Comparing quotes

How Do I Compare Two Roof Quotes?

Put both quotes side by side and check that they describe the same job: same roof size, same materials, tear-off, underlayment, decking, permit, warranty and start date. A lower price may be a better deal, or a shorter list. You can only tell once the lines match.

By Josh Hildebrand, owner of Coastline Roofing · Florida license CCC1331076 · November 4, 2026

FRSA, Florida's roofing contractors' association, advises getting at least three proposals. That only helps if you can compare them. Use this to work out what's behind a price gap, so you pick on more than the bottom line.

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Licensed & InsuredFlorida CCC1331076

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10 yearsFlorida-licensed

2,000+Roofs completed

Side by side

What should I compare on each quote?

The BBB says detailed proposals broken into separate line items are a good sign the roofer is thorough. If a quote is one number, ask for the lines.

Questions to ask of both quotes
Line	What to check
Roof size	Both should state the measured area or squares. If they differ, ask why.
Roof covering	Type, maker and color, per the BBB's list.
Tear-off and debris	Is the old roof removed? Who hauls it, and does that cost extra?
Underlayment	Which product goes down under the roof covering?
Decking	Is any included? What is the price per sheet or foot after that?
Flashing and ventilation	Are they replaced, reused or left out?
Permit	Who pulls it, and is the fee included? The FTC warns about contractors who ask you to get it.
Warranty	How long, what it covers, and who backs it.
Dates and payment	Approximate start and finish, and the payment schedule.
License number	Name, address, phone and license number should all be there.

For the questions to ask before you get that far, see what to ask a roofer before hiring them.

Got a quote you want a second look at?

Coastline Roofing works all over Florida (license CCC1331076). Tell us your town and what your roof is doing, and we will tell you what happens next.

Call (941) 896-7793 or text your town and a photo.

The price gap

Why is one roof quote so much cheaper?

Often because a line is missing or priced later. Here's what a few common lines can be worth on a 25 square roof.

What a missing line can be worth on 2,500 square feet of roof. Our arithmetic from national guide ranges, not Coastline prices.
Line	Published rate	On this roof
Old roof removal	$100 to $300 per square (HomeGuide, Nov 2025)	$2,500 to $7,500
10 sheets of bad decking (320 sq ft)	$2 to $5 per sq ft (HomeGuide, Nov 2025)	$640 to $1,600
Permit	$400 to $1,000 (Fixr, Florida, Jan 2025)	$400 to $1,000

Other things can explain a real gap: a different shingle, a roof over the old one instead of a tear-off (read whether that's allowed), a longer wait or a thinner warranty.

And a lower price can simply be a lower price. If the lines match and the license checks out, it may be the better deal. Ask the same questions of the higher quote, including ours.

A low number isn't the only warning sign

The FTC lists pressure to decide right away, asking for all the money up front or cash only, and asking you to get the permits. See how to tell if a roofer is being honest.

Florida rules

What does Florida law say about paying a roofer?

Three rules worth knowing before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.

Check the license. Search the name or number on the state's Verify a License page. FRSA says certified roofing contractors can work anywhere in Florida. It also says hiring an unlicensed contractor can bring a fine to the consumer of up to $5,000.
Large first payments have deadlines. Under Florida Statute 489.126, a contractor who takes more than 10 percent of the contract price as an initial payment must apply for permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after permits are issued, unless there is just cause or you agreed in writing to longer.
Final payment has a step. Under Florida Statute 713.06, the contractor gives you a sworn affidavit when final payment is due, covering whether everyone who worked on the job has been paid. Don't make the final payment until you have it.

The FTC also says that if you sign at home, the contract should include a written statement of your right to cancel within three business days. Fill in every blank before you sign.

Top-down drone view of a brown shingle roof partway through replacement, with black underlayment, shingle bundles, three workers and a dumpster — Tear-off, underlayment and debris hauling all show up on a good quote. November 2024.

Reviews

What Coastline customers say

★★★★★

"I chose Coastline mainly due to the excellent customer service and the fact that it is a local company. Other estimates came in lower but they were at least 4 months out. ..."

TL O.Roofing customer, Florida Gulf Coast

★★★★★

"Josh was very thorough diagnosing a hard-to-find leak on a tile roof, after 2 other roofing companies tried but failed to catch the problem. ... Great work at a fair price, great service."

Mark R.Tile roof leak repair, Florida Gulf Coast

★★★★★

"Josh was especially amazing. He was professional, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly so I felt comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. You can tell he genuinely cares about his customers and takes pride in his work."

Madison T.Roof replacement, Manatee County

FAQ

Sources

Get a second quote you can actually compare

Book a free roof inspection and get a written estimate, line by line.

Call (941) 896-7793 Text (941) 345-0072

How Do I Compare Two Roof Quotes?

What should I compare on each quote?

Got a quote you want a second look at?

Why is one roof quote so much cheaper?

A low number isn't the only warning sign

What does Florida law say about paying a roofer?

Questions to Ask a Roofer

Roof Cost Per Square

Roof Replacement Cost in Florida

Sources

Get a second quote you can actually compare