predatory or a sign of low-quality work to come. “While it can be tempting to go with the lowest cost, an estimate that is too low should be [seen as] a red flag.”
“While the majority of contractors are honest professionals, there are also those who have learned to employ deceptive practices about pricing, resources and schedules that can drain a customer’s budget,” said Dashevsky. “Contractors generally know much more than homeowners about construction processes, materials, costs and best practices, making it easier to lie to their clients.”
Dashevsky recommended being wary of contractors who say your quote is only good for a limited time or warn that the price of materials may increase soon. “This is most likely a lie to get a customer to hire them as soon as possible, without proper time to do background research, check referrals, cross-reference pricing, validate recommended materials or approaches, [and] garner bids from competitors,” he said.
For an accurate roofing estimate, do your research and source multiple quotes
Taking time to do plenty of research and source quotes from multiple contractors is the best way to ensure you’ll receive an accurate estimate from your roofers. This process can take time, but planning ahead can help you save money and avoid scams on a major home improvement project like roof replacement or repair.
As you source estimates, make sure each roofing contractor performs a thorough inspection and examines your roof from as many angles as possible, including from inside your house. Contractors and online services that offer to perform virtual inspections without an in-person component are unlikely to provide a truly accurate estimate.
Finally, ask lots of questions to be sure you know exactly how your estimates were calculated and what services, materials and warranties you’ll receive at that rate. Before signing a contract, make sure your roofer is adequately licensed and insured and has a good reputation with customers.
Roofing estimates and quotes FAQs
Are roof repair estimates free?
Yes, estimates and inspections from roofing contractors are typically free of charge and non-binding. You will only be charged if you sign a contract with the roofing company for a service.
How accurate are roofing estimates?
The accuracy of your roofing estimates will depend on a range of factors, like how the inspection is performed and the extent of underlying issues your roofers may not be able to see during the inspection process. If you follow best practices, disclose as much information as possible and work with a contractor that performs on-site inspections, your estimate should be fairly accurate. However, there’s always a chance that unexpected issues could arise after work has begun.
How many quotes should you get for a roofing replacement?
Most experts recommend sourcing quotes from at least three roofing contractors. This helps you find the best price and company to replace your roof.
Can you negotiate a roofing quote?
Yes. Negotiating with contractors is a great way to reduce the price of roofing work and potentially save on big home improvement projects. However, be wary of contractors who offer to charge far below industry standard prices, as this could be a red flag.
How much should a roof repair cost?
Prices for roofing services vary widely, especially for repairs, ranging from small patch jobs to much larger repairs. Check out our guide to how much roof repairs cost . But keep in mind that roofing prices also vary depending on where you live, so it’s best to contact local roofing companies directly to source independent quotes and compare prices.
