Compare Roofing Quotes in Ontario
Get Multiple Estimates & Choose the Best Value for Your Roofing Project
Why Comparing Roofing Quotes Is Critical
Getting a single roofing quote is like buying a house without seeing other options - you have no baseline for what's fair. Ontario homeowners who compare 3-5 quotes save an average of $1,800 and avoid costly mistakes. Here's your complete guide to evaluating roofing quotes like a pro.
When comparing 3+ quotes vs. accepting first quote
Optimal number for accurate market pricing comparison
Not getting multiple quotes before choosing contractor
How to Compare Roofing Quotes: The Complete Checklist
Use this comprehensive checklist to evaluate every quote you receive:
📋 1. Verify Basic Information
- Contractor name and business address (not just a phone number)
- License number (verify with Ontario Builder Registry)
- Insurance information (liability + workers compensation)
- Quote date and valid period (typically 30-60 days)
- Your property address (ensure correct home)
🚩 Red flag: Missing or vague business information suggests unlicensed/uninsured contractor
🏠 2. Scope of Work Details
- Tear-off details: How many existing layers removed?
- Deck inspection/repair: Cost per sheet if needed?
- Underlayment type: Synthetic or felt? Brand?
- Ice & water shield: How many feet from eaves?
- Shingle brand and model: Specific product line?
- Ventilation: Type and quantity of vents?
- Flashing: Valleys, chimneys, walls, pipes?
- Ridge cap: High-profile or standard?
- Cleanup: Magnet sweep, dumpster, disposal?
🚩 Red flag: Vague "quality materials" without specific brands/models
💰 3. Pricing Breakdown
- Materials cost: Itemized or lump sum?
- Labor cost: Separate or included?
- Permits: Included or additional?
- Disposal fees: Dumpster rental included?
- Unexpected repairs: Deck repair cost per sheet?
- HST clearly indicated: Included or added?
- Total project cost: Clearly stated bottom line?
🚩 Red flag: "Plus tax" games or surprise fees not in original quote
📅 4. Timeline & Logistics
- Start date: Specific or "within X weeks"?
- Project duration: How many days?
- Weather delays: How handled?
- Work hours: Start/end times each day?
- Site protection: Tarps, landscaping protection?
🛡️ 5. Warranty Information
- Manufacturer warranty: Length and what's covered?
- Workmanship warranty: Contractor's labor warranty?
- Warranty registration: Who handles registration?
- Warranty transfer: If you sell the home?
- Warranty claims process: How to file claims?
🚩 Red flag: Vague "lifetime warranty" without specific terms
💳 6. Payment Terms
- Deposit amount: 10-30% is standard (not 50%+)
- Payment schedule: Tied to milestones?
- Final payment: Upon completion and inspection?
- Payment methods accepted: Check, credit, financing?
- Financing options: Rates and terms if applicable?
🚩 Red flag: Large upfront payment (50%+) or cash-only requirements
Quote Comparison Worksheet
Use this worksheet to compare quotes side-by-side:
| Comparison Factor | Quote #1 | Quote #2 | Quote #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor Name | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Total Cost (all-in) | $______________ | $______________ | $______________ |
| Shingle Brand/Model | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Manufacturer Warranty | _______ years | _______ years | _______ years |
| Workmanship Warranty | _______ years | _______ years | _______ years |
| Ice & Water Shield | _______ feet | _______ feet | _______ feet |
| Underlayment Type | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Ventilation Included | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No |
| Estimated Start Date | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Project Duration | _______ days | _______ days | _______ days |
| Deposit Required | $______________ (%___) | $______________ (%___) | $______________ (%___) |
| Google/BBB Rating | _______ stars | _______ stars | _______ stars |
| Years in Business | _______ years | _______ years | _______ years |
| References Provided | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No |
💡 Evaluation Tip
Don't automatically choose the cheapest quote. Look for best VALUE:
- Quotes within 10-20% of each other are typically competitive
- Dramatically lower quotes (30%+ below others) indicate corners being cut
- Slightly higher quotes with premium materials often better long-term value
- Consider contractor reputation, warranty, and responsiveness
🚩 Red Flags: When to Walk Away
Watch for these warning signs when comparing quotes:
🚩 Quote is 30%+ Lower Than Others
Why it matters: Dramatically low quotes indicate shortcuts, inferior materials, or plans to add surprise charges later.
Reality: Quality roofing has consistent costs (materials + labor). If Quote A is $15,000, Quote B is $14,000, and Quote C is $9,000 - Quote C is cutting something critical.
