The Hidden Costs Roofing Companies Won’t Tell You About—Until It’s Too Late

Isaac Dodd
Jul 1
3 min read

Shopping for a new roof can feel like you’re running a gauntlet of sales pitches, “special offers,” and vague promises.

Most homeowners focus on the price in big bold numbers at the bottom of the estimate. But what many roofing companies don’t tell you is that the “final price” often isn’t final at all.

rprise charges can inflate your bill by thousands—and by the time you find out, you’re already under contract or halfway through the job.

Here are the most common hidden costs you should watch for—and how to avoid getting blindsided.

1. Tear-Off and Disposal Fees

You might think the cost of removing your old roof and hauling away the debris is included.

Spoiler alert: It often isn’t.

Some companies will quote you for installation only, then tack on:

Per-square-foot tear-off fees
Dumpster rentals
Landfill disposal charges
Fuel surcharges for hauling

How to protect yourself:✅ Ask for an itemized estimate showing tear-off, disposal, and cleanup included in writing.

2. Plywood and Decking Replacement

Underneath your shingles is the decking—typically plywood or OSB. If it’s rotted or damaged, it must be replaced to pass inspection and ensure your new roof lasts.

Many contractors price this as “additional work,” with a clause that says you’ll be charged per sheet if decking needs replacement. At $75–$150 per sheet (or more), the costs can add up fast.

We’ve seen homeowners hit with surprise bills of $1,000–$3,000 after the tear-off.

How to protect yourself:✅ Ask your roofer to inspect your attic beforehand.✅ Get a per-sheet price in writing and a contingency budget for potential decking replacement.

3. Flashing and Ventilation Upgrades

Reputable roofers will recommend replacing old flashing, vents, and ventilation components. But some contractors omit these upgrades in their estimate to make the price look lower.

Then, mid-project, you learn:

You need new flashing around chimneys
Ridge vents aren’t up to code
Your attic ventilation doesn’t meet manufacturer specs

Suddenly, your “great deal” costs thousands more.

How to protect yourself:✅ Make sure your quote includes all flashing, ventilation, and code-required upgrades.✅ If it says “existing components reused,” get clarification in writing.

4. Permit Fees and Inspections

Some cities require permits and inspections for roofing projects. Many contractors will:

Expect you to pay permit fees separately
Add permit fees to your final bill as a “pass-through”
Charge extra if additional inspections are required

How to protect yourself:✅ Confirm whether permits are included in your estimate.✅ Ask your contractor to handle permits and inspections on your behalf.

5. Insurance Claim “Supplements”

If you’re replacing your roof through insurance, be cautious. Some roofers will:

Quote your job at or below the insurance payout
Later submit supplemental charges to your insurer
If the insurer denies those charges, you’re stuck paying out of pocket

How to protect yourself:✅ Choose a contractor experienced in insurance restoration.✅ Get clarity about what happens if supplements are denied.

6. Unexpected Labor Costs

Not all labor is covered in a standard roofing estimate. You might see extra charges for:

Steep slope fees
Two-story access
Extra setup time on difficult roofs
Extended work days due to weather

How to protect yourself:✅ Make sure your estimate specifies all labor charges for your roof type and access.✅ Ask about contingencies for weather delays and steep pitches.

7. Cleanup and Warranty Registration

It’s shocking, but some companies charge “cleanup fees” or “warranty registration fees” after the job is done. They may:

Bill you for final cleanup beyond basic debris removal
Charge to process your manufacturer warranty paperwork

How to protect yourself:✅ Confirm all cleanup is included.✅ Ensure your contractor will register your warranty without additional fees.

The Bottom Line

Dodd Roofing and Exteriors won the BBB Spark Award for Honesty and Integrity

If an estimate seems too good to be true, it probably is. The lowest price often comes with the biggest surprises.

At Dodd Roofing and Exteriors, we believe in radical transparency. Our estimates:✅ Include everything—tear-off, disposal, labor, and materials✅ Detail contingencies so you’re never blindsided✅ Are backed by clear warranties with no hidden fees