Start with the decision
Compare roofing proposals against the same scope and revision before comparing their totals. Pay particular attention to deck repairs, roof drains, rooftop equipment, penetrations and temporary weather protection. The lowest number may describe a smaller package, and a more expensive offer may include work the other bidders have excluded.
This guide is for business-to-business project planning in the United States and Canada. For the wider trade context, visit the roofing resource hub.
Level the scope before the price
| Package | Difference to check | Evidence to request |
|---|---|---|
| Roof field | tear-off, insulation and specified assembly | A written confirmation covering roof areas, system reference and removal limits |
| Edges and penetrations | flashings, equipment interfaces and responsibility gaps | A written confirmation covering edge details and penetration inventory |
| Access and protection | lifting, storage, debris removal and temporary protection | A written confirmation covering site access and occupied-area constraints |
Download the roofing compare quotes worksheet (CSV)
Fill in the response, owner or source, and date checked. Keep unresolved items visible. The file contains planning prompts only; it does not calculate quantities or make an approval decision.
Put the checklist to work
- Create a column for each proposal and a row for each required deliverable. Use not stated when the proposal is silent.
- Separate firm scope from allowances and options. Request the basis of any provisional quantity rather than inserting your own assumed price.
- Check schedule assumptions against approved system details, delivery and lifting arrangements, and a suitable installation window. Compare like-for-like access and timing as well as materials and labour.
- Ask each bidder to incorporate agreed clarifications into a revised proposal. Keep the revision and date alongside the comparison.
A scope gap worth discussing
Illustrative example — not a Build Accord client project
A roof replacement quote excludes concealed deck repairs. Record how discoveries will be documented and priced; do not turn an unknown deck condition into an assumed fixed quantity.
Apply this to your decision: A comparison that explains scope and timing differences, plus a short clarification list. It is a decision aid, not an authorization to start work.
Using this in the US and Canada
For a project in the United States
Record the state, local jurisdiction and actual service area. Confirm the project location and the scope of the business’s authority with the responsible project team. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a starting point for business licensing resources.
For a project in Canada
Record the province or territory, municipality and actual service area. Use Canada’s permits and licences resources to locate relevant checks, including the linked BizPaL service. Confirm requirements for the actual activity and location.
For either market, state the currency, units and deadline time zone. This worksheet is general planning guidance, not a determination of licensing, procurement eligibility or technical compliance.
The next useful step
Continue with roofing contractor schedule and lead-time checklist. For the other side of the conversation, see the roofing bid proposal guide.
Build Accord coordinates introductions between construction project teams and trade contractors. An inquiry starts a discussion of fit and availability; it does not guarantee a contractor, an invitation to bid or an award. These guides are not a listing of currently available crews or projects.