The same stated roof quantity does not mean the same written scope
Both fictional bids use 24 squares, but only Bid A states new step flashing, ridge-vent replacement, magnetic cleanup, and exact demonstration products.
Complete fictional comparison
Why are roofing estimates
so different?
A fictional $12,400 vs $10,900 example · one residential asphalt roof · two written bids
The direct answer
Roofing estimates can differ because the written bids specify different scope, quantities, products, allowances, change conditions, payment terms, and warranties. In this fictional example, Bid B starts $1,500 lower while Bid A documents more scope and a decking rate. That does not establish that either contractor or price is better.
Before choosing: ask Bid B for written flashing, ventilation and decking terms, and ask both bidders to confirm taxes, permits, product details and warranty conditions. Request revised totals for the same agreed scope.
Why these two fictional estimates differ
Hidden-condition rules can change the eventual total
Bid A includes two decking sheets and gives an $85 rate for additional sheets. Bid B says decking is extra without a unit price or approval procedure.
Product descriptions determine what can be compared
Bid A names fictional demonstration products. Bid B uses broad material descriptions, so an equivalent-product comparison is not possible from the written source.
Payment and warranty terms can differ even when both bids mention them
The deposits are 30% and 50%, and the workmanship terms are ten and five years. Both bids leave warranty exclusions and eligibility conditions unanswered.
01 / Compare what is written
Every cell below comes from fictional source A-1 or B-1, reproduced at the end. “Not specified” means the document leaves a question open; it does not mean excluded.
| Item | Bid A · source A-1 | Bid B · source B-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Written base total | $12,400 | $10,900 |
| Stated quantity | 24 squares | 24 squares |
| Base price per stated square | $516.67 | $454.17 |
| Decking | 2 sheets included; $85 per extra sheet | Extra; no rate provided |
| Flashing | New step flashing stated | Not specified |
| Ventilation | Ridge vent replacement stated | Not specified |
| Workmanship warranty | 10 years; terms incomplete | 5 years; terms incomplete |
| Deposit | 30% = $3,720 | 50% = $5,450 |
| Taxes / permits / financing | Not specified | Not specified |
Calculated: $12,400 ÷ 24 = $516.67; $10,900 ÷ 24 = $454.17 per stated square, rounded to cents. Quantities have not been measured. These ratios are not market benchmarks or equivalent-scope prices.
02 / What could change the total?
Suppose four sheets of decking need replacement. This is an assumption, not a diagnosis of the roof.
Bid A: $12,400 + (4 − 2 included) × $85 = $12,570.
Bid B: $10,900 + 4 × an unknown sheet rate. A revised total cannot be calculated from B-1.
The scenario leaves other unknowns unresolved. Taxes, permits, hidden damage and changes in scope may affect either total. No unsupported dollar allowance has been added to make the bids appear comparable.
03 / The questions that matter
- Ask Bid B: Does the price include new step flashing and ridge vent replacement? State the scope and any added charge in a revised bid. [B-1]
- Ask Bid B: What is the decking price per sheet, what triggers replacement, and will you obtain written approval first? [B-1]
- Ask both: Identify the exact products and included system components. Supply manufacturer and workmanship warranty documents with exclusions and eligibility requirements. [A-1, B-1]
- Ask both: Confirm taxes, permits, property protection, start window, duration, payment milestones and change-order approval in writing. [A-1, B-1]
Inquiry only · No files or payment
Have an Indiana project question?
Read the fictional sample first. The prepared email asks for your city and state, residential asphalt-roof confirmation, bid count, role, main question, what decision the sample helps with, and what you would choose at $97. Completing the prompts may avoid a follow-up.
If you manage properties or association projects, also include approximately how many eligible roofing projects you compared in the past 90 days and when you may next need a comparison.
Do not send bids, attachments, street addresses, client names or payment information.
If the button does not open your email app, write support@trybidhound.com with the subject “Roof comparison inquiry”. Include the same project details above and no attachments or sensitive information.
No order, reservation, payment, document submission, delivery promise or subscription.
04 / Contractor information
Both contractors are fictional. No reviews, licensing, insurance, court records or ownership findings were researched. No contractor ranking or probability of success is assigned. The pilot service compares supplied bid documents; background checks and contractor rankings are outside its scope.
Questions about comparing roofing estimates
What does “not specified” mean?
It means the written source does not answer the category. It does not prove that the item is included, excluded, unnecessary, or available at a particular price.
Is the lowest roofing estimate necessarily worse?
No. A lower total is not a quality verdict. First identify whether the bids describe the same work and which written questions remain unresolved.
Which terms should be clarified before signing?
Clarify the exact products and quantities, tear-off and disposal, decking rules, flashing, ventilation, permits, property protection, change approval, payment milestones, timing, exclusions, and warranty conditions that matter to the project.
What can a document comparison not verify?
It cannot inspect the property, measure the roof, verify workmanship, confirm insurance or licensing, determine code compliance, guarantee warranty eligibility, or predict the final cost of hidden conditions.
05 / Source documents
These are complete, deliberately short demonstration bids created for this sample. They are not quotations from real businesses.
A-1 · Demonstration Contractor A · page 1 of 1
Bid date: September 8, 2026. Project: fictional residential roof, Indiana. Base total: $12,400.
Scope: 24 roofing squares; one-layer tear-off; disposal and magnetic cleanup; named demonstration shingle and synthetic underlayment; new step flashing; ridge vent replacement.
Products: Demo Architectural 30 / Demo Synthetic UDL (fictional products)
Decking: 2 sheets included; $85 per additional sheet.
Warranty: 10-year workmanship term stated; exclusions and manufacturer eligibility not supplied.
Payment: 30% deposit; balance on completion; written approval before additional decking.
Timing: Start window not specified; two working days estimated after start.
Taxes, permits, financing, property protection and other exclusions: not specified.
B-1 · Demonstration Contractor B · page 1 of 1
Bid date: September 8, 2026. Project: fictional residential roof, Indiana. Base total: $10,900.
Scope: 24 roofing squares; one-layer tear-off; disposal included; architectural shingles and underlayment. Flashing treatment, ventilation and magnetic cleanup not specified.
Products: Architectural shingles / underlayment; exact products not specified.
Decking: 0 sheets included; additional rate not specified.
Warranty: 5-year workmanship term stated; exclusions and manufacturer eligibility not supplied.
Payment: 50% deposit; balance on completion; decking billed extra with no unit rate or approval procedure supplied.
Timing: Start window and project duration not specified.
Taxes, permits, financing, property protection and other exclusions: not specified.