Homeowner Tips
Why Two Roof Quotes Can Differ by $8,000
Pitch, layers, decking, penetrations and material grade — the real cost drivers behind a roofing estimate, and how to compare bids fairly.
By Taylor Smith · · 6 min read
Homeowners assume roofing is priced by square footage. Square footage is maybe half of it.
What drives the number
- Pitch. Anything above 7:12 requires fall protection and slows production substantially.
- Layers. Two or three existing layers double or triple tear-off labor and disposal.
- Complexity. Valleys, dormers, hips and skylights are where the labor hours actually go. A cut-up 22-square roof costs more than a simple 30-square gable.
- Decking. Unknown until tear-off. Compare the per-sheet rate, not the assumption.
- Material grade. 3-tab to architectural to Class 4 each step up meaningfully.
- Accessories. Ice-and-water coverage, synthetic vs. felt underlayment, drip edge, new pipe boots, ridge vent. These are where cheap bids get cheap.
How to compare bids honestly
Put them side by side line for line. Same underlayment? Same ice-and-water placement? Same number of new boots? Is ventilation included? Is the permit included? Most "$5,000 cheaper" bids are simply a smaller scope.
The question to ask
"What is in your bid that is not in the other one, and what is in theirs that is not in yours?" A confident contractor will walk you through it without disparaging anybody.
