If you’re shopping for a new roof, you’re probably already noticing something confusing:
You might receive quotes anywhere from $9,000 to over $30,000 for what looks like the same roof.
So what’s the difference?
It usually comes down to the level of roofing contractor you’re hiring. In this guide, I’ll break down the three main types of roofing contractors you’ll encounter, what you’re really paying for, and how to decide which one is right for you.
My name is Teddy, owner of Tetti Roofing. I’ve been in home services for over 22 years. Before roofing, I built and sold a highly regulated environmental services company in New Jersey with 800+ Google reviews. I’ve also rehabbed more than 24 homes, so I’ve hired (and dealt with) just about every type of contractor you can imagine.
I created this breakdown so homeowners can make informed, stress-free decisions—not get pressured or confused.
This is the most basic type of roofer.
A “Chuck in a Truck” contractor is typically a one-person operation with a pickup truck or van, minimal insurance, and very little overhead. Sometimes they have roofing experience—sometimes a lot—but the business itself is fragile.
One person handling sales, scheduling, and communication
Minimal insurance coverage
No office staff or project management
No manufacturer certifications
Little to no workmanship warranty
Often cash-based (no financing options)
They don’t have:
Office staff
Project managers
Long-term overhead
Warranty systems
Most of the money goes straight to materials and labor, and that’s it.
About 95% of small contractors don’t survive past five years. If your roof has an issue in year six and the company is gone, you’re paying out of pocket.
Plain English:
You’re saving money upfront, but taking on most of the risk yourself.
This is where most homeowners should be looking.
A Level 2 roofer is a properly licensed, insured, and professionally run local company. For a typical 25-square roof in New Jersey, pricing often falls in the mid-teens to low-$20k range, depending on the home.
Fully licensed & insured company
Manufacturer-certified installers
Access to extended manufacturer warranties
Dedicated project management
Skilled, experienced crews
Workmanship warranties
Permits handled when required
Real office support & communication
Financing options
Long-term accountability
They have real overhead:
Insurance that protects you
Staff to answer phones and manage projects
Systems to document your roof
Warranty backing that lasts
That overhead exists to protect the homeowner, not inflate prices.
You’re paying a little more because:
The risk is off your shoulders
The company will be around if something goes wrong
You’re buying accountability, communication, and peace of mind
You’ll spot these companies immediately.
They push hard for in-home presentations, require both decision-makers present, and often spend 1.5–3 hours walking you through a sales pitch.
“Both homeowners must be present”
Long, high-pressure presentations
Very fast call-backs
“One-call close” tactics
Heavy focus on financing
Prices far higher than expected
They often:
Start with a shockingly high price (anchor pricing)
Then “discount” you down to a still-inflated number
Frame the cost as a monthly payment to distract from the total
It’s common for these companies to charge double what a professional local roofer would for the same work.
Your money is paying for:
Huge marketing budgets (often $2,000+ per lead)
Sales commissions (often ~10%)
Corporate overhead
Investor profit expectations
You’re not paying more because the roof is better—you’re paying for the sales system.
If you’re comfortable with aggressive sales and premium pricing, this option exists. Most homeowners, once they understand the math, choose not to go this route.
Here’s the honest breakdown:
Level 1: Cheapest upfront, highest long-term risk
Level 2: Best balance of price, protection, and accountability
Level 3: Highest cost, heavy sales pressure, no added roof quality
Most homeowners are happiest with a Level 2 professional local roofing company.
If you have questions about your roof, warranties, pricing, or which level makes sense for your home, you’re welcome to reach out.
📍 Based in Bridgewater, NJ
📏 Serving homeowners within a ~20-mile radius (and beyond when needed)
Call or text anytime: 908-617-1544
Happy to help—whether you work with us or not.
Ready to get started? Book Your Free Consultation Today. To get started fill in the form below.