Give every bidder the same starting point
Prepare a short project brief with the roof areas involved, known leak history, intended tile selection and any work being arranged separately. Give each bidder the same photographs and available drawings. Keep a dated list of answers to project questions, and share relevant clarifications so nobody prices an outdated version of the job.
Make missing scope visible
Create one row for each part of the project: removal, retained materials, deck work, water-control layers, flashings, accessories, access and cleanup. Mark each proposal as included, excluded, allowance or unclear. A blank cell needs an answer. Ask the contractor to identify where its approach differs from your requested scope and why that difference matters.
Test allowances with a common example
For an uncertain item such as damaged decking, record the included quantity, unit of measurement and price for additional work. Compare the proposals using the same hypothetical quantity, clearly labeled as an example. This does not predict hidden damage; it shows how each proposal would respond if the same extra work became necessary.
Separate options from the base project
Keep elective upgrades in a separate column. Ask whether a different tile, revised edge detail or added maintenance visit changes labor, accessories or the schedule as well as materials. Record the date each price remains valid and whether delivery is included. Avoid combining one contractor’s base number with another contractor’s more extensive option.
Close the unanswered questions
Review the comparison with your preferred contractor before accepting its proposal. Put agreed clarifications into the final scope, identify the person supervising the work and record how changes will be described and priced. Save superseded bids separately from the accepted version so later invoices can be checked against the actual agreement.
Related questions
- How can I compare two bids with different decking allowances? →
- Two tile reroof bids use the same product but have very different totals. What should I ask? →
- Should I send a new project clarification to every roofer preparing a bid? →
- What should I request when my roofer proposes a different tile after I accepted the bid? →
Further reading & technical sources
- Selecting a Professional Roofing Contractor — Steep-slope Residential ↗
- Ludowici CSI Specifications ↗
- Ludowici Customer Order Terms & Conditions ↗
Consult the current product documentation and local requirements for your project. These introductions are not installation specifications.
Tile Roofing USA editorial guide · Published October 26, 2026.