How do I get a new roof without three companies coming to my house?

A roof replacement can be priced from the ground when the photos show the right things, so here is what a roofer needs to see and the details that move the number.

Quick answers

Can a roof replacement be priced without a visit?

Yes, contractors who take part can estimate a replacement from your photos and a written scope card, so nobody visits before you see any prices. The contractor you pick may visit once before settling the final price against the percentage the bid stated.

Which roof photos do I need to take?

Two wide shots from the ground and one close-up of the problem area are required. Never climb on the roof yourself.

What details move a roof replacement price?

Usually five things: layers already on the deck, deck condition, truck access, where the old material goes, and whether a permit is required. Put each one in your description, because the intake does not ask about all of them yet.

Can I post a leak repair as a roof replacement?

No, a leak hunt is a different job, and we do not promise a number for it from photos. Post a repair job when you want a leak found, which may take one visit.

How long does the roof photo pack take?

Typically 10 minutes from the ground: 2 wide shots, 1 close-up of the bad area and 1 of any ceiling stain. Never get on the roof.

Can a roofer bid from photos?

Yes, for a replacement, because the things that set a roofing price can be seen or asked about without a ladder. The pack requires 2 wide shots from the ground and 1 close-up of the problem area. The contractor you pick may visit once before settling the final price against the percentage the bid stated.

What roof photos are required?

Two wide shots from the ground and one close-up of the problem area are required, and the pack says never climb on the roof:

How does bidding from roof photos actually work?

Contractors who take part estimate from your photos and a written scope card, so nobody visits before you see any prices. Homeowners pay InstaBids nothing. Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection. The contractor you pick may visit once before settling the final price against the percentage the bid stated.

What actually changes a roofing price?

Five things move a roofing number: layers already on the deck, deck condition, truck access, where the old material goes, and whether a permit is required. Put each one in your description, because the intake does not ask about all of them yet.

Is a leak the same job as a new roof?

No, a leak hunt is a different job, and we do not promise a number for it from photos. Water travels, so the stain on your ceiling is often nowhere near the hole. Post a replacement job when you want a roof replaced, and a repair job when you want a leak found, which may take one visit.

Will the roofer come out at all?

Possibly once, after you choose one roofer, to confirm the deck and the access before the tear-off is booked, and the final price settles against the percentage that bid states up front after that look. Nobody comes out to give you a number, so you are not booking 3 sales appointments to find out what a roof takes.

What can I do before I ask anyone for a quote?

Take the roof pack yourself, from the ground, in 10 minutes: 2 wide shots, 1 close-up of the bad area, 1 of any ceiling stain. Then ask every roofer the same 5 questions: layers, deck, access, disposal, permit. Never get on the roof.

Start a bid card

Describe the roof once, add the photos from the ground, and every roofer who bids prices the same written scope. Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection.

InstaBids is in an early pilot in Broward and Palm Beach counties. We are still building our contractor network, so a job may not get bids yet. Your request page shows whether any bids have come in.

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Last checked: 22 September 2026