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.

Premium Roofing Materials That Stand the Test of Time

September 2, 2025
A roof is one of the most significant investments you will make in your home. It protects your family, preserves your property, and contributes to overall curb appeal. When the time comes for a replacement, the materials you choose will determine not only how your roof looks, but also how well it performs in the decades to come. At Advocate Contracting, we focus exclusively on replacements and specialize in premium roofing materials that provide both long-term durability and timeless style.

What to Expect During a Roof, Siding, or Window Replacement Project

August 27, 2025
Boost Curb Appeal & Comfort Replacing your home’s exterior is a major investment, but it is also one of the most rewarding improvements you can make. A new roof, siding, or set of energy-efficient windows not only enhances your property’s appearance but also increases comfort, safety, and value. At Advocate Contracting, we focus exclusively on replacements, which means we have the experience and processes to ensure that every project is completed smoothly and efficiently. If you are preparing for an exterior replacement, here is what you can expect from start to finish.

How Energy-Efficient Windows Installed This Fall Can Lower Heating Bills

August 20, 2025
As the cooler months arrive, homeowners begin to notice drafts, rising heating costs, and the strain of outdated windows. Replacing old windows with modern, energy-efficient models in the fall is one of the best investments you can make in your home. At Advocate Contracting, we specialize in window replacements that not only enhance comfort but also protect your budget throughout the cold season.

The Long-Term Value of Coordinating Roof, Siding, and Window Replacements

August 12, 2025
How Coordinated Exterior Projects Save You Time and Money Exterior home improvements are significant investments, and the timing of each project can have a direct impact on both cost and performance. While many homeowners choose to replace a roof, siding, or windows separately, coordinating these upgrades into one comprehensive project offers substantial long-term benefits. Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, with nearly five decades of experience in complete exterior replacements, has seen firsthand how combining these services leads to stronger results, improved efficiency, and enhanced property value.

Is Your Home Ready for a Midwest Winter? Why Now Is the Time for Exterior Replacement

August 5, 2025
Why Fall is the Best Time for Exterior Upgrades In the Midwest, summer doesn’t last forever. As the days get shorter and the air cools, it is the perfect time to start thinking about how well your home’s exterior will hold up through the months ahead. Winter brings freezing temperatures , snow, ice, and strong winds, all of which can expose weak points in your home’s protective shell. If your roof, siding, windows, soffit, fascia, or gutters are aging or showing signs of wear, now is the right time to plan a full replacement. Waiting until winter hits is often too late. That’s why homeowners who act early not only protect their homes but also avoid the stress, expense, and discomfort of mid-winter damage. Here’s why fall is the ideal season to move forward with replacement work and why high-quality materials and expert installation make all the difference.

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

July 10, 2025
The Hidden Costs of Failing Siding When most homeowners think about siding, they think about appearances — color, texture, curb appeal . But siding has a far more important role than aesthetics. It’s your home’s first line of defense against wind, rain, snow, and temperature extremes. When siding begins to fail, it can allow moisture to penetrate the exterior shell of your house, leading to hidden and expensive damage behind the surface.  At Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, we replace aging siding systems throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. We have seen firsthand how undetected water infiltration can compromise a home’s structural integrity — and how addressing it early can prevent thousands in future repairs. Here’s what you need to know.

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.