Action: Ask exactly what's different. If they can't explain, walk away.
🚩 Vague Material Descriptions
What to watch for: "Quality shingles" or "premium materials" without specific brands/models listed in quote.
Why it matters: Allows contractor to use cheapest possible materials while claiming "quality."
Action: Demand specific brands/models. Compare those specs across quotes.
🚩 Large Upfront Deposit (50%+)
Standard deposit: 10-30% is industry norm. 50%+ is red flag.
Why it matters: Large deposits enable contractor to take money and disappear or deliver subpar work (you already paid).
Action: Never pay more than 30% upfront. Walk away if pressured.
🚩 Pressure to Sign "Today Only"
Tactics: "This price is only good today" or "Sign now or lose the discount."
Why it matters: Prevents you from comparing quotes and discovering you're overpaying or getting inferior service.
Action: Legitimate contractors understand you're comparing quotes. Pressure = walk away.
🚩 Can't Verify License/Insurance
Excuses: "I'll send it later" or "I don't have it with me" or "It's at the office."
Why it matters: You're liable if unlicensed/uninsured worker injured. No recourse for poor work.
Action: Verify with Ontario Builder Registry. No verification = no hire.
🚩 No Written Quote/Contract
Claims: Verbal agreements or "I'll write it up after you agree."
Why it matters: No legal recourse when verbal promises aren't delivered.
Action: Everything in writing before any money changes hands. Period.
🚩 All Bad Reviews Are "Fake"
Excuse: "Those negative reviews are from competitors/fake accounts."
Reality: While occasional fake reviews exist, patterns of complaints are real red flags.
Action: Read reviews on multiple platforms. Patterns don't lie.
🚩 Won't Provide References
Excuse: "All my past clients are private" or "I don't have any on hand."
Why it matters: Established contractors have happy clients eager to recommend them.
Action: No references = walk away. Check provided references.
Critical Questions to Ask Every Contractor
Ask these questions before accepting any quote:
📋 About the Company
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed and insured? (Get proof)
- Do you have a physical business address?
- Can you provide 3-5 local references from the past year?
- Are you members of any roofing associations?
🏠 About Your Project
- Did you inspect the roof deck from the attic?
- What condition is my current roof in? (Ask for photos)
- Do I need full replacement or can repairs suffice?
- What specific shingle brand/model do you recommend and why?
- How many layers of old shingles will be removed?
- What ventilation system do you recommend?
💰 About Pricing
- What's included in this price?
- What's NOT included that might come up?
- If deck repairs are needed, what's the cost per sheet?
- Is HST included or additional?
- Do you offer financing? What are the terms?
- Are there any potential additional costs?
🛡️ About Warranties
- What's the manufacturer warranty on these shingles?
- What's YOUR workmanship warranty?
- Who do I contact for warranty issues?
- What voids the warranty?
- Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
📅 About Timeline & Process
- When can you start?
- How long will the project take?
- What happens if weather delays the project?
- Will the same crew complete the entire job?
- Who do I contact if issues arise during the project?
- How do you protect my landscaping and property?
💳 About Payment
- What's the payment schedule?
- What deposit do you require?
- When is final payment due?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Final Tips for Comparing Quotes
🎯 Get 3-5 Quotes Minimum
One quote = no baseline. Two quotes = better but still limited. Three to five quotes = accurate market rate and true comparison.
📱 Check Reviews on Multiple Platforms
Google, Facebook, BBB, HomeStars. Patterns across platforms reveal truth. Look for recent reviews (past 12 months).
🔍 Verify Licensing & Insurance
Ontario Builder Registry for licensing. Request insurance certificates. Call insurance company to verify. Worth 10 minutes.
💰 Don't Choose Based on Price Alone
Cheapest often costs most long-term. Best VALUE = quality materials + proven contractor + fair price + actual warranty support.
📝 Get Everything in Writing
Verbal promises mean nothing legally. Every detail discussed should be in written quote/contract before any money paid.
⏰ Don't Rush Your Decision
Quality contractors book 2-6 weeks out. If they're available "tomorrow," ask why they're not busy. Take time to compare properly.
🤝 Trust Your Gut
If something feels off - high pressure, vague answers, won't provide references - trust that feeling and walk away.
📞 Test Responsiveness
How quickly do they respond to calls/emails? Responsiveness during quote = responsiveness during project (or lack thereof).
Ready to Compare Roofing Quotes?
Connect with 3+ licensed, insured Ontario roofing contractors. Compare detailed quotes and choose the best value for your home.
Get Free Quotes Now →