Why the questions matter more than the price
Two quotes for the same roof can differ by tens of thousands of dollars and still describe completely different work. The difference is usually in what was assessed, what was included and what was assumed.
These questions are designed to surface that difference before you commit.
1. Did you physically inspect the roof?
A scope written from the ground, from a photograph or from a satellite image is an estimate of a roof, not an assessment of yours. Ask what was inspected and how.
2. Can you show me what you found?
Photographic evidence of the existing condition tells you what you are actually paying to replace, and gives you something to compare quotes against.
3. What exactly is included in the scope?
Flashings, gutters, downpipes, penetrations, underlay, battens, disposal, scaffolding and access should each be either included or explicitly excluded — not left unstated.
4. What happens if something is found once the old roof is off?
Rotten timber, failed substrate and previous repairs are common. Ask how variations are documented, communicated and priced before the work continues.
5. Who is actually on the roof?
Ask who is doing the installation, who is supervising, and who your point of contact is for the duration of the project.
6. How will the property be kept weathertight?
A re-roof is a sequence of open and closed stages. The staging should be planned, not improvised around the forecast.
7. What are you accountable for after completion?
Material warranties come from the manufacturer. Workmanship accountability comes from the installer. Understand both, in writing.
