Quick answer: Two roof estimates can differ because they describe different work. Compare roof measurements, tear-off, decking, flashing, ventilation, materials, cleanup, and warranty terms before comparing the totals. A lower price can be fair; the key is knowing exactly what each contractor will do.
Compare your bids · Questions to ask
Have two roofing estimates? Bring both written proposals and ask Greenawalt to walk through the scope with you.
Talk with Greenawalt about my estimates
Try it: compare two roofing estimates side by side
Open both written proposals. For each item below, mark included, excluded, or not stated. If a line is missing, ask the contractor to clarify it in writing before choosing.
- Measured roof area and number of existing layers
- Tear-off and disposal
- Exact shingle line, starter, ridge, underlayment, and ice barrier
- Drip edge and chimney, wall, valley, and pipe flashing
- Intake and exhaust ventilation
- Decking repair allowance or installed per-sheet price
- Property protection, cleanup, permits, and change-order process
- Manufacturer coverage and contractor workmanship terms
Check the measurement: A roofing “square” means 100 square feet of roof surface, not 100 square feet of living space. If one proposal lists 20 squares and another lists 24, that is a 400-square-foot difference before materials are compared. Ask each roofer to show which roof planes were measured. GAF explains how roof area affects an estimate.
What if one bid leaves out a line?
Write “not stated” and ask for an updated scope. Do not assume the item is included or excluded.
The story behind the price gap
Imagine two proposals for the same house. One calls for a full tear-off and new flashing; the other describes new shingles but says little about flashing or damaged decking. The dollar amounts alone cannot tell you which proposal fits the roof. This is a composite example to show how to compare scopes, not a Greenawalt customer job.
How Darrien reviews a price gap
Darrien Null leads Greenawalt Roofing’s sales team. His approach starts with the condition of the home and a written work scope that a homeowner can compare. Read Darrien’s bio and approach.
For these estimates, Darrien’s first questions are specific: Are both proposals in writing? Does each identify tear-off, underlayment, flashing, drip edge, and ventilation? Is damaged decking included, allowed for, or billed at an installed price per sheet—and how would you approve that added work?
Three questions to send both roofers
- Can you show the roof measurement and list every roof plane included?
- Which exact products will you install, and what existing materials will you reuse?
- How will you price and get approval for hidden decking damage?
For a fuller walkthrough, use our roof proposal checklist. If you have two estimates, ask Greenawalt to explain the scope in plain language.
Why talk with Greenawalt?
Greenawalt Roofing holds CertainTeed ShingleMaster PREMIER credential status, and Construction Business Review named the company Roofing and Exterior Services Company of the Year for 2025. Those are company distinctions. Your best test is still a clear written proposal for your roof.
A customer review from Sean Hartman describes a follow-up inspection and a final price matching his quote. That is one homeowner’s experience, not a guarantee for every job. Ask us how your proposal handles changes before work begins.
Quick answers
Should I choose the middle bid?
Not by price alone. First make sure the roof area, work, products, and exclusions match.
Is the lowest bid always missing something?
No. The contractor may have a different method or cost structure. Ask for the scope in writing so you can compare it fairly.
Can I ask a roofer to match another price?
Yes, but ask whether the products and work will remain the same. A changed scope is a different offer.
Ready for a second set of eyes? Contact Greenawalt Roofing and bring both written estimates.
Meet the expert: Learn more about Darrien Null and his approach to explaining roofing choices.
Read the reviews: See Greenawalt customer stories. Already worked with us? Leave a review.
