What a fair roof repair quote includes

Tarp on its own invoice

Pay for the tarp, and sign nothing else that night. Ask whether the price includes coming back to take it down.

Lines on a repair quote

• Scope: which section of roof, and the square footage or count of shingles, vents or boots.
• Materials, by brand and type, so you can compare bids.
• Flashing, if it is part of the fix, on its own line.
• The leak repair itself, kept apart from any wider roof work the crew suggests while they are up there.
• Inspection, if they charge for it, as a separate line.
• Inside damage belongs on a separate line or a separate contractor's bid.

Names and numbers

• The business name and L&I registration number. Check it on L&I Verify.
• On a home job of $1,000 or more, a signed Notice to Customer with the registration number, bond amount and bond expiration before work starts. (RCW 18.27.114)
• No line that waives, rebates or pays any part of your insurance deductible. A roofer who does that as a regular practice breaks state law. (RCW 48.30A.015)

Comparing and paying

Get three written bids and do not pay in full until the job is done. That is L&I's advice. (L&I) Read every bid against the same scope. On a big job, ask for lien releases from the roofer's suppliers, since unpaid suppliers can lien your property. (L&I F625-084-000)

Back to how to hire an emergency roofer in Tacoma or how to compare tarp quotes.