Why Is My Roof Quote So Expensive?

Why Is My Roof Quote So Expensive? How to Avoid Hiring a “Chuck in a Truck”

What Metro Detroit Homeowners Should Know Before Choosing a Roofing Contractor

You've received three roofing estimates and you're looking at the numbers thinking:

“Why is this roof quote so expensive?”

Then someone tells you they can do the entire roof for thousands of dollars less.

It can be tempting.

But before you hire the cheapest roofer you can find, stop and ask an important question:

What exactly am I getting for that price?

A roof isn't an area where you want to discover that the cheapest quote wasn't actually the best value.

Your roof protects your home, your belongings and everything underneath it. The quality of the installation can be just as important as the roofing materials themselves.

And that brings us to something we like to call the “Chuck in a Truck” problem.

What Is a “Chuck in a Truck”?

We're not talking about a specific person or company.

We're talking about the roofing contractor who shows up with a truck, gives you an incredibly low price and promises to get your roof done quickly—but may not have the infrastructure, crews, insurance, warranties, experience or accountability that a professional roofing company provides.

Sometimes that low price really is possible.

But homeowners should ask why it's so much lower.

Is the contractor properly insured?

Are they using experienced installers?

Are they subcontracting the work?

Are they pulling the appropriate permits?

What happens if damaged decking is discovered?

Who will supervise the installation?

What workmanship warranty are they providing?

And perhaps most importantly:

Who are you going to call if something goes wrong six months after the roof is installed?

Why Is Your Roof Quote So Expensive?

A professional roofing estimate isn't just the cost of shingles.

Your quote may include:

• Roofing materials

• Underlayment

• Ice and water protection

• Flashing

• Ventilation components

• Starter shingles

• Ridge cap

• Pipe boots

• Fasteners

• Drip edge

• Removal of the existing roof

• Disposal fees

• Labor

• Insurance

• Workers' compensation

• Equipment

• Permits

• Project supervision

• Cleanup

• Workmanship warranty

And that's just the beginning.

A professional roofing contractor also has the costs associated with maintaining a legitimate business.

You're Paying for More Than Shingles.

You're paying for the entire roofing system and the people responsible for installing it.

The Difference Between a Roofing System and a Stack of Shingles

A roof isn't just shingles.

Underneath those shingles are components that play important roles in protecting your home.

Depending on the home's design and roofing system, this can include:

Roof decking

Ice and water protection

Synthetic underlayment

Flashing

Drip edge

Pipe boots

Roof ventilation

Ridge vents

Intake ventilation

Shingles and accessories

If these components aren't properly installed, the most expensive shingles on the market won't make up for poor workmanship.

Don't Forget About Workmanship Warranties

One of the most important questions to ask a roofing contractor is:

“What workmanship warranty do you provide?”

There is an important distinction between a manufacturer's warranty and a contractor's workmanship warranty.

A manufacturer's warranty generally addresses the roofing product according to the manufacturer's terms.

A workmanship warranty addresses the contractor's installation.

In other words:

The manufacturer makes the shingles. The roofing contractor installs them.

Those are two different responsibilities.

That's why homeowners should understand both warranties before signing a contract.

Ask to See the Workmanship Warranty in Writing

Don't settle for:

“Don't worry. We'll take care of you.”

Ask for the warranty documentation.

Find out:

• How long does the workmanship warranty last?

• What does it cover?

• What exclusions apply?

• Who is responsible for warranty claims?

• What happens if the contractor is no longer in business?

• Is the warranty transferable?

• Are there requirements you must follow to maintain coverage?

A professional contractor should be comfortable answering these questions.

Ask Who Is Actually Installing Your Roof

Here's another question that can tell you a lot about a roofing company:

“Do you use subcontractors?”

Some roofing companies subcontract their installation work to outside crews.

That doesn't automatically mean the installation will be poor, but homeowners should understand who is actually performing the work and who is responsible for it.

At Covered Construction Inc., we do things differently.

We Don't Use Subcontractors for Our Roofing Installations.

Our projects are completed by our in-house crews.

That gives us direct involvement with the people installing your roof and allows us to maintain our expectations for workmanship, communication and jobsite cleanup.

One of our owners is also on-site during every installation.

We don't believe in selling you a roof and then disappearing.

What Should You Ask Before Hiring a Roofer?

Before signing a roofing contract, ask these questions:

1. Are you licensed and properly insured?

Ask for documentation rather than simply taking someone's word for it.

2. Who will install my roof?

Are they employees, an in-house crew or subcontractors?

3. What is included in the quote?

Make sure you understand the complete scope of work.

4. What happens if damaged decking is discovered?

Ask how unexpected repairs are handled and how you'll be notified.

5. What type of underlayment and ice/water protection are included?

Don't be afraid to ask for specifics.

6. How will my roof be ventilated?

Proper ventilation is an important part of a roofing system.

7. What workmanship warranty do you provide?

Get it in writing.

8. What manufacturer's warranty comes with the roofing materials?

Understand what the manufacturer covers and what it doesn't.

9. Who supervises the project?

You should know who is responsible for your installation.

10. What happens if I have a problem after the project is finished?

This question may be the most important of all.

The Cheapest Roof Can Become the Most Expensive Roof

Imagine saving several thousand dollars on your initial roof installation—only to discover later that flashing wasn't properly installed, ventilation wasn't addressed or a leak developed.

Now you're paying for repairs.

In some cases, correcting a poor installation can mean removing portions of the new roof and reinstalling materials.

That's why homeowners should consider value, accountability, materials, installation and warranty—not just the price on the estimate.

What Makes Covered Construction Inc. Different?

At Covered Construction Inc., we believe homeowners deserve to know exactly what they're paying for.

We provide:

FREE roof inspections and estimates

In-house roofing crews

No subcontractors

Owner involvement during installations

Project communication before and after installation

Detailed roofing installations

Workmanship warranty

Manufacturer roofing warranties

Roofing, siding, gutters and exterior services

We have more than 20 years of roofing and exterior construction experience, and we're proud to serve homeowners throughout Metro Detroit and surrounding communities.

Before You Hire the Cheapest Roofer...

Ask yourself:

Does the price include everything I need?

Who is actually installing my roof?

Is the contractor properly insured?

What workmanship warranty am I receiving?

What happens if something goes wrong?

Will someone from the company be there during my installation?

If you can't get clear answers, you may want to think twice before signing that contract.

Your roof is too important to choose a contractor based on price alone.

Get a Second Opinion Before You Sign

If you've received a roofing estimate and you're not sure whether the price or scope of work is reasonable, Covered Construction Inc. can provide a FREE inspection and estimate.

We'll look at your roofing system, explain what we find and provide our recommendations.

No pressure. No guessing. Just an honest look at what your home needs.

Don't Hire a “Chuck in a Truck.” Hire a Roofing Company That Will Still Be There When the Job Is Done.

Covered Construction Inc.

📞 248-883-7663📧 sales@coveredconstructioncompany.com

Serving Metro Detroit, Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County and surrounding areas

Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Windows • Exterior Maintenance

FREE Inspections & Estimates

In-House Crews • No Subcontractors • Quality Workmanship

Call Covered Construction Inc. today for your FREE roof inspection.