How Many Roofing Estimates Should I Get Before Hiring?
Hiring the right roofer can be daunting, especially when you’re faced with high repair or replacement costs and don’t know where to start. If you’re wondering how many roofing estimates you should get before hiring, you’re not alone. The answer can significantly affect the quality of work, the price you pay, and your peace of mind.
At Litespeed Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of Asheville, NC homeowners make confident, informed decisions when comparing roofing estimates. In this guide, we’ll break down best practices, industry standards, and expert tips to help you navigate this crucial step in your home improvement journey.
Key Takeaways
💡Get 3 roofing estimates minimum to compare pricing, scope, and trustworthiness.
💡Estimates should be detailed and itemized, including labor, materials, and warranty info.
💡Vet each contractor for licensing, insurance, reviews, and local experience.
💡Beware of unusually low bids.
Why Multiple Roofing Estimates Matter
1. Avoiding Overpayment or Underpayment
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the average roof replacement in the U.S. ranges from $5,000 to $11,000 depending on materials and square footage. Getting at least three roofing estimates can help you identify any contractor charging excessively high (or suspiciously low) prices.
| Roof Type | Average National Cost | Average Cost in NC |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | $8,000 | $6,500 |
| Metal Roofing | $12,000 | $10,000 |
| Tile Roofing | $15,000 | $13,000 |
2. Spotting Red Flags
If one roofing estimate is far lower than the others, it may be missing crucial services, or the company may cut corners to keep costs low. On the other hand, overpriced estimates may not offer additional value. Multiple estimates help create a baseline of expectations.
What a Good Roofing Estimate Includes
A trustworthy contractor, like those at Litespeed Construction, provides a detailed, written estimate that includes:
- Project scope (repair vs. replacement)
- Material types and brands
- Labor costs
- Warranty information
- Timeline for completion
- Insurance and licensing proof
Checklist for Comparing Roofing Estimates
| Estimate Element | Must-Have? | Red Flag if Missing? |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed material list | ✅ | 🚩 Yes |
| Warranty (materials & labor) | ✅ | 🚩 Yes |
| Contractor license # | ✅ | 🚩 Absolutely |
| Proof of insurance | ✅ | 🚩 Yes |
| Completion timeline | ✅ | 🚩 Yes |
How Many Roofing Estimates Should You Get?
Industry experts, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), recommend getting 3–5 estimates. This range allows for:
- Sufficient comparison
- Assessment of professionalism
- Balanced insight into market pricing
- Evaluation of customer service and communication
Going beyond 5 quotes may lead to “analysis paralysis,” while getting fewer than 3 may leave you vulnerable to overpaying or choosing a low-quality roofer.
Why Asheville Homeowners Trust Litespeed Construction
At Litespeed Construction, we bring over 20 years of roofing expertise to the Asheville community. Our process ensures every homeowner receives:
- Transparent and detailed roofing estimates
- Licensed, insured, and locally recognized roofing professionals
- Industry-leading warranties and customer satisfaction
- Fast, reliable scheduling and communication
We aim to not only fix your roof—but earn your trust.
Why Asheville Homeowners Trust Litespeed Construction
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), before signing a contract, consumers should:
- Get multiple written estimates
- Verify licenses with state agencies (NC Licensing Board for General Contractors)
- Check for active liability and worker’s comp insurance
- Avoid large upfront payments (more than 10–15%)
These guidelines exist to protect homeowners from scams and unqualified contractors.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Getting Roofing Estimates
- Not Asking About Insurance or Licensing
Hiring uninsured or unlicensed contractors could make you liable for injuries or damage. - Choosing the Cheapest Estimate Automatically
Cheap doesn’t always mean cost-effective. A low bid can mean low-quality materials or rushed labor. - Failing to Read the Fine Print
Hidden fees and exclusions often appear in vague contracts.
Pros and Cons of Getting Multiple Roofing Estimates
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Helps identify average cost for project | Takes time to schedule and review multiple quotes |
| Allows you to evaluate professionalism | Can be overwhelming with too much information |
| Improves decision-making confidence | High-pressure sales tactics from some contractors |
| Protects you from scams or bad workmanship | Might delay your roofing project start |
Top 5 Things to Ask Every Roofer Before You Sign
- Are you licensed and insured in North Carolina?
- What’s included in this roofing estimate?
- What warranties do you offer on labor and materials?
- Do you use subcontractors or in-house crews?
- Can you provide recent references from Asheville homeowners?
Web Ratings for Litespeed Construction
| Review Site | Star Rating | Notable Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Google Reviews | ⭐ 4.9/5 | "Price was best of our multiple estimates. Highly recommended!" |
| Angi (Angie's List) | ⭐ 4.5/5 | "Very professional, courteous and punctual." |
| Yelp | ⭐ 5/5 | “Very responsive and honest estimates.” |
FAQs: Roofing Estimates Explained
Yes, three is the industry standard and offers a solid baseline for comparison.
Yes—estimates help you compare scope, pricing, and warranty coverage even for repairs.
Most reputable contractors, like Litespeed Construction, offer free estimates.
Ask each roofer to explain their scope and material choices. Variances may be due to material quality or hidden costs.
Typically 30–90 days, depending on market material costs.
Yes. Some contractors are flexible, especially on labor or timeline.
A good roofer will walk you through your options during the estimate process.
Generally within 1–2 weeks, but scheduling may vary based on weather and demand.
Some insurers ask for two or more to validate claim pricing, but check your specific policy.
Yes. Many companies now use satellite imagery and drone tech for fast digital estimates.
Ready to Get Your Roofing Estimates from Litespeed Construction?
If you’re a homeowner in Asheville, NC, don’t settle for vague or inflated roofing quotes. Contact Litespeed Construction today for a free, transparent, and professional roofing estimate.