Why Cheap Roofing Quotes Can Cost You More in the End

July 30, 2025

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Roof Bids

When it comes to major home improvements like roof replacement, most homeowners face a familiar dilemma: how to balance quality with affordability. While it’s tempting to go with the lowest quote, especially on a project as expensive as a new roof, the reality is that the cheapest option is rarely the best one and, in many cases, it ends up being the most expensive in the long run.


At Advocate Contracting, we focus exclusively on replacement, not patchwork or quick fixes. We work with homeowners across the Midwest who expect long-term performance, not short-term savings. Here’s why you should think twice before choosing the lowest roofing bid.

The Problem With Low Bids

A significantly lower quote often means one of three things:

  • The contractor is using low-quality materials
  • They are cutting corners on labor or installation time
  • They are not properly insured or certified

In some cases, all three are true. Roofing systems are not just a layer of shingles, they include underlayment, flashing, ventilation, drip edges, and more. When any of these are skipped or downgraded, your home is at risk for leaks, structural damage, and even mold.

Material Quality Matters

A new roof is a long-term investment. High-end materials from manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds, hail, and moisture, all of which are common in Midwest climates.


Cheap roofing contractors often use off-brand or lower-tier products that may look fine when installed but begin to degrade after just a few seasons. Once granule loss starts or shingles begin to curl and crack, you’re back at square one, paying again for repairs or a full replacement.

Improper Installation Is Expensive to Fix

Installation quality is just as critical as the materials used. A low quote may mean rushed work, inexperienced crews, or a lack of proper ventilation and waterproofing techniques. You might not notice these shortcuts right away, but within a few years (or even months), issues like leaks, sagging, and ice damming can begin to appear.


Not only does this damage your roof, but it can also lead to rot in your attic, damaged insulation, and higher heating and cooling bills. Worse, if the roof fails prematurely due to improper installation, your warranty may be void.

Lack of Insurance and Licensing

Another reason a contractor can offer a low bid? They may not carry the proper liability insurance or workers’ compensation coverage. That means if something goes wrong during installation, you could be liable for injuries or property damage.


At Advocate Contracting, we are fully licensed and insured, and we stand behind every job we complete. Our clients choose us not only because of our craftsmanship, but because we eliminate risk and offer peace of mind.

Warranties Are Only as Good as the Contractor

Manufacturer warranties are a valuable safeguard, but they often require that the product be installed by a certified contractor in order to be valid. When you choose a cut-rate installer, you’re also gambling with your warranty coverage.


We install roofing systems in compliance with manufacturer guidelines, which means your investment is fully protected. Many of our systems also come with enhanced warranty options that extend well beyond standard coverage.

The Long-Term Cost of a Cheap Roof

Let’s break it down:

  • Upfront cost of a cheap roof: lower initial investment
  • Higher likelihood of repair or early replacement: higher long-term costs
  • Increased energy bills due to poor insulation and ventilation
  • Potential damage to attic, walls, insulation, or even ceilings
  • No warranty protection if something goes wrong

A roof should last 20-30 years, not 5 to 10. When viewed over that lifespan, investing in a well-built roofing system from the start is clearly the more cost-effective route.

Choose Smart. Choose Quality.

At Advocate Contracting, we understand the pressure to keep home improvement costs down, but cutting corners on a project as critical as your roof is not the answer. We work with trusted manufacturers, use only quality materials, and deliver installation that meets or exceeds industry standards.


If you’re considering roof replacement and want to make a smart, lasting investment, contact us today for a consultation. We will walk you through your options and show you what a professionally installed, high-performance roof really looks like.

Protect Your Soffits and Fascia Before Winter Hits

July 23, 2025
Key to a Strong Roof and Home Protection When homeowners think about exterior maintenance, they often focus on the big-ticket items: roofing, siding, windows. But soffits and fascia, though less talked about, play a crucial role in the health and longevity of your home. If these components are damaged or deteriorating, they can compromise the integrity of your roofing system and leave your home vulnerable to moisture, pests, and rot. At Advocate Contracting, we specialize in full exterior replacement services, including soffits and fascia. As the Midwest heads toward cooler weather, now is the time to assess their condition and take action before winter brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

The Truth About Gutter Guards: Do They Really Work?

July 15, 2025
Gutter Ma  intenance Made Easy with the Right Guards Gutters serve a vital role in protecting your home from water damage, but keeping them clear is a recurring (and often dangerous) chore. Homeowners in the Midwest know the drill: leaves, pine needles, seed pods, and other debris can quickly clog gutters, leading to overflow, rot, mold, and foundation problems. Gutter guards are marketed as a solution, but many homeowners still wonder: do they actually work? The short answer is yes . When professionally installed and properly matched to your home, gutter guards are one of the most effective ways to reduce maintenance and protect your home’s structural integrity.

