Before You Compare Totals
Read a quote in three passes.
The scope
What is measured, removed, replaced, and retained?
The extras
What is excluded, and how is additional work approved?
The coverage
Who provides each warranty, and what are its terms?
What should you compare line by line?
| Item | Ask the contractor |
|---|---|
| Roof area | What was measured, and is waste already included? |
| Removal | What existing roofing will be removed and disposed of? |
| Shingles and accessories | Which manufacturer, product line, color, starter, and ridge products are specified? |
| Decking | What is included, and how are additional repairs priced? |
| Underlayment and flashing | Which products and locations are included? What is replaced or retained? |
| Ventilation | What existing conditions were evaluated, and what changes are proposed? |
| Site and closeout | Who handles protection, disposal, cleanup, and any required permits? |
| Terms | What are the payment schedule, exclusions, warranties, and change-approval process? |
A roofing system includes more than its visible shingles. GAF's roof-component guide explains the roles of decking, underlayment, starter, ridge products, and ventilation.
Why can two roofing quotes be so different?
First establish whether they describe the same roof area and work. One total might include items another treats as options or exclusions. A brand name by itself does not tell you the product line, accessory package, or repair allowance.
Ask each roofer to identify differences in writing. A lower total is not proof of poor workmanship, and a higher total is not proof of better protection. The useful question is what you receive, what remains uncertain, and who is accountable for it.
What if damaged decking is found after tear-off?
Ask for the pricing method and approval process before installation begins. The proposal should distinguish an included allowance from additional work. Request photos and an explanation when concealed damage changes the scope.
Some conditions cannot be fully evaluated until existing roofing is removed. GAF's estimate-versus-final-price explanation discusses hidden damage and other reasons a final total may differ. Do not assume either that every extra is included or that any extra charge is automatically justified.
Which warranty questions should you ask?
Ask for the actual applicable documents, not just a headline number of years. Identify who provides each coverage, what is covered, exclusions, registration requirements, and any transfer terms. Manufacturer product coverage and installation-related coverage are not interchangeable.
A manufacturer's published warranty applies according to its terms and the qualifying installed system. No universal warranty length is promised by this guide. GAF's warranty resources illustrate why reading the specific coverage matters; for a CertainTeed proposal, request the applicable CertainTeed documents.
How does this relate to BFA's pricing?
Our roof cost calculator is a planning tool, not the final scope. It uses your supplied roof measurement or an estimate from home size, with a 15% waste allowance applied once. Your written quote should be based on the actual roof and agreed work.
For example, our documented Marietta project specified CertainTeed Landmark Pro in Moire Black and included underlayment, flashing and pipe boots, ventilation, and cleanup. View that project's documentation to see why a quote should describe more than "new shingles."
Before hiring, also request current insurance and credential information. This checklist works whether your home is in Canton, Marietta, Alpharetta, Milton, or Roswell.