FLORIDA HOMEOWNER GUIDE
Roof repair or replacement after a hurricane: compare the written scope
A useful proposal explains why the recommended work fits the observed condition. Compare the scope and evidence before comparing only the headline price.
Updated October 7, 2026 · Disaster Roof educational guide
Ask why this option is recommended
Ask the roofer to connect each recommendation to inspection findings. Which areas are affected? What makes a localized repair practical, or what limits it? If replacement is proposed, ask for a plain-language explanation of why a smaller scope is unsuitable. A storm name or roof age alone should not stand in for that explanation.
Compare the same work
Use these questions when reviewing proposals:
- Which roof areas and components are included?
- What materials are specified, and how will compatibility or matching be handled?
- What happens if concealed damage is found, and how are changes approved and priced?
- Who handles applicable permits and inspections?
- Are temporary protection, disposal, cleanup, and interior work included or excluded?
- What warranty applies to materials and workmanship, and what are its limits?
- What scheduling assumptions and payment milestones are stated?
Keep local requirements in the discussion
Ask the contractor which building department has jurisdiction over the address and what requirements apply to the proposed scope. Request an explanation tied to your property. County names, storm dates, or a general percentage rule do not replace a project-specific permitting determination.
Separate the estimate from insurance decisions
A contractor’s estimate describes proposed construction work. Your insurer determines coverage under your policy. Keep the inspection record and estimates available for that conversation; no content on this site promises claim approval, payment, or a waived deductible.
Reference: Florida DFS: Disaster insurance questions
Resolve unclear items before authorizing work
Ask for missing details in writing. If two proposals differ substantially, compare their included areas, materials, exclusions, and assumptions. Ask each contractor to explain the difference. Choose based on the documented work and your needs, not pressure to sign because a storm recently occurred.
Common questions
Can an online calculator decide whether I need replacement?
No. Planning estimates cannot establish roof condition or replace an inspection and a project-specific written proposal.
Should I get a second opinion?
If the proposed scope is unclear or the options differ substantially, another qualified contractor’s assessment can give you more information to compare.
Compare the work, not just the totals
These fictional examples show what to ask about. Neither is a recommendation for your property.
| Item | Localized repair proposal | Replacement proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | Which photos locate the limited affected area? | What findings support work beyond the damaged area? |
| Layers and materials | Which covering, flashing, and underlying layers are included? | Which assemblies will be removed and installed? |
| Hidden conditions | How will added damage be documented and priced? | What decking allowance and change approval are specified? |
| Completion | What cleanup, warranty, and follow-up are included? | Who handles permits, inspections, cleanup, and warranty documents? |
Choose what to do right now · Check official local weather
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