You get two roofing quotes. One is thousands less, which should be an obvious win, but something doesn’t feel right. Is the cheaper quote missing something important? Or is the more expensive one just a rip-off?
Most homeowners don’t realize that roofing prices reflect more than just materials. They reflect how each company runs its business—from labor and training to warranties, insurance, and code compliance.
After 35 years of combined experience in the roofing industry, Equity Roofing has seen firsthand how two companies quoting the same roof can offer very different outcomes. We’ll show you what pricing alone won’t tell you, and how to read between the lines to tell whether a roofing quote is a great value or a big risk.
Here’s what we’ll cover to help you make a confident decision:
In areas like Central PA, Indiana, and Michigan (including Lewisburg, Lancaster, and Elkhart) the average cost of a new roof is around $16,500. But for bigger or harder homes, especially those built in the late '90s or early 2000s, the cost often goes up to $20,000–$35,000.
If you're getting quotes under $14,000, and your roof isn't really small, you need to look closer. Something might be missing from the quote that will cost you more later.
Company size, insurance, and employee education all play a role in why roofers may have different price ranges for the same roof.
Small contractors might have lower costs, as they have less overhead to manage without an office building, customer support team, or billing department. They may also save on costs by skipping insurance, workers' comp, or adequate training programs. These savings are passed on to their homeowners, but the quality of their work may suffer as a result.
Bigger, established companies often charge more to cover the cost of their office staff, insurance, workers' comp, training, and equipment. While this does typically increase the price of a roof's quote, the quality, safety, and experience of the roofing project tend to be better than companies that forego these steps.
Not all roofers use the same materials, tools, or equipment, and the difference in their quality can drastically impact price. However, even roofers who use similar products may differ in their installation methods. This, too, can impact the overall price and effectiveness of your roof.
For example, it’s considered good practice for a roofing company to install two rows of ice and water protection along the roof’s edges and valleys. This goes beyond basic code requirements, but exponentially increases leak protection. Using one row of ice and water protection will decrease cost, but also the overall protection of your roof.
| Roof Component | Best Practice | Cost Savings | Why It Matters |
| Underlayment (layer under shingles) | • Synthetic underlayment: strong, tear-resistant, not slippery. • Two rows of ice and water shields along eaves, valleys, and around chimneys. |
• Basic felt paper only • Single row of ice and water shield, or skipped entirely |
Synthetic underlayment lasts longer, doesn’t wrinkle, and handles bad weather better. Ice and water shields stop leaks due to ice dams and heavy rain. |
| Flashing (metal around chimneys, walls, edges) | • All new step flashing, chimney flashing, and kick-out flashing. • Drip edge at eaves and rakes. |
• Re-using old flashing. • Caulk patches only. • No drip edge or kick-out flashing. |
Flashing keeps water from sneaking in. Codes require new flashing and drip edges to prevent leaks. |
| Ridge Ventilation (airflow at roof peak) | • Continuous ridge vent with baffles. • Matching soffit vents to balance airflow. |
• Small box vents or non-baffled ridge vent. • No matching soffit vents. |
Good airflow prevents heat buildup and moisture problems. Balanced vents make your roof last longer. |
| Starter Shingles (first row at eaves/rakes) | • Factory-made starter strips with strong adhesive, used at both eaves and rakes. | • Cutting 3-tab shingles to use as starters. | Proper starter strips lock down the first row of shingles and protect against wind damage. Many warranties require them. |
Labor (along with materials) accounts for 60% of a roof’s total cost. With such a high impact, how a company hires and manages workers directly affects your quote and the quality of your roof.
Companies with full-time, fully trained crews often charge more because they pay better wages, invest in training, and inspect the work more closely. These companies usually provide:
Alternatively, companies that hire different workers for each job might have less control over the quality of their project. This can cost less, but the work might not be as good or consistent. They often do not offer any workmanship guarantee or interior coverage.
Roof warranties depend on a contractor's certification status with roofing manufacturers. Contractors with high or top-tier certifications can offer warranties that last longer or have more extensive coverage. Non-certified installers can only offer standard or basic warranties.
One of the most notable differences between a basic and a top-tier warranty is workmanship coverage. This is a guarantee that any issues caused by improper roof installation will fall under your warranty’s protection, including the cost of labor.
| Manufacturer | Basic/Non-prorated | Extended/Non-prorated Warranty |
| Owens Corning | Up to 10 years | Up to 50 years with Platinum Preferred contractor |
| GAF Timberline Shingles | Up to 10 years | Up to 50 years with Master Elite® contractor |
| CertainTeed | Up to 10 years | Up to 50 years with SELECT ShingleMaster™ |
| TAMKO | Up to 10 years | Up to 50 years with Pro Diamond contractor |
It is possible for roofers to advertise top-tier warranties even if they don’t have the proper certification. Unfortunately, the warranty would not be valid upon registration.
Roofing companies following best practices include permit fees and local requirements in their quotes. They handle paperwork upfront, follow local regulations, and make sure everything gets inspected and approved.
A roofing contractor looking to keep the initial quote low might skip this or charge you for it later. Others might ignore permits completely, which could result in a fine. While homeowners can try to pass this fine along to the roofer, they may need to take legal action to have it covered.
Roofing prices are a reflection of the company behind the quote, not just the materials they use. And when you choose based on price alone, you risk ending up with poor materials, untrained labor, invalid warranties, or even legal headaches from skipped permits.
Now that you know what to look for behind the numbers, your next step is to compare roofing quotes side by side. Read our guide on how to choose a quote based on delivers the best long-term value.
At Equity Roofing, we help homeowners in Central PA, Indiana, and Michigan make confident decisions by sharing what most companies won’t—because your roof is too important to gamble on.