I've looked at those before to see if quotes I've gotten are in line with what they're quoting... keeping in mind that they're usually a national average and California should be higher.

Like a Zestimate, I don't treat them as gospel though.

From $1,700 to $8,400 is a wide ranging gap. Even Zestimates are improving at a better pace and while far from one iota of accuracy they've had nearly 15 years to perfect their system. The consumer is (and will continue) choking on the bait I'd say!

I don't think whoever is quoting those numbers is factoring in L&I insurance. Roofers have one of the highest rates of any profession (for obvious reasons). My roofer was paying $9 per HOUR per worker just for L&I insurance when my house was reroofed.  Add labor costs to that!

In your scenario, if a consumer thinks the best resource for the cost of roof repair is Angie's List and that consumer would take those figures as gospel rather than consult with actual roofers, they have only themselves to blame.

On the other hand, Angie's list in this instance could be a starting point to use to shop the quotes provided by actual roofers.

They sure are as there are additional 'hidden' costs, for example, disposal of the old roofing materials, replacement of hidden rotted roof sheathing, etc.

Yes, consumers can be lead astray IF they allow themselves to be led that way. 

Consumer Beware.  Do your own research and due diligence.  Ask friends and your real estate agent for referrals and recommendations on service providers. 

I would always go to the actual contractors who do the work to determine how much something should cost.

We created the nightmare when people paid to be on her website, just like Zillow and quite a few others.

You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the itme.

The Internet keeps this in check but predators are still out there...

no, not really.  that's a pretty big range, it's not so big in my market.  but there is a vast difference in price of 20 year standard and 30 year architectural shingles and a variety of labor fees (you might get a flat tire if you hire us vs. we clean up well)

That is quite a variation in cost, almost a factor of 5 between the high end and low end. This type of info is at best a starting point.

When did Angie become a roofer?

I guess that Angie's List range is better than saying "free to $100K" but percentage wise that's a very wide range and fairy "safe" for Angie to put out there.  That said,  it may help someone get a feel for the pall park they are playing in of a new roof - someone that is totally in the dark about the cost of such things.

A Buyer has to be careful all the time. We no longer live in an age of honesty which hurts the honest business people out there

The straight answer to this question is Yes. Not only in roofing, but everything you do, you need to compare and do research before you make your decisions. Higher does not mean better,as in mortgage quotes. Some are greedy, and some just give you a fair honest quote. Do your research and don’t discard the lowest quote, just because they are the lowest. Not everyone is worth what you pay for.

YES as contractors pay to be on those lists and get referred. I renovate homes and can do a roof from 3000-4000 on a 2000sf home. There is a great mark up and profit for roofers. 

It's only an estimate and as such it should be taken with a grain of salt or researched further as to what's included.

No

Great question, will read answers.

They can only be lead where they want to be lead Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 

Will read answers, Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 

Not a site I rely upon

Generally, it takes a professional to know that balance between price and value.  The lowest bid is seldom where you want to go.

Another reason to get 3 local bids from trusted professionals. There are too many differing factors that are not mentioned here.

there is not enough information to discuss the cost of roofing.... what type of roofing....there are many different roofing materials.... if it's asphalt, there are different grades and years of warranty... 

what's the pitch of the roof.... a 12/12 is much more expensive than a 5 pitch.... that's the flattest roof to pitch for a company to provide a warranty....

I could ramble on....

Annette,

I agree with Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA 

i've never used Angie's list... ... will watch answers here with curiosity

1700.00 is too cheap. $4700.00 - $8400.00 is more accurate. I don't use Angie's list for anything.

Depending on location, price will vary greatly. Many issues to consider. Angies list is not reliable.

Caveat emptor... it's always been caveat emptor and will remain caveat emptor.

It's up to us to educate them. I often share what the cost of a new roof was on a house measuring ____ SF with the roof measuring ____SF. Or the new HVAC (brand and tonnage) installed in the _____SF of main level heated space...

It helps those who, in the next few months, have to replace something, know if their vendor is in line or if they need to phone my vendor. It's another way of keeping in touch too!

WITHOUT QUESTION! Your example proves it

Should always get multiple bids