3 Key Things You Must Check in a Roof Estimate Before Hiring a Contractor

1. Breakdown of Pricing and Roof Cost

One of the first things most homeowners look at in a roof estimate is the price—and for good reason. A clear roof quote should lay out all the costs, from materials to labor to permits and cleanup. You don’t want surprises halfway through the job.

What to Look For in a Roof Estimate

A well-written roof quotation should include a few key details:

• Material costs – This includes shingles, underlayment, vents, sealants, and anything else going on your roof. The type of material makes a big difference in the total roof cost to replace. Asphalt shingles are usually the cheapest, while metal or slate can cost quite a bit more.
  
  
• Labor charges – Roofing isn’t an easy job. If your roof has a steep pitch, a lot of layers, or any custom features, the labor cost will likely go up.
  
  
• Permit fees – Some cities won’t let you start a roofing project without a permit. Your roof estimate should include this so you’re not hit with surprise fees later.
  
  
• Tear-off and disposal – If your old roof needs to come off, make sure the roof quotation says whether cleanup and disposal are part of the deal. Some contractors charge extra just to haul debris away.
  
  
• Unexpected repairs – Sometimes, roofers find hidden damage after they start the job. Your roof estimate should explain how extra costs like that would be handled—just in case.

What Affects the Roof Cost?

Not everyone has to pay the same amount to replace or fix their roof. Here are a few things that can change the price:

• Roof size and slope – If the roof is bigger or steeper, it will cost more because it takes more work and more supplies.
  
  
• Roofing material – According to This Old House (2024), asphalt shingles can cost between $4 to $7 per square foot. Metal roofs? They range from $8 to $15, depending on what type you pick and how hard they are to install.
  
  
• Location and labor – If you live in a pricey city like Vancouver, chances are you’ll pay more for labor than someone in a small town.
  
  
• Time of year – Spring and summer are peak roofing seasons according to This Old House. Contractors are busier, prices go up, and you might have to wait longer. That’s why fall or winter can sometimes be a better time to book your project—you’ll probably get better rates and faster service.
  
  

Why You Should Get More Than One Roof Quote

If a free estimate for roofing looks too good to be true... it probably is. Some contractors offer rock-bottom prices but might cut corners on materials or take shortcuts on the job. To avoid that, always get at least three roof quotes. It’s the best way to find fair pricing and make sure you’re getting good quality work.

Want expert tips on how to balance cost and quality when hiring a roofing contractor? Check out these 7 Expert Tips for Balancing Cost and Quality with Vancouver Roofers to make a well-informed decision.

2. What’s Included in a Roof Inspection Report?

Before you get a roof estimate, a professional roofer should inspect your roof and give you a full report on its condition. This helps you figure out whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement.

What to Look for in a Roof Inspection?

A proper roof quotation should cover:

• Shingles – Are any cracked, curling, or missing? Damaged shingles can lead to leaks.
• Flashing & Sealants – Are the metal parts around the chimney and vents tightly in place, or do they need to be sealed to stop leaks?
• Gutters & Drainage – Are the gutters firmly in place and clear of leaves or dirt that could make water back up?
• Leaks & Moisture – Water stains, damp attic spots, or mold might be signs of a hidden leak.
• Roof Decking – If the wood under your shingles is weak or rotting, it could really mess up the structure.

You can avoid significant problems if you stay on top of small repairs and inspections. You can avoid having to pay a lot of money to fix something later if you do some maintenance today.

How a Roof Estimate Helps You Plan Ahead

If a contractor skips a proper inspection, they might miss hidden damage, leading to unexpected costs later. A clear roof quote should highlight any potential issues so you can plan your budget. Knowing the roof cost to replace or repair upfront helps you avoid surprises.

Looking for a free estimate for roofing? As you look for a roofer, make sure they break down the costs and explain everything that needs to be done. That way, you'll know what to expect before you choose.

3. What to Check in a Roof Estimate

It's easy to get caught up in the price of a roof estimate and forget to read the small print. But the roof quotation has important information about the work that will be done, when it will be done, what guarantees are offered, and how to pay. Ignoring these things could cause problems or costs that you didn't expect in the future.

Key Things to Look for in a Roof Estimate

• Warranty Coverage – Check if the roof estimate includes both manufacturer and labor warranties. Most shingles come with warranties lasting anywhere from 25 to 50 years, while the contractor’s workmanship guarantee will depend on the company.

• Project Timeline – A solid roof quote should have clear start and finish dates. If a contractor is vague about when the work will be completed, that’s a red flag.

• Payment Terms – Don't pay for the complete project until it's done. A typical roof cost payment schedule looks like this:
• 30% upfront before work begins
• 40% halfway through the project
• 30% once the job is done and approved

• Insurance and Liability – A contractor should have proper insurance, including liability coverage and Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) protection. This keeps you from being responsible if someone gets hurt or something gets damaged. In Canada, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) requires contractors to carry insurance, and WorkSafeBC mandates up-to-date WCB coverage. If a contractor can’t provide proof, that’s a major concern. More details on coverage requirements can be found on WorkSafeBC's official guide. 

• Cleanup and Waste Removal – Include post-project cleanup in the roof quote. Make sure they include cleaning up the mess so you won’t be caught off guard later.

Red Flags in a Roof Estimate

• No mention of warranty coverage
• No proof of insurance or WCB coverage
• Asking for full payment upfront
• No clear start or finish date

Don't sign anything until you know why a roof quote is missing important information. A good contractor will be upfront about costs, timelines, and responsibilities so you know exactly what to expect.

Conclusion

The best way to avoid surprise charges, confusion, or sloppy work? Get a clear and detailed roof estimate before you agree to anything. Before you sign with a contractor, check that your roof quotation includes the following:

• A clear list of costs – Your roof quote should show what you’re paying for: materials, labor, permits, clean-up fees—everything. That way, there are no surprises later.
  
  
• A full roof inspection report – This should clarify what's wrong with your gutters, shingles, flashing, and any other places that might need work.
  
  
• All the important terms and conditions – Make sure it covers warranties, payment plans, insurance info, and how long the job will take.
  
  

Asking for a free estimate for roofing from a reliable contractor helps you make a smart choice. It also gives you a better idea of your roof cost—whether you’re planning to repair or looking at the roof cost to replace everything.

When you're ready to move forward, consider getting a free, professional roof estimate to receive a customized proposal that fits your needs. You can start here.