Three vague points to clarify
The quote is the first document to read to understand roof replacement cost. Three passages in it often stay vague.
The deck wood. If no unit price is set for replacing rotten wood, that price will be discussed with the roof open, when you are no longer in a position to negotiate.
The flashing. Flashing that is "inspected" or "checked" is not new flashing. Have the quote state which pieces will be replaced.
The products. "Two-ply membrane" or "premium shingles" names nothing. With the exact product name, you can read its technical sheet and its warranty.
Items to find in black and white
- the company's identity: full name, address, Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ, Quebec's building authority) licence number
- the roof area, as measured
- what happens to the old roofing, full tear-off or overlay
- each layer installed, with the product and its grade
- flashing, vents, drains and accessories, stating what is new and what is reused
- the unit price of decking to replace
- the dumpster, waste disposal and yard cleanup
- the person who applies for the permit, when one is needed
- the warranties
- how long the offer stands, and the possible job dates
- payment terms and taxes
On permits, the City of Laval states that, for a residence, replacing the roofing with the same material does not require one, and that replacing it with a new material does. It does not define "same material." If your case is doubtful, the question goes to the Service de l'urbanisme (the City's urban planning department), and the quote should say who handles it.
Three offers on the same table
Run each document through the same checks, in this order.
- The area. The three figures should be close. A large gap points to a measuring error or a forgotten section of roof.
- The tear-off. Full on one side, partial on the other: the two offers no longer cover the same job.
- The system. Note the layers, products and accessories for each one.
- The exclusions. A written exclusion is better than an item left unmentioned.
- The warranties. What they cover, and the name of whoever will have to honour them.
- The total. Only at the end.
Does an item appear in one offer and not in the other two? Contact those two roofers again. Ask them whether it is included, and to add it with its price if it is not.
When one offer is much lower
A total far below the others is often explained by an item removed or reduced. You find an overlay instead of a tear-off, flashing kept, a product from a more modest line, nothing planned for the deck, or a job scheduled at top speed. Look for what is missing before celebrating.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay to get a quote?
Ask the question when you book the appointment. A thorough inspection delivered with a written report is a separate service, which a roofer may bill separately.
How long does the quoted price stand?
The quote should state how long its price stands. Each contractor sets its own period, and the cost of materials changes. Once the date has passed, have the offer updated before signing anything.
Does a signed quote become the contract?
The roofer should tell you: either the signed quote serves as the contract, or a separate contract follows. Whatever paper you sign, everything the quote described must appear in it, with nothing removed.
Official sources, consulted on October 8, 2026: