Don't Shop Around for Roofing Bids (Here's Why)

When you need a new roof, one of the first things that comes to mind is cost and getting the best price. In this article, we’ll detail why it’s not in your best interest to go with the lowest bidder for a roof replacement and why, at the end of the day, the total bid price is often irrelevant.

Before you start looking around for the lowest priced contractor to install your new roof, it’s important to consider the implications of a cheap roof replacement bid.

Let’s take a look at exactly why total cost should be the last thing you consider when getting a roof replacement.

#1: You May Not Have to Pay Out of Pocket

Over 95% of the roof replacements we handle at RoofClaim are fully covered by the customer’s homeowners insurance.

In this situation, the total price of the roof replacement doesn’t matter to the homeowner because you aren’t paying these costs out of pocket. 

Let’s say the cost of your roof replacement is $20,000. All you have to pay as the homeowner is your deductible.

If your deductible is $1000, you’re going to pay the $1000 and get a $20,000 roof. If you find a contractor to do the roof for $15,000, you’re still only going to pay $1000. There’s no benefit to you in finding that lower bid.

On the other hand, there could very well be problems with getting that lower-priced roofing company to do the work!

#2: Cheaper Contractors Skimp on Materials

Contractors who offer low bids often use off-brand materials to maintain profitability. They don’t care about the durability of your roof. What they care about is getting the sale and putting more money in their pockets as quickly as possible. 

As a result, the quality of your roof will suffer and there’s a good chance you’ll run into major issues sooner than you’re supposed to. These issues can cost you far more in the long run than you’re saving by taking the lower bid. More on that in a moment.

At RoofClaim, we only use quality materials. And because of our stringent hiring standards, your new roof is installed by roofers who are in the top 5% of the pool of qualified roofers in your area.

#3: Cheaper Contractors Skimp on Craftsmanship

Roofers who lowball their bids will cut corners. Their work will be subpar, and in turn, your new roof won’t be able to withstand the tests of time, sunshine, and inclement weather.

It should be obvious that the cheapest roofing companies won’t be employing the best roofers. So, along with using cheaper materials, the roofers doing the install will likely be less qualified and experienced.

There’s another way that roofers cut corners on quality, craftsmanship, and labor costs. They provide a bid for re-roofing, which is very different from roof replacement. 

Re-roofing is the process of placing new shingles over old shingles. It’s a band-aid and not a true fix for your roofing issues.

These are the kinds of issues you’re going to run into when you start shopping around for low bids. And again, what’s the purpose of finding a low bid when your insurance company is covering the costs?

#4: Your Cheaper Roof Could Cost You Far More in the Long Run

Just because *this* roof replacement is covered by insurance doesn’t mean the next one will be.

Let’s say you hire a cheap roofing company to do your roof replacement. Instead of your new roof lasting 20 years, it needs repairs or perhaps even a full replacement at the 10-year mark. 

Can you file a new roof insurance claim at this point? That’s unlikely. As soon as the insurance company inspects your roof they’re going to note that the problems are due to things like wear and tear and “lack of maintenance.” These are not issues that are covered by your homeowners insurance policy.

Going with the lowest bid has left you stuck with a roof that needs expensive repairs and replacement and an insurance company that is refusing to pay. 

This can all be avoided by making sure you hire a reputable roofing company that uses quality materials and only employs the best roofers. This will ensure that you get the full lifespan and value out of your new roof.

A Word About Deductibles

A deductible is a predetermined amount that you pay if you file an insurance claim. It’s your “contribution” to the total cost of the claim and is a fixed amount (it doesn't change based on the total cost of repairs or replacement). 

How Are Deductibles Calculated?

The deductible amount is determined by you and your insurer. When you purchase an insurance policy, you’re typically given the option of what your deductible will be. If you want a lower deductible, you’ll pay higher premiums. And vice versa.

Can Deductibles Be Waived?

Deductibles can be costly, so it’s understandable that you’d want to find ways to waive them. However, doing this can put you in legal trouble. It is against the law and considered fraud in most states.

How Do Contractors Waive Deductibles?

Some contractors will try to cheat your insurance company by charging significantly more than the actual cost for a roof replacement. Your overbilled insurer will then unknowingly cover the cost that should’ve been the deductible. To offset the deductible, the contractor will then offer you rebates. By accepting such rebates, you are being put at risk of legal troubles.

Not only is this classified as fraud by the contractor and yourself, but contractors who do this are probably doing other shady practices as well. You can’t trust them when it comes to materials, worker training, liability, licensing, and more.

It’s critical to avoid contractors who claim they can waive your deductible. If you encounter a contractor that claims to do this, report them immediately. And make sure you read our article that goes into greater detail on roofing scams and fraud so you can protect yourself.

The Bottom Line Roofing Bids

Be wary of roofers who offer low bids – they typically don’t have your best interest at heart. 

If you need a roof repair or roof replacement, partner with a company you know you can trust. At RoofClaim, we live by the value of transparency. We believe that every homeowner deserves honest advice and services. That is why you’ll never find us cutting corners in any capacity.  
For roof repair and replacement services you can count on, call Roof Claim today. We’ll start with a free roof inspection to identify what your roof needs and what the best course of action is.