Hiring3 min
How to Compare Contractor Quotes Fairly
How to line up two or three quotes so you are comparing like with like, instead of just comparing the bottom line.
Free quotes · No obligation
Free quotes from local pros for your roof, AC, windows and pest problems
Roofing, HVAC, pest control and windows, explained in plain language. Learn what to expect, then compare quotes from independent local professionals.
What "free quote" means
Asking costs nothing and you are never required to hire anyone.
Independent local pros
Requests go to independent professionals and partners. We are not a contractor.
Written estimates to compare
Ask each pro for scope, materials and warranty in writing.
Plain-language guides
Know what to look for and what to ask before you decide.
Interactive plan
What are you working on?
Pick a service to watch a typical job play out on the house, and see the zone it covers.
Zone 1
Roofing
Crews typically remove or repair damaged areas, check the deck underneath, add underlayment and weather barriers, then lay shingle rows from the bottom edge up to the ridge. Details vary by roof type, material and local building rules.
- The storm passes and the crew checks the deck and lays underlayment
- Shingle courses are nailed in, working from the bottom edge up
- The ridge cap goes on and the roof sheds water again
- Roofing overview
- Guide: Roof Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide
- FAQ: How do I know if I need a new roof?
Illustration only. Steps, materials and timing vary by home, local rules and the professional you choose.
How it works
Three steps, drawn out plainly
No account to create and nothing to pay to ask. Here is the whole plan.
- 1
Tell us what you need
Pick a service, add your ZIP code and answer a few quick questions about the project. It takes about a minute.
- 2
Get matched with local pros
We connect your request with independent professionals and partners who serve your area. Availability varies.
- 3
Compare and choose
Review written estimates, ask questions and choose the pro you are comfortable with, or none at all.
What we cover
Four services, one place
Each has its own guides, answers and free quote option. More services can be added over time.
Roofing
Repairs, replacements and new roofs
- Shingles that are curling, cracked, missing or heavily worn
- Water stains on ceilings or walls, especially after rain
- Daylight visible in the attic, or damp insulation
HVAC
Heating, cooling and ventilation
- Rooms that are always too hot or too cold
- Unusual noises such as grinding, rattling or banging
- Higher energy bills with no change in how you use the system
Pest Control
Inspection, treatment and prevention
- Droppings, shed wings or small piles of wood-colored dust
- Gnaw marks, scratching sounds or nests in walls and attics
- Mud tubes along foundation walls or hollow-sounding wood
Windows
Replacement and installation
- Drafts or noticeable temperature differences near windows
- Condensation between the panes of glass
- Windows that stick, will not stay open or will not lock
Before you hire
Four things to check first
Whoever you choose, a few minutes of checking can save a lot of trouble. Requirements vary by state, so treat this as a starting list.
License, where required
Rules differ by state and locality, and some trades or small jobs may not need one. Check with your licensing board.
Proof of insurance
Ask for current liability coverage in writing, and workers’ compensation where it applies.
A written estimate
Scope, materials, schedule, price and payment terms on paper, so quotes can be compared fairly.
A clear warranty
Know what the manufacturer covers, what the professional covers and what would void either.
Seasonal planner
When do people usually schedule this work?
Common times only. It varies by region, weather and how busy local pros are, and urgent problems cannot wait for a season.
Roofing
- Jan: Less common
- Feb: Less common
- Mar: Possible
- Apr: Common
- May: Common
- Jun: Common
- Jul: Common
- Aug: Common
- Sep: Common
- Oct: Common
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Less common
Many homeowners schedule roof work from spring through fall, and book inspections after severe weather in any season.
HVAC
- Jan: Possible
- Feb: Possible
- Mar: Common
- Apr: Common
- May: Common
- Jun: Possible
- Jul: Possible
- Aug: Possible
- Sep: Common
- Oct: Common
- Nov: Common
- Dec: Possible
Tune-ups are commonly booked before the first hot stretch (spring) and before heating season (early fall). Breakdowns can happen any time.
Pest Control
- Jan: Less common
- Feb: Less common
- Mar: Possible
- Apr: Common
- May: Common
- Jun: Common
- Jul: Common
- Aug: Common
- Sep: Common
- Oct: Common
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Less common
Many pests are most active in warmer months, but rodents often move indoors in fall and some pests stay active year round.
Windows
- Jan: Possible
- Feb: Possible
- Mar: Common
- Apr: Common
- May: Common
- Jun: Common
- Jul: Common
- Aug: Common
- Sep: Common
- Oct: Common
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Possible
Window projects are common from spring through fall, but installation can happen in winter with planning around the weather.
- Common
- Possible
- Less common
Quick answers
Questions homeowners ask first
How do I know if I need a new roof?
Common signs include missing, cracked or curling shingles, leaks or water stains inside, daylight in the attic, granules in the gutters and sagging areas. Age matters too, because every material has a typical lifespan. A professional inspection is the best way to learn whether repair or replacement fits your roof.
When should I replace my HVAC system instead of repairing it?
Consider replacement when the system is older, needs frequent or costly repairs, struggles to keep rooms comfortable or uses noticeably more energy than before. A technician can compare repair and replacement options for your specific equipment. Ask for both in writing.
What are the common signs of a pest problem?
Look for droppings, gnaw marks, nests, shed skins or wings, mud tubes, sawdust-like frass, unusual smells, damaged food packaging and bites with no clear cause. Where and when you notice activity helps a technician identify the pest.
How do I know when to replace my windows?
Signs include drafts, fogging between panes, damaged or rotting frames, windows that are hard to open or lock, and noise or comfort problems. Sometimes a repair or new weatherstripping is enough. An installer can inspect and explain the options.
Are the quotes really free?
Requesting quotes through this site is free and carries no obligation to hire anyone. Independent professionals set their own terms, and some may charge for certain types of inspections or reports, so ask any pro what is included before you agree to a visit.
Who will contact me after I submit a request?
We connect your request with independent local professionals or partner companies, who may contact you by phone, text or email. Availability varies by location and service, and we do not offer every provider in your area. You are never required to hire anyone.
Guides
Read before you decide
Roofing4 min
Roof Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide
A practical way to think through repair versus replacement, so you can compare options calmly instead of guessing.
HVAC3 min
Understanding SEER and HVAC Efficiency Ratings
A plain-language decoder for the efficiency labels you will see on air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces.
Ready to compare local pros?
It takes about a minute, costs nothing and there is no obligation to hire anyone.
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We do not offer every provider in your area. Availability, eligibility and pricing vary by location, service and professional. Partners are independent businesses and we do not guarantee their work.