Got a roofing quote? Check it before you sign.
Roofing quotes can leave out important details. We'll check materials, warranty, permits, cleanup, ventilation, payment terms, and timeline before you choose a contractor.
Step 1 of 5
ProjectWhat a good roofing quote should explain
- •Material brand and grade
- •Tear-off and disposal
- •Underlayment
- •Flashing
- •Ventilation
- •Permit handling
- •Cleanup
- •Warranty
- •Payment schedule
- •Start and completion timeline
What we check in your roofing quote
Material brand and grade. A complete quote names the exact shingle manufacturer and product line — not just "architectural shingles." The brand and grade determine warranty length and storm resistance.
Tear-off and disposal. Laying new shingles over old ones is sometimes acceptable and sometimes a code violation. The quote should state whether old material is removed and who pays for dumpster and disposal fees.
Underlayment. Synthetic felt or self-adhering ice-and-water barriers differ in cost and protection. A quote that omits underlayment type makes price comparison impossible.
Flashing. Step flashing around chimneys, skylights, and walls is where most leaks originate. The quote should state whether existing flashing is reused or replaced.
Ventilation. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and attic baffles affect both energy efficiency and shingle warranty validity. A quote that ignores ventilation may cost you more later.
Permit handling. Most California roofing replacements require a permit. The quote should state who pulls it and confirm that inspections are included.
Cleanup. Job-site cleanup, nail sweeping, and haul-away should be explicitly included. "Broom clean" is the minimum; confirm what it means.
Warranty. There are two separate warranties: manufacturer's product warranty (covering materials) and contractor's workmanship warranty (covering installation). Both should appear in writing with durations.
Payment schedule. A large upfront payment before work starts is a red flag. The quote should state deposit amount, progress milestones, and final payment terms.
Timeline. Start date, estimated duration, and what happens if hidden damage (rotten decking, damaged trusses) is found should all appear in the quote.
Who this is for
- •Homeowners who have a roofing quote in hand and want to know what's missing before signing.
- •Homeowners comparing two or more quotes who want to level the playing field on scope.
- •Homeowners who want answers about their quote without triggering sales calls from contractors.
What happens after the check
- 1Submit your quote by pasting text or uploading a PDF or photo. No account required.
- 2Receive a clarity score from 0 to 100, a list of missing or flagged items, and specific questions to ask your contractor.
- 3Review the checklist at your own pace. Use it to negotiate scope, ask for revisions, or compare a second quote.
- 4Optionally request a second opinion. Our team reviews your project details and can introduce better-fit vendors — your phone number is released only with your explicit approval.
Frequently asked questions
Is the roofing quote check free?
Yes. Submit your roofing quote and get a clarity score, a list of missing items, and the exact questions to ask your contractor — no payment, no account, and no phone number required.
Will my contractor know I checked their quote?
No. The quote check is between you and HomeGoSmart. We never contact your contractor or share the results of your check with them.
Do I need to share my phone number?
No. Your phone number is optional throughout the quote check process. We only ask for it if you explicitly request a second opinion or vendor match, and we never share it with anyone without your consent.
Can I check a quote if I haven't picked a roofer yet?
Yes. You can paste or upload any roofing quote — even one from a contractor you're still evaluating. The clarity score and checklist help you compare quotes and know what to ask before you decide.
What does the clarity score actually measure?
The clarity score reflects how completely a quote covers ten items a good roofing proposal should include: material brand and grade, tear-off and disposal, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, permit handling, cleanup, warranty, payment schedule, and start and completion timeline. Missing or vague items lower the score.
Is this available outside California?
Quote checking is open to any homeowner. Vendor matching is currently focused on California roofing contractors during our pilot phase, with more states and categories planned.