Reading the quote

What a roof replacement quote should actually say

A one-line quote that reads “replace roof” leaves most of the important decisions unstated. Is the old roof torn off or covered over? Who hauls the debris? Which shingle, which underlayment, and which flashing? Is ventilation being changed? When those details are missing, they get settled later, often in the middle of the job, when you have the least leverage.

An itemized estimate turns those questions into lines you can read. Removal should state how many layers are coming off. Disposal should be included or priced. Materials should be named: shingle manufacturer and line, underlayment, membranes, drip edge, starter, and ridge. Flashing should say what is replaced at walls, chimneys, valleys, and skylights. Ventilation should say what intake and exhaust are planned. Decking should have a unit price and an approval step.

Exclusions matter as much as inclusions. Common items priced separately include gutters, fascia and bargeboard replacement, skylight replacement, chimney masonry, framing repairs, interior repairs from past leaks, and removal of solar panels or satellite equipment. Seeing these listed isn’t a warning sign; it is a sign the contractor thought about your roof. Not seeing them at all is the time to ask.

Once you have an itemized quote, comparing becomes fair. Lay two estimates side by side and mark each item as included, excluded, or not mentioned. Anything not mentioned needs an answer before you sign. A lower price that skips flashing replacement or leaves disposal out isn’t really lower; it is a different job.

Mark each item on your Kelso quote

Tear-off: how many layers, down to the deck
Disposal and haul-away
Shingle manufacturer, line, and color
Underlayment, membranes, drip edge, starter, and ridge
Flashing replaced at each wall, chimney, valley, and skylight
Ventilation: intake and exhaust
Decking: per-sheet price and approval step

Repair or replace

Does the quote match what your roof needs?

Sometimes the most useful thing an itemized estimate reveals is whether replacement is the right answer at all.

Often still a repair

The issues found are limited to one or two items, such as a pipe boot or a flashing detail
The shingles are still flexible and holding granules across the roof
A repair quote addresses the actual leak source and costs a fraction of replacement

Points toward replacement

The estimate lists problems on most slopes, not a single area
Repairs would require replacing large shingle sections that won’t match or seal well
Past repair invoices show the same roof being patched repeatedly

Moss, stains, or a roof’s age alone don’t settle the question, and remaining life can’t be promised from a photo. An on-site roof inspection is the way to know. See also roof repair vs. replacement.

Scope

A complete Kelso roof replacement scope, line by line

Big Bear’s estimates are written after an on-site visit with measurements and photos, and you can accept online with an e-signature once you’re comfortable. Whoever you hire, the scope should cover the work start to finish: tear-off, disposal, decking review with damaged sheets photographed and reviewed with you before replacement at the stated price, the named materials, flashing, ventilation, cleanup, and the warranties that apply. It should also list what is excluded or optional.

Permits: requirements depend on the city or county with authority over the property — which isn’t always the city in the mailing address — and on the scope, such as whether sheathing or framing is replaced. Ask whether your project needs a permit and who will obtain it before work is scheduled.

Items your written scope should cover

Measured roof area and number of layers
Tear-off and disposal
Decking per-sheet price with photo review
Named shingle line and accessory components
Flashing locations and treatment
Ventilation plan
Cleanup, including a nail sweep
Workmanship and manufacturer warranty terms

Cost factors

What drives the numbers in a Kelso quote

The largest lines follow the roof’s measured area — not the home’s floor area — and its pitch, complexity, and access. Removing and disposing of more than one layer adds labor and haul costs. Each valley, chimney, skylight, and wall adds flashing and time. The shingle line you choose sets the material cost, and ventilation changes may add their own line.

Concealed decking is why a responsible quote can’t give a fixed total for everything. A per-sheet price, written in the estimate, keeps that cost tied to a known rate. Optional items such as gutters or fascia should be priced separately so you can decide on each one.

More detail: what affects roof replacement cost and what a roofing estimate should include.

