Is my roof replacement quote fair?

Start with the square count, not the total

Roofs are measured in squares of 100 square feet. Divide the total by the square count to get a per-square price, then compare that across bids. If a bid has no square count, ask for it — without it the total is unanchored.

The items that explain most price gaps

• Tear-off of all layers vs. a layover of new shingles on old
• Synthetic underlayment vs. felt, named by product
• Ice-and-water shield at eaves, valleys, and penetrations
• All-new flashing vs. reusing existing flashing
• Decking replacement priced per sheet in advance
• Ridge vent and intake ventilation
• Permit, inspection, disposal, and magnet sweep
• Registered manufacturer system warranty vs. shingle-only coverage

Then check the range for your area

Regional labor rates move roofing prices substantially. Our cost sanity check compares your quoted price against typical ranges adjusted for your state, and our state cost pages show the same figures by trade. A price above the range is not automatically wrong — a steep, complex, or multi-layer roof legitimately costs more — but it should come with a reason you can point to on the estimate.

Warning signs unrelated to price

• A large deposit due before materials are delivered
• A discount that expires today
• No written start and completion window
• No proof of general liability and workers' compensation coverage
• The contract is the estimate, with no terms attached

Frequently asked

How many roofing quotes should I get?

Three is the common recommendation. The value is less in the price spread than in seeing which items one contractor includes that the others never mention.

Is the cheapest roofing bid always a problem?

No. It is a problem only when it is cheapest because it is missing scope. Match the scope line by line first; sometimes the low bid genuinely is the efficient one.