Why “Lowest Roofing Bid” Can Cost You More Later

Why “Lowest Roofing Bid” Can Cost You More Later

If you’re a homeowner in Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, or the surrounding Mid-South region, it’s likely you’ve received several roofing estimates that vary wildly in price. When shopping for a new roof or roof repair, it’s tempting to go with the lowest bid—after all, everyone loves a good deal, right?

But when it comes to roofing, going with the cheapest option can quickly become the most expensive mistake you make as a homeowner.

At Restoration Roofing, we believe in educating our customers and offering honest, transparent service. Let’s break down why the lowest roofing bid is usually too good to be true—and what you should look for in a roofing company instead.

1. Cheap Materials Don’t Last in Memphis Weather

One of the easiest ways a roofing contractor can offer a rock-bottom price is by using low-quality materials—and in the Mid-South, that’s a major problem.

Here in the Memphis area, your roof has to stand up to:

• Scorching summer heat, which causes shingles to blister, warp, and curl

• Torrential downpours and heavy thunderstorms, which test your underlayment and drainage

• Strong winds and hail, which punish weak or brittle roofing systems

Cheap asphalt shingles and underlayment may look fine on day one, but they typically begin to degrade within just a few years. A roof that should last 20–30 years may fail in under 10 years with low-grade materials.

And when that happens, you’re not just paying for new shingles—you’re paying for tear-off, reinstallation, possible interior damage, and more.

Pro Tip: Always ask your roofer what brand and type of shingles, underlayment, and ventilation they use. At Restoration Roofing, we use Atlas ProLam shingles and premium underlayments to ensure maximum lifespan and protection.

2. Labor Shortcuts Lead to Leaks (and Costly Repairs)

Labor is one of the largest portions of any roofing bid. If a contractor is significantly cheaper than competitors, chances are they’re cutting corners on labor.

This could mean:

• Rushed or incorrect nail patterns

• Skipped steps like flashing around chimneys, valleys, and penetrations

• Hiring untrained or underpaid crews

• Not replacing damaged decking or soft wood beneath the shingles

You might save $1,000 now, but if a single flashing mistake leads to a leak, the damage could cost $5,000+ in interior repairs, not to mention the hassle and stress of water stains, mold growth, or insurance claims.

3. Insurance Doesn’t Cover Poor Workmanship

Here’s a hard truth many homeowners in Germantown or Collierville don’t realize:

Your insurance will not cover roof failure caused by poor installation.

Most home insurance policies cover damage from storms, hail, or fire—but not faulty work. If a roof installed by a cheap contractor starts leaking after three years due to incorrect flashing or improper nail placement, you’re footing the entire bill.

That low bid could turn into a high-interest emergency expense you weren’t planning for.

4. Hidden Costs Aren’t Listed Up Front

Low bids are often “bare-bones” estimates designed to look cheaper on paper. But once the job starts, they may surprise you with unexpected fees like:

• Rotten wood replacement

• Ventilation upgrades

• Permit fees or disposal charges

• Ice and water shield installation (required by code in certain areas)

A reputable roofing contractor includes these in your initial estimate, so there are no surprises once the crew is on your roof.

In contrast, low-bid roofers may either:

• Tack on fees after the fact, or worse—

• Skip necessary steps entirely, leaving your home vulnerable.

5. Peace of Mind > Penny Pinching

When you hire a licensed, insured, and established roofing company like Restoration Roofing, you’re getting far more than a few shingles nailed to wood.

You’re investing in:

• A track record of excellence across Memphis and the surrounding communities

• Product and workmanship warranties that actually hold up

• Crews that show up on time, clean up thoroughly, and treat your home like it’s their own

• Consistent communication before, during, and after your project

You also get documentation for insurance, help with shingle selection, and access to financing options, including 12-month no payment / no interest plans.

Real Numbers: Cheapest Isn’t Always Cheapest

Let’s say you receive two bids for a 20-square roof in Memphis:

If the cheap roof starts leaking in 7 years, you’re looking at:

• New roof: $12,000+

• Interior damage: $5,000+

• Total: $17,000+

But if you invest in a quality roof upfront, you likely won’t need to replace it for two decades or more—saving you money and stress over the long haul.

Why Mid-South Homeowners Trust Restoration Roofing

Whether you’re in Memphis, Germantown, Arlington, Collierville, or Olive Branch, homeowners across the Mid-South choose Restoration Roofing because:

✅ We are fully licensed and insured
✅ We use top-tier materials and highly trained crews
✅ We’re a Top 3 Memphis Roofing Company (ThreeBestRated 2025)
✅ We include ventilation, decking, and code upgrades in our estimate
✅ We offer flexible financing for unexpected replacements

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Burned by the Lowest Bid

In roofing, you truly get what you pay for. That bargain-basement estimate might look great at first—but if it means cheap shingles, corner-cutting, no warranty, and zero peace of mind, it’s not worth the gamble.

At Restoration Roofing, we don’t aim to be the cheapest—we aim to be the most trusted.

Ready for a free roof inspection and honest estimate from a team that puts your home first?

Call Restoration Roofing today or book your inspection online.

Choose Restoration Roofing and get the protection your home deserves. Give us a call at 901-854-3402 or fill out our Contact Us form and we will reach out to you with our next available inspection. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on finding the best roofing contractor for you.