How to Compare Roof Replacement Estimates in Des Moines

You have two roofing estimates in front of you. Both name a shingle brand you've heard of. Both say they'll remove the old roof and clean up afterward. The prices are different enough that you wonder what you're missing.

Start with the work each contractor has priced. One estimate might include replacing some of the wood beneath the shingles. Another might charge for every sheet the crew finds damaged. One could include new chimney flashing; the other might plan to reuse what's there. Those differences matter before you get to the total.

Here's how to compare roof replacement estimates in Des Moines and get useful answers before you sign anything.

Make sure both estimates cover the same roof

Check which parts of the house are included. The main roof, an attached garage, a porch and a low-slope addition can have different needs. If you asked about the garage during the visit, make sure it made it onto the estimate.

Look at the measurements, too. Roofers often use “squares.” One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof area, as GAF explains in its guide to roofing measurements. Your home's floor area won't necessarily match its roof area. Ask whether the quantity shown is the measured roof or the amount of material being ordered, including extra for cuts.

Then check the tear-off. How many existing layers does the price cover? Does it include hauling them away? What happens around the chimney, skylights and places where the roof meets a wall?

If the proposals cover different work, ask for revised versions before comparing totals. Our Des Moines roof replacement cost guide explains the other factors that affect price, including roof shape, access and material choice.

Ask how damaged decking will be handled

The decking is the wood surface beneath the roofing. An estimate should explain what happens if the crew uncovers damaged material during tear-off. “Replace decking as needed” leaves you with a question: at what price?

Ask the contractor to spell out:

• Whether any decking replacement is included in the base price.
• The installed price per sheet or other stated unit for additional work.
• The material and thickness that price covers.
• How you'll see the damage and approve an added charge.

An allowance means some work is already included. A unit price tells you how additional work will be charged. Check which one you're getting; a lower starting total can have less included in it.

You can also ask what the roofer could inspect before quoting and what remains covered by the existing roof. A roof inspection helps establish the scope, but the proposal still needs a clear process for conditions found once removal starts.

Read the product names and warranty terms

“Architectural shingles” is a category. Ask for the manufacturer and product line, then check the rest of the proposed system: underlayment, ice-and-water protection, flashing, ventilation and ridge materials. If two options use different products, have the contractor explain the difference and price each option clearly.

Owens Corning's contractor checklist recommends asking about the entire roof system, installation specifications, ventilation and warranty coverage. Those are useful questions even when you're considering another brand.

For the warranty, get the actual document. Ask who covers a material defect, who covers an installation problem, whether labor is included, and what changes if you sell the house. A large number of years on the front of a proposal doesn't answer those questions.

At Bakeris, our 15-year craftsmanship guarantee and 10-year No Blame Game guarantee are separate promises. Ask us to explain those alongside the manufacturer warranty offered with your replacement. You should know which coverage you're buying and whom to call if something goes wrong.

Compare the total, payment schedule and practical details

Once the work and products line up, compare the total price. Check whether the estimate includes disposal, any applicable permits, protection around the house and cleanup. Ask who will be your contact during the job and how weather delays will be handled.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends getting multiple written estimates and asking for an explanation when the prices differ significantly. It also advises putting verbal promises into the written agreement. If a conversation changes the scope, ask for an updated proposal you can keep.

Get the deposit and remaining payment schedule in writing. If you're considering financing, compare the loan terms and total repayment amount as well as the monthly payment. Any promotional rate or deferred-interest offer needs its own written explanation.

Before choosing, ask each roofer the same final question: “What could change this price, and how would you handle that with me?” A specific answer gives you something you can use when comparing bids.

Bring your questions to the estimate visit

You don't need to learn every roofing term before meeting with a contractor. Keep a short list of anything the proposal hasn't answered. Ask the roofer to point out the relevant section and explain it. If an item is missing, have it added before you decide.

Be clear about what you want inspected, too. A leak around one opening and a roof with widespread problems may call for different work. If you're still deciding whether to replace the roof, our repair-versus-replacement guide can help you prepare for that conversation. When the problem is limited, ask about roof repair as an option.

Bakeris has served Central Iowa since 1990, including homeowners in Ankeny and West Des Moines. We offer free inspections for full roof replacement estimates.

Call (515) 967-8199 or request a roof replacement estimate. We'll look at your roof and talk through the replacement options for your Des Moines home. Bring the questions you want answered before choosing a contractor.