What’s Hiding Behind Your Old Siding? Signs of Hidden Moisture Damage

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Top 5 Exterior Upgrades to Boost Home Value This Summer

July 2, 2025
Best Exterior Enhancements for Curb Appeal  & Comfort When summer arrives in the Midwest, homeowners in Wisconsin and Illinois begin thinking about curb appeal, comfort, and energy efficiency. It is also peak season for real estate listings, making it the perfect time to invest in upgrades that enhance both the appearance and the long-term value of your home. At Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, Inc., we specialize in full exterior systems—solutions that not only protect your home from the elements but also deliver real return on investment. Whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to elevate your home’s performance and aesthetics, here are five of the most impactful exterior improvements to consider this summer.

Is Your Home Ready for Heavy Rain? Gutter and Fascia Tips for Wisconsin Summers

June 25, 2025
Protect Your Home This Summer Summer in Wisconsin brings more than sunshine and lake days—it also brings unpredictable storms, heavy rain, and fast-moving weather systems that can overwhelm a home’s exterior if it’s not properly maintained. Gutters, fascia, and related water-management components are often overlooked, but they are critical in keeping your home protected during the wettest months of the year. At Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services Inc., we specialize in full exterior solutions, including gutter systems, fascia replacement, and upgrades like gutter guards. Here is what every Wisconsin homeowner should know before the next downpour.

How Advocate Contracting Simplifies Exterior Remodeling Projects

June 18, 2025
Rem  odel Smarter with Advocate Contracting Replacing your roof, siding, or windows is no small task. These are major upgrades to your home’s structure, efficiency , and curb appeal. For many homeowners, the thought of tackling a full exterior remodel brings a long list of concerns—cost, disruption, scheduling, and finding a contractor they can trust. At Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services Inc., our mission is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. With over a decade of experience serving Wisconsin and Illinois, we’ve developed a system that focuses on quality work, honest communication, and respect for your time and property. Here’s how we make exterior remodeling easier from start to finish.

How Energy-Efficient Windows Save You Money in the Long Run

June 12, 2025
Boost Comfort and Cut Costs If your home still has older windows, there is a good chance they are costing you money every month. While they may not be visibly broken or drafty, traditional single-pane or outdated double-pane windows can quietly drain your home’s energy and inflate your utility bills. Upgrading to energy-efficient replacement windows is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make—not just for comfort and curb appeal, but for long-term savings.  At Advocate Contracting, we specialize in full exterior replacements, including modern, high-performance windows designed to reduce energy waste, lower heating and cooling costs, and improve year-round comfort.

Why Roof Replacement Is the Smarter Choice Over Patch Repairs

June 5, 2025
Long-Term Performance and Load-Bearing Reliability When a roof shows signs of wear or damage, many homeowners face a critical decision: repair it or replace it? While patch repairs may seem like the faster and more affordable solution, they often come with hidden costs and limited long-term value. In many cases, full roof replacement is the more strategic, cost-effective, and protective option. At Advocate Contracting, we specialize exclusively in roof replacement—not repair—and there is a reason for that. Replacement is the only solution that delivers true structural reliability, long-term performance, and peace of mind. Here’s why.

What Soffit and Fascia Really Do—and Why They Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

May 29, 2025
Beyond Curb Appeal When it comes to exterior remodeling, features like roofing and siding tend to get the spotlight. But there are two components that often go unnoticed—until something goes wrong. Soffit and fascia may not be the most visible parts of a home’s exterior, but they play a critical role in protecting it from the elements and ensuring long-term performance. At Advocate Contracting, we specialize in full exterior replacements, and that includes soffit and fascia. These components are not just decorative—they’re structural and functional elements that every homeowner should understand.

Why Insurance Claim Expertise Matters When Choosing a Roofing Contractor

May 22, 2025
Insurance Restoration Made Easy with Expert Roofing Services When your home is damaged by hail, wind, or another weather-related event, navigating the insurance claim process can be just as stressful as dealing with the damage itself. For homeowners in Southeast Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois, where storms are not uncommon, having a reliable roofing contractor is not enough—you need a partner who understands insurance restoration from the inside out. This distinction can mean the difference between a smooth, fully covered repair and a drawn-out process that leaves you under-compensated. Here is why it is essential to work with a roofing contractor who is skilled in handling insurance claims—and how Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, Inc. sets the standard.