Get three to four roof repair estimates. One quote gives you nothing to compare, two can leave you stuck between extremes, and more than four mostly costs you time. Three or four written, detailed quotes from RBQ-licensed roofers, covering the same scope of work, show you the fair price range and expose any quote that is too high, too low or too vague.
Your roof is leaking over the back bedroom, or a few shingles blew off in last night’s wind. You want it fixed, you want it fixed properly, and you don’t want to overpay. The first question most homeowners ask is simple: how many roofers should I call before I decide?
After years of looking at roofing quotes across Montreal, Laval and the South Shore, the answer is pretty consistent. Here’s the reasoning, and how to make those estimates actually useful.
How many roof repair estimates should you get?
For most jobs, three to four roof repair estimates is the sweet spot. That’s enough to see a real price range and spot the outlier, but not so many that you spend three weeks booking visits while water keeps coming in.
Here’s how the numbers tend to play out:
- One estimate: you have no idea whether the price is fair, whether the diagnosis is right, or whether the roofer is upselling.
- Two estimates: better, but if they’re far apart, which one is right? You’re often left guessing.
- Three to four estimates: a pattern appears. Usually two or three land in a similar range and one stands out. That pattern is what protects you.
- Five or more: diminishing returns. Visits pile up, details blur together, and good roofers may move on to other clients before you decide.
That’s exactly why Estimations.pro sends a single free request to up to four licensed contractors. You describe the job once, and you get enough comparable quotes to make a confident decision without chasing roofers one by one.
Why one quote is never enough
A roof repair is harder to judge than, say, a new fridge. You can’t easily see the problem yourself, and two roofers can look at the same leak and propose very different fixes.
Say you own a duplex in Rosemont with a flat roof and a stain spreading on the upper unit’s ceiling. One roofer might suggest patching the membrane around a vent. Another might find that the flashing at the parapet is the real culprit. A third might tell you the membrane is near the end of its life and patching will only buy a season or two. With only one opinion, you’d never know which story fits your roof.
Multiple estimates give you multiple diagnoses. When three roofers independently point to the same flashing, you can trust it. Honestly, comparing quotes from several licensed contractors is the best protection you have against both overcharging and the wrong repair.
What makes estimates comparable
Three quotes are only useful if they describe the same job. Otherwise you’re comparing apples to oranges, and the cheapest number usually wins for the wrong reasons.
Ask every roofer the same questions
- What exactly is causing the problem?
- What will you repair or replace, and over what area?
- Which materials and brands will you use?
- Does the price include removal of old materials, disposal and cleanup?
- Is there a warranty on the workmanship, and for how long?
- Are taxes included or added on top?
Insist on written, detailed quotes
A number scribbled on a business card is not an estimate. A proper quote lists the scope, materials, quantities where possible, start date, payment terms and warranty. It also shows the contractor’s RBQ licence number. Keep in mind that GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) are usually added on top, for 14.975% in total, so check whether each quote is before or after taxes.
How to read the price spread
Once you have your estimates side by side, look at the pattern rather than just the lowest figure. For context, small roof repairs like a few shingles, a flashing or a plumbing boot often run roughly a few hundred dollars up to about $2,000 before taxes, and the price varies with size, slope, access and condition. Emergency, winter or after-hours work costs more.
| What you see | What it often means |
|---|---|
| Three quotes in a similar range | That’s probably the fair market price for your job. |
| One quote much lower | Possible missing items, cheaper materials, no permit or an incomplete fix. |
| One quote much higher | Could be a broader scope, premium materials, or simply a busy roofer. |
| All quotes wildly different | The roofers disagree on the problem itself. Ask more questions before deciding. |
The low quote isn’t automatically a trap, and the high one isn’t automatically a rip-off. Ask each roofer to explain the difference. A good contractor will happily walk you through it.
When fewer estimates make sense
There are times when you shouldn’t wait for four visits. If water is pouring into your living room or a tree branch has gone through the roof deck, your priority is stopping the damage. Call for an emergency tarp or temporary repair first, then get proper estimates for the permanent fix.
If the damage came from a storm or a fallen tree, contact your insurer early too. Home insurance usually covers sudden and accidental damage but not wear and tear or lack of maintenance, and your deductible applies. Your insurer may have its own requirements about estimates, so ask before you sign anything.
And please, don’t climb up there yourself to look, especially if the roof is wet, icy, snowy or steep. That’s the roofer’s job.
Red flags while collecting quotes
Getting several estimates also helps you notice warning signs, because good contractors start to look very different from risky ones.
- No RBQ licence number, or one that doesn’t cover roofing work.
- Pressure to sign today for a special price.
- A large cash deposit before any work is scheduled.
- A vague quote with no description of materials or scope.
- A door-to-door offer right after a storm.
If you do sign a contract at home with an itinerant merchant, Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act generally lets you cancel within 10 days. You can also check a merchant’s record with the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) before committing.
Bottom line
Aim for three to four written, detailed roof repair estimates from RBQ-licensed roofers, all quoting the same scope. That’s enough to see the fair price, compare diagnoses and spot anything that doesn’t add up. Rules on permits vary by municipality and borough, and insurance coverage varies by insurer, so confirm the details for your own situation. Then pick the roofer whose quote is clear, complete and fairly priced, not just the cheapest one.
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Request my quotes →Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask several roofers for estimates?
Not at all. Professional roofers expect homeowners to compare quotes, and most will tell you so. Just be honest and let the others know once you've chosen.
Should roof repair estimates be free?
Many roofers offer free estimates for standard repairs in the Montreal area. Some charge for detailed inspections or reports, so ask upfront whether there's a fee.
How long is a roof repair estimate valid?
It depends on the contractor, and the validity period is often written on the quote. Material prices and schedules change, so confirm the price is still good before you sign.
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Estimations.pro is a referral service and does not perform the work. Prices are indicative only and vary with the size, slope, access and condition of your roof. Requirements (RBQ licence, municipal permits, programs) can change: check with the relevant organizations and get detailed written quotes.