Is my roof quote fair?
Roof quotes vary widely because they are priced per "square" (100 sq ft) with a long list of extras. Knowing how many squares you are paying for, and what is included, is most of the battle.
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What it typically costs
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Minor repair (flashing, a few shingles) | $300 – $1,500 |
| Asphalt shingle replacement, per squareIncludes tear-off of one layer | $450 – $800 |
| Typical asphalt roof (20–30 squares) | $10,000 – $22,000 |
| Extra layer tear-off, per square | $100 – $250 |
| Decking (plywood) replacement, per sheetShould be quoted as a unit price, not a lump sum | $70 – $150 |
| Metal roof replacement, per square | $1,000 – $1,800 |
Prices vary by region, home, and season. Your report benchmarks against your ZIP code.
What drives the price
- Roof size in squares, plus a waste factor (usually 10–15%)
- Pitch and complexity: steep roofs, valleys, and dormers add labor
- Number of existing layers to tear off
- Material: architectural shingles cost more than 3-tab; metal more again
- Underlayment, ice and water shield, ventilation, and flashing replacement
Red flags in a quote
- No measured square count on the quote, or a square count much higher than your roof size suggests
- Decking replacement as an open-ended lump sum instead of a per-sheet price
- Reusing old flashing on a full replacement
- Storm-chaser tactics: door-to-door offers, "we'll cover your deductible", pressure to sign an insurance assignment
- A large upfront deposit (well over a third) before materials are delivered
- Vague warranty language with no manufacturer warranty tier named
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1.How many squares did you measure, and what waste factor did you add?
- 2.How many layers will you tear off?
- 3.What is the per-sheet price if decking needs replacement, and how will I be told before you replace it?
- 4.Which underlayment, ice and water shield, and drip edge are included?
- 5.Will you replace all flashing and pipe boots?
- 6.Which manufacturer warranty is this installation eligible for, and what is your workmanship warranty?
Get your actual quote checked
Upload a photo or PDF. We check every line against typical ranges for your area, flag padding and missing scope, and give you the exact questions and negotiation language to use.
Common questions
How much does a new roof cost?
Most asphalt shingle replacements in the US run about $450 to $800 per square (100 sq ft) installed, which puts a typical 20 to 30 square roof at roughly $10,000 to $22,000. Steep pitch, multiple layers, and decking replacement push it higher.
How do I check a roofer's square count?
Your roof area is larger than your home's footprint because of pitch and overhangs. Satellite measurement reports are inexpensive and widely available; compare the square count on each quote to one of those and to each other.
Is it normal for a roof quote to include decking?
Most quotes include a small allowance or a per-sheet price, because rotten decking is only found after tear-off. A per-sheet price is normal; an unpriced or lump-sum decking line is a red flag.
Can HomeReview AI check my roofing quote?
Yes. Upload the estimate and Quote Shield checks the square count, unit prices, and included materials against typical ranges and flags what is missing. The first look is free.
Other quote checks
General information, not professional advice. HomeReview AI takes no referral fees and has no contractor partnerships. Always confirm with a licensed professional before work begins.