Are you worried your roofer might be using surprise damage as an excuse to raise the price? Do you feel trapped into saying “yes” because the work has already started, even though you don’t fully understand what’s changed?
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you’re right to ask questions. While some cost increases are completely legitimate, others are red flags that your contractor may not be as honest or ethical as they should be.
We understand that it can be difficult and stressful to deal with cost increases after you’ve already signed the proposal. At RoofSmart, we warn our customers ahead of time about potential price increases and make sure to communicate clearly with you when changes need to be made.
In this article, you’ll learn how ethical roofing contractors handle cost changes the right way: with clear communication, written change orders, visual proof of damage, and no pressure tactics.
We’ll also help you spot warning signs of unethical pricing and give you the exact questions to ask if something doesn’t feel right, so you stay in control of your roofing project and your budget.
Why Do Price Increases Sometimes Happen During a Roof Replacement?
Although you should expect your roofer to clearly explain exactly what you’re being charged for in the estimate or proposal, sometimes the cost will increase after roof work begins.
This is common, and usually not a cause for concern. Even if your roofer thoroughly inspects your roof before they begin working, there are some things that cannot be seen until you start pulling away shingles.
For example, your roof might have
- Rotten wood
- Multiple layers of shingles
- Mold
- The wrong kind of roof decking
These issues all need to be fixed before your new roof can be installed so that you don’t have problems with your roof later on. It is your roofer’s job to make sure that your roof gets the updates it needs so that it’s up to code and in good condition.
Sometimes this means doing additional work after the roofing project has already started.
How Do Ethical Contractors Communicate Cost Changes?
Now, to make sure that your roofer isn’t just increasing costs and taking advantage of your unfamiliarity with the roofing process, it’s important to know what to expect if hidden damage is revealed on your roof.
Here are the steps your roofer should take:
1.) Notify You of the Hidden Damage Before Fixing It
The first step is letting you know that additional damage or issues were found on your roof that need to be addressed. Your roofing contractor should stop what they’re doing immediately and contact you about the issue.
They should always include visual proof, such as photos, video, or showing you the roof if you happen to be at home (if that’s the case, make sure they take pictures anyway!).
2.) Send You Clear, Written Change Orders
Before your roofer does the additional work to fix the new issue on your roof, they’ll need to get your consent. Make sure that they explain what needs to be done and discuss the cost.
If you’re okay with it, you can give them verbal consent and then have them send over a change order that explains the new work with costs. Or, you can have them pause work until the written change order is sent to you.
This choice depends on how much trust you have in your roofer and how much additional work needs to be done. If it’s just a few rotten boards that need to be replaced, that’s a pretty standard, low-cost change.
However, if you need to redo your roof’s entire ventilation system, that might be worth the wait to see how much extra time and money it will add to the job.
Either way, make sure that the new work you discussed with your roofer gets written down and added to your file.
The change order document should include:
- The new issue
- Scope of added work
- A breakdown of the materials needed and the expected amount of labor (how many days or hours)
- Clear pricing for materials and labor
3.) There Should Be No Pressure or Scare Tactics
Your roofer should not be pressuring you to act quickly without seeing evidence of damage. They should be able to show you what’s wrong, explain what it takes to fix it, and explain how much it should cost.
With the exception of an urgent roof leak, there is no reason that you cannot be given some time to consider your options.
Remember, there’s a big difference between being told that your roof needs additional work and being pressured into making a high-cost change without any explanation.
What are the Warning Signs of Unethical Roof Price Increases?
Don’t agree to any changes if you feel like you’re being pressured into it. You should be able to have an honest conversation with your roofer and make a decision on your own.
An honest roofer will make recommendations and give you options, but they’ll also be up front about when additional work is absolutely necessary.
Here are some signs that your roofer might be hiking up costs for no reason:
- They claim they need to charge you “emergency fees” or need an immediate extra charge with but refuse or deflect when you ask for photo evidence
- They ask for a verbal price change but are insistent that no paperwork is needed
- They use vague language to describe the problem. For example, if all they say is “you have a lot of damage” or “we found a leak” with no elaboration, that’s not a good sign.
What Questions Should I Ask If I’m Hit With a Surprise Price Hike?
If you feel like your roofer is being sketchy or dishonest, make sure to ask for clarification and evidence. Don’t sign anything or pay extra charges until you feel like it is reasonable and justified.
Always ask for photo or video evidence of what’s wrong and make sure your roofer can clearly explain what it will cost to fix it and why.
If you’re not getting the right answers, here are some questions you can ask:
- Can I see photos of the problem? A trustworthy roofer should have no problem showing you the additional damage that they found. In fact, it should be the very first thing they do.
- Is this a necessary change, or just a nice to have? Sometimes, additional roof work is just an extra preventative measure. Other times, it’s required to meet building codes. Your roofer should have no problem explaining if the changes they’re recommending are actually needed or not.
- Can I get a second opinion before approving? Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion from another roofing contractor. Sometimes it can be helpful to hear a different perspective or get confirmation that your roofer is telling the truth.
What Surprises Can Happen Once Your Roof Replacement Starts?
Now that you understand how ethical roofers handle mid-project cost increases, you know what to expect (and what not to tolerate) when unexpected issues come up. A trustworthy contractor will always document problems, explain your options, and give you the space to make an informed decision without pressure.
Still, you might be wondering: what kinds of hidden problems actually cause these surprises in the first place?
Your next step is to read our article “What Unexpected Problems Can Add to the Cost of a Roof Replacement?” where we break down the most common surprises homeowners face once a roof tear-off begins. You’ll learn what can go wrong and how to prepare for it.
At RoofSmart, we believe education is the key to peace of mind. The more you know ahead of time, the more confidently you can move forward with your roof replacement.
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