Most Surrey homeowners receive 2–3 roofing quotes but struggle to compare them objectively — because contractor quotes vary enormously in what they include, how they’re structured, and what’s deliberately omitted. This guide shows you exactly what every line of a professional Surrey roofing quote means, what to watch for, and the 7 red flags that indicate a low-quality contractor.
Get a fully written I-M Roofing estimate: 236-838-9577
What a Complete Surrey Roofing Quote Must Include
| Line Item | What to Check | Red Flag if Missing |
|---|---|---|
| Tear-off / removal | Full layer count; number of layers to be removed | Yes — lay-over hides deck rot |
| Decking inspection + repair allowance | Per-sheet price for any rotten decking found ($80–$120/sheet) | Yes — will be billed as surprise extra |
| Underlayment spec | Brand + type: synthetic felt OR ice-and-water shield at eaves/valleys? | Yes — grade directly affects leak risk |
| Shingle brand + product | Exact product name + warranty class (25yr, 30yr, lifetime) | Yes — “architectural shingles” alone is vague |
| Flashings | Which flashings are replaced vs reused? Pipe boots included? | Yes — reused flashings = future leaks |
| Ventilation | Ridge vent, soffit vent specs; are existing vents inspected? | Moderate — affects shingle warranty |
| Drip edge | New drip edge at eaves and rakes? Material (galvanized vs aluminum)? | Moderate |
| Disposal / haul-away | Is debris removal and disposal included, or billed separately? | Yes — surprise $400–$800 charge if separate |
| City permit | Who pulls the permit? Is cost included? (Surrey re-roof = $200–$350) | Yes — unpermitted work = insurance/sale risk |
| Warranty terms | Manufacturer material warranty + contractor workmanship warranty (years) | Yes |
| Insurance + WCB | Contractor’s WorkSafeBC registration number + liability insurance certificate | Yes — you’re liable without it |
7 Red Flags in a Surrey Roofing Quote
- No permit mentioned — either they plan to work without one, or you’ll be hit with the cost later
- No WorkSafeBC / insurance proof — if a worker is injured on your property, you could be liable
- “Lay-over” instead of full tear-off — hides existing deck rot; voids most manufacturer warranties
- No decking allowance — rotten decking will be found; without an agreed price, it becomes a post-contract extra
- Vague product description — “quality shingles” or “30-year shingle” without brand/product name
- Unusually low total price — Surrey re-roofs rarely come in legitimately below $9,000 for a standard home; sub-$8K quotes usually mean corners are being cut on underlayment, flashings, or disposal
- Large upfront deposit demanded (>25%) — 10–15% is standard; >30% upfront is a warning sign
How to Compare Two Surrey Roofing Quotes
Compare scope, not total price. Two quotes with identical totals can have wildly different value:
- Does both quotes include full tear-off? What decking rate is pre-agreed?
- Is the same shingle product specified? (CertainTeed Landmark vs a generic 25-year is a significant quality difference)
- Are all flashings replaced or reused?
- Is disposal included in both?
- Who pulls the permit?
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Get your written estimate from I-M Roofing: 236-838-9577
