A real roofing estimate names the square footage, the exact products, the deck allowance and the warranty.
At a glance
- A one line quote is a handshake, not a contract.
- Deck repair is the most common surprise charge.
- Ask what happens to the old material and who hauls it.
- Compare bids on scope first and price second.
Scope and measurements
The quote should state the roof area in squares. One square is one hundred square feet. It should also state the pitch and the number of stories, because both change labor cost.
If two bids differ by thirty percent, check the squares first. Bidders measure differently and one of them may have missed a section.
Materials by name
Product lines matter. Write down the shingle line, the underlayment brand and weight, the drip edge gauge, the valley metal, the vent type and the fastener type.
A bid that says shingles and felt lets the crew buy the cheapest thing on the shelf that morning.
The deck allowance
Nobody knows how much bad wood is under a roof until the roof is off. A fair quote sets a price per sheet of plywood and per linear foot of rafter or fascia repair, and includes a set number of sheets in the base price.
Ask for photos of any wood they replace. That is the standard on honest jobs.
Warranty in two parts
There is a manufacturer warranty on the material and a workmanship warranty on the labor. The second one is the one that matters in the first ten years, because nearly every early leak is an install detail.
Ten years of workmanship coverage is a strong offer in Los Angeles. Two years is thin. Get the term in writing with the company name and license number on the page.
Payment schedule
California law caps the deposit at one thousand dollars or ten percent of the job, whichever is less. Progress payments follow real milestones such as tear off complete, dry in complete and final.
Never pay the final until the city inspection passes and the site is clean.
Common questions
How many bids should I get
Three is the sweet spot. More than that and the details blur together.
Is the lowest bid ever right
Sometimes, when the scope matches. Line the scopes up side by side before you decide.
Should I pay cash for a discount
A small discount is normal. A cash only job with no contract and no permit is not.