Side-by-side quote comparison

Mark each item included, excluded, or not mentioned
Ask about anything not mentioned before signing
Confirm both quotes price the same shingle line
Check that disposal is included in both
Compare decking unit prices, not just totals
Read the written warranty terms each quote references

Process

How a Big Bear roof replacement runs

On-site estimate
A roofing specialist walks the roof, checks shingles, flashing, and ventilation, takes photos, gathers measurements, and emails you a detailed estimate.
Review and sign
You go over the written scope and options. When you are ready, you accept the estimate online with an e-signature and we schedule the installation date.
Tear-off and installation
The crew protects the property, removes the old roof, reviews the decking with you where repairs are needed, and installs the new roof system.
Cleanup and follow-up
Debris is hauled away, the property is checked for nails and scrap, and you receive follow-up messages and photo documentation of the work.

Before you sign in Kelso

A little paperwork up front prevents most disagreements later.

Gather every quote in one place and compare them line by line
Write down questions about anything not mentioned
Ask for warranty documents to read before signing
Note any optional items you want added, such as gutters
Confirm how you will be contacted if decking needs approval

The roof as a system

What goes into a complete new roof

Big Bear focuses on steep-slope asphalt shingle roofs, including architectural shingles and designer lines such as GAF Grand Sequoia. We don’t install flat or low-slope roofing. Exact components depend on your roof’s design, applicable code, and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Decking

The plywood, OSB, or board sheathing the roof is fastened to. It is checked once the old roof is off.

Underlayment and membranes

A water-resistant layer over the deck, with self-adhering membrane at vulnerable areas where specified.

Flashing

Metal at walls, chimneys, valleys, and skylights that turns water back onto the roof surface.

Roof edges

Drip edge at eaves and rakes, and starter courses that seal the first row of shingles.

Penetrations

Pipe boots, vents, and other openings, each sealed to suit the new roof.

Shingles

Architectural or designer asphalt shingles, installed to the manufacturer’s instructions for your roof’s pitch.

Ventilation

Intake and exhaust that suit the attic. What a given roof needs depends on its design, code, and the manufacturer.

Rear aerial view of a new roof over a back patio, with the street and neighboring homes behind — The rear slopes of a Big Bear Exteriors roof replacement in Vancouver, WA, over a covered patio.

Who you’re working with

Big Bear Exteriors serves homeowners in Kelso, WA from our office at 1104 Main St, Ste 610, Vancouver, WA.

Washington L&I # SERDEGL826PD · Oregon CCB # 239429
Licensed general contractor in WA & OR · Bonded & insured

You can check our registration with Washington L&I. How our workmanship coverage and manufacturer warranties differ is explained on our warranty page.

Nearby service areas

See residential roof replacement or all service areas. Not sure about your address? Contact us.

FAQ

Roof replacement questions from Kelso, WA homeowners

What should a roof replacement quote include besides shingles?

Removal of existing layers, disposal, decking review with a per-sheet price, underlayment and membranes, drip edge, starter and ridge, flashing at walls, chimneys, valleys, and skylights, pipe boots and vents, ventilation, cleanup, and the warranties that apply. It should also list what is excluded or optional, such as gutters or fascia.

What items are usually excluded from a roof replacement?

Commonly excluded or optional: gutter replacement, fascia and bargeboard, skylight replacement, chimney masonry, truss or rafter repair, interior repairs from past leaks, and removing and reinstalling solar panels. Seeing these listed is normal. They can often be added to the same project — for example, seamless gutters.

Why does one quote cost much less than another?

Usually because it covers less: an overlay instead of a tear-off, reused flashing, a different shingle line, or disposal left out. Compare item by item. When both quotes include the same work, the difference reflects materials and workmanship rather than scope.

How do I accept a Big Bear estimate?

After the on-site visit, the estimate is emailed to you. When you are ready, you can accept it online with an e-signature, and the installation date is scheduled. You can also book the estimate visit online.

Roof Replacement in Kelso, WA