Getting three bids is common advice, but comparing roofing bids accurately requires knowing what to look for beyond the bottom-line number. Two quotes for the same house can differ by $8,000 and still be for very different scopes.
What every bid should specify
A complete roofing bid should name the specific manufacturer and product for every component—shingles, underlayment, ice-and-water shield, ridge cap, starter strip. It should specify the extent of ice-and-water shield coverage (just eaves, or through all valleys), whether decking is included or charged per sheet after tear-off, ventilation plan and components, drip edge specification, and cleanup method.
The low-bid trap
The most common version is a low per-square number that excludes items that legitimately belong in the scope. Bare minimum underlayment instead of synthetic. No ice-and-water through valleys. Deck replacement charged separately at a high rate after tear-off reveals problems. Reduced fastener patterns that fail wind resistance requirements. These aren't always visible until the roof is partially complete.
Asking the right questions
After receiving bids, ask each contractor: What underlayment product are you using? How many squares of ice-and-water shield are in this scope? If you find bad decking after tear-off, what's the per-sheet price? What fastening pattern are you using? Is the disposal/cleanup included? Is the permit included? Who will be on site—your direct crew or a sub? These questions separate contractors who know their scope from those who will fill in blanks later.
Verifying credentials
Request a certificate of insurance for both general liability and workers' compensation. Call the number on the certificate to confirm it's current. Check the contractor's license in states that require one. Look at recent reviews that discuss specific project outcomes—punctuality, cleanup, and what happened when problems came up. A contractor who handles problems well is more valuable than one who doesn't have problems on paper.
Frequently asked questions
How many roofing bids should I get?
Three bids from contractors with verified credentials and written scopes is the standard approach. More bids don't help if you can't compare the scopes accurately.
Is the cheapest bid always a bad sign?
Not always—but it requires explanation. Ask specifically what's different in the low-bid scope. If the answer is "I'm more efficient" without a scope difference, be skeptical. If the answer is a specific materials or process difference you can evaluate, that's more useful.
Should I pay a deposit before work starts?
A deposit of 10-30% is normal for material procurement. 50%+ upfront before materials are ordered or work begins is a red flag. Never pay in full before work is complete.