You've had three roofers out to look at your house. One quote is $11,500, one is $13,800, and one is $8,900. It's tempting to circle the lowest number and move on. But roofing quotes aren't like comparing the same TV at three stores. Each roofer is pricing a different job, even when it's the same roof.
Here's how to tell what you're actually being offered.
Why Roofing Quotes Vary So Much
A roof replacement is mostly labour and materials you never see once the job is done: underlayment, ice and water protection, flashing, ventilation and the decking under it all. That's where quotes quietly differ. A low price usually means something on this list has been left out, downgraded or "to be determined":
- Underlayment: synthetic underlayment over the whole deck, or felt, or nothing on part of the roof.
- Ice and water protection: a membrane along the eaves, valleys and around chimneys and skylights. Ontario's freeze-thaw winters make this essential, not optional.
- Flashing: new metal flashing at chimneys, walls and skylights, or reusing the old pieces.
- Ventilation: new roof vents and ridge vent sized to your attic, or the same vents that were there before.
- Decking: whether rotten plywood is included, priced per sheet, or not mentioned at all.
- Tear-off and disposal: removing every layer down to the deck, plus the bin and cleanup.
If one quote lists all of these and another just says "supply and install new shingles," they are not the same job.
The Hidden Costs of a Low Bid
The cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive roof. We see the same patterns every year:
- Change orders after tear-off. The low bid didn't include any plywood, so once the old shingles are off you get a call: twenty sheets need replacing at a price you can't negotiate with your roof open.
- Shortened lifespan. Skipped ice and water shield or reused flashing doesn't fail on day one. It fails three winters later as a leak, long after the cheap roofer has stopped answering the phone.
- Voided warranties. Shingle manufacturers expect their installation instructions to be followed. Wrong nailing, missing starter strips or poor ventilation can limit what the manufacturer will cover.
- No insurance. A crew without WSIB coverage and liability insurance can leave you exposed if someone is hurt on your property or your house is damaged.
How to Compare Quotes Side by Side
Put every quote into the same simple table before you look at the total:
- Shingle brand and product line (not just "architectural shingles")
- Underlayment type and coverage
- Ice and water shield: where and how far up the roof
- Flashing: new or reused
- Vents: how many, and what type
- Plywood: included amount and price per extra sheet
- Workmanship warranty length, in writing
- Start date, expected duration and cleanup
- Payment schedule and deposit
Once each quote is broken down the same way, the price gaps usually make sense. Sometimes the middle quote turns out to be the best value. Sometimes the highest one includes work the others will charge for later.
Questions to Ask Every Roofer
- Can I see proof of WSIB coverage and liability insurance?
- Will you remove all old layers down to the deck?
- What happens, and what does it cost, if you find rotten plywood?
- Who will be on my roof, your own crew or subcontractors?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
- Who do I call if there's a problem in five years?
A roofer who answers these clearly, in writing, is usually the one who will still be around if you need them.
Get a Detailed, Itemized Quote
At Ontario Tech Roofing, every quote spells out the materials, the scope and the price for extras like plywood before any work starts, so there are no surprises once your roof is open. We've been roofing in Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and across the GTA since 1998, and our work is backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Book a free roof estimate or call us at 905-616-4408. For typical price ranges, see our roof replacement cost guide.
Looking for a roofing company in Hamilton to quote your job? We'll give you an itemized written estimate you can compare line by line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many roofing quotes should I get?
Two or three detailed, written quotes is usually enough. More than that tends to add confusion rather than clarity, especially if the quotes aren't itemized the same way.
Is it worth negotiating a roofing quote?
You can ask, but be careful what gets cut to lower the price. It's better to ask what's driving the cost, such as material choice or extra flashing work, and decide which options matter to you.
Should I pay a large deposit up front?
A reasonable deposit to schedule the job and order materials is normal. Be cautious with anyone who wants most of the money before work begins, or cash only with no written contract.