Question 1

How do I know if a roofer is cheating on materials?

Accepted Answer

A roofer is cheating on materials when the quote omits the exact brand, model and grade of shingle or membrane, or when the product delivered on site does not match what was billed. Always require the manufacturer, model number, color, thickness and applicable warranty in writing. Confirm the brand is named — IKO, BP, GAF, Soprema — not just architectural shingle. Request the manufacturer spec sheet, photograph bundles on site, and keep all delivery slips.

Question 2

How do I compare two different roofing quotes?

Accepted Answer

Compare quotes line by line on: total price, material brand and grade, warranty duration covering both material and workmanship separately, what is explicitly excluded, payment schedule and deposit amount, start and completion dates, and who is responsible for obtaining permits. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value once exclusions are fully accounted for.

Question 3

What hidden fees should I look for in a roofing contract?

Accepted Answer

Common hidden fees include decking replacement at $50 to $95 per sheet, additional roof vents at $75 to $175 each, chimney flashing at $250 to $600, municipal permit fees, debris disposal if not included in scope, scaffolding for steep pitches, and HST or TVQ if not shown in the quoted price. Always ask for a written breakdown of what is and is not included before signing.

Question 4

How do I know if a roofer is overcharging me in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario in 2026, residential roofing typically costs $5 to $8 per square foot installed for architectural shingles. A 1,500 square foot bungalow roof should cost $10,000 to $18,000 fully installed. Verify WSIB coverage and HST registration independently. Get at minimum 3 quotes and compare scope not just final price. An independent review service can identify pricing gaps and missing items across all your quotes.

Question 5

Is it normal to pay a deposit before roof replacement in Canada?

Accepted Answer

A deposit of 10 to 15 percent of the total contract value is standard and reasonable in Canada. Deposits above 25 to 30 percent are a risk signal worth questioning. Never pay more than 50 percent before work begins. In Quebec, requiring full payment upfront before work starts is a known contractor fraud pattern. Always get a written receipt and ensure the contract specifies what happens if the contractor fails to appear on the agreed start date.

Question 6

Best way for a condo board to compare roofing bids?

Accepted Answer

Condo boards should request a minimum of 3 bids with an identical scope of work document sent to each contractor, require proof of RBQ license in Quebec or WSIB clearance certificate in Ontario, verify liability insurance of $2M minimum naming the condo corporation as additional insured, request references from comparable multi-unit roofing projects, and obtain an independent third-party review before presenting to the assembly of co-owners. Document the entire evaluation process for fiduciary compliance and board record retention.

Question 7

Should I trust a door-to-door roofer quote?

Accepted Answer

Door-to-door roofing solicitations carry significant risk and should always be approached with caution. In Ontario the Consumer Protection Act gives you 10 days to cancel any contract signed at your door — no reason required. In Quebec similar protections apply under provincial consumer law. Never sign the same day regardless of urgency pressure. Verify the RBQ license number in Quebec or WSIB clearance in Ontario independently before any commitment. Always require a written quote with full material specifications before making any decision.

Question 8

Who can review a roofing quote impartially?

Accepted Answer

An independent documentary review service reviews roofing quotes with no contractor affiliation and no commission from any party. GCT Expert identifies pricing gaps relative to current Canadian market rates, missing contractual clauses, vague material specifications, and risk areas — delivering a written report within 24 hours for homeowners and condo boards across Quebec and Ontario.

Question 9

Roofing quote too expensive — what are the red flags?

Accepted Answer

Red flags in a high-priced roofing quote include: no material brand or model number specified, vague scope described only as roofing work with no detail, no written start or completion date, a large upfront deposit above 25 percent requested, no workmanship warranty stated separately from the manufacturer material warranty, no RBQ license number visible on a Quebec quote, no mention of who obtains permits, and urgency pressure language such as price valid today only. Any single one of these warrants written clarification before signing.

Question 10

How do I verify RBQ compliance and insurance for a condo roofing project?

Accepted Answer

Verify the RBQ license at regie-batiment.qc.ca using the contractor name or their RBQ number. Confirm the license is active and covers roofing work under sous-catégorie 1.1.1. Request a certificate of liability insurance for $2M minimum that names your condo corporation as an additional insured. Request CSST or CNESST compliance proof confirming workers on your site are covered. Document all verifications in writing for your board records and assembly of co-owners presentation.

Frequently asked questions about roofing quotes