# 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: - 2 wide shots from the ground, one per elevation - 1 close-up of the damaged area - optional: an interior ceiling stain - optional: the attic underside from the hatch - optional: flashing at a chimney or valley ## 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. [Start a bid card](/intake) Last checked: 22 September 2026