When a homeowner says they need other quotes, say, “Of course. What are you hoping the other proposals will help you decide?” Listen before explaining anything else, then address the uncertainty they identify and ask whether a follow-up conversation would be useful.
The phrase alone doesn't tell you whether they're seriously considering your company, unsure about the recommended work, or trying to end the conversation politely. Your job is to understand what remains unresolved, make your proposal easier to evaluate, and leave the homeowner room to choose.
Start with a question, not another presentation
An experienced roofing owner can hear “other quotes” and immediately start explaining workmanship, materials, and crew quality. Those details matter, but they may have nothing to do with the homeowner's hesitation.
Use a short acknowledgment followed by an open question. Suggested wording:
“That makes sense. Before we wrap up, is there anything in our inspection findings or proposed work that you'd like clarified while you compare?”
Then stop talking. Don't stack several questions together or launch into a rehearsed defense of your company.
Listen for the difference between a homeowner who says, “We always compare companies,” and one who says, “I'm still not sure the whole roof needs replacing.” The first needs a usable proposal. The second needs a clearer explanation of your recommendation, including its limitations.
Avoid exaggerated agreement, too. You don't need to praise the homeowner for doing research. A calm acknowledgment respects their process without making the conversation sound scripted.
Match your response to what they actually mean
Treat the answer as a diagnostic, not an objection category to defeat. These are suggested responses, not accounts of actual homeowner conversations.
They're following a normal comparison process. They understand your recommendation and want to review other companies before choosing.
“Understood. I'll make sure our scope clearly shows what we're proposing. Is there a particular part of the work or project process you want to compare?”
Don't keep presenting after they've told you they have what they need. Confirm whether your written proposal answers their questions and let them continue their research.
They're unsure about the work itself. They question whether the problem needs repair, replacement, or further investigation.
“Let's go back through the inspection photos. I'll show you what we observed, what we recommend, and anything we couldn't verify.”
Separate visible conditions from assumptions. If further inspection is necessary, explain why. Don't portray a different recommendation from another contractor as dishonest without evidence.
They're unsure about your company. They ask who will supervise, whether the crew will protect the property, or how they'll get updates.
“Would it help if I walked you through who handles the project and showed you how we document those responsibilities?”
Answer with details you can substantiate. Name the responsible role, explain the process, and provide relevant documentation. Broad claims about being the best don't resolve operational concerns.
They're waiting on someone else or aren't ready. Another household member needs to review the proposal, or the work isn't a current priority.
“Would a written inspection summary help with that conversation, or would you rather reconnect when you're ready?”
Don't treat every delay as concealed interest. If they don't want another conversation, accept that and leave your contact information.
Make the scope comparable without judging competitors
Offer a short comparison checklist if the homeowner wants one. Its purpose is to expose unanswered questions, including gaps in your own proposal. Avoid building a checklist that automatically declares your preferred product the only acceptable choice.
A useful roofing scope review covers:
- Observed conditions and recommended work. Does the proposal explain which areas need attention and why? Are repair and replacement recommendations supported by documented findings?
- Removal and concealed conditions. What existing materials will be removed? How will the contractor document and discuss damaged decking or other conditions discovered after removal?
- Roof-system details. Which covering, underlayment, starter, ridge components, flashing, and ventilation work are specified? Does the proposed assembly follow applicable requirements and manufacturer instructions?
- Existing components. Which penetrations, flashings, vents, or accessories will be replaced or retained? What supports those decisions?
- Property protection and cleanup. How will landscaping, access routes, debris removal, and final inspection be handled?
- Project communication and documentation. Who handles homeowner questions? Can the company provide applicable licensing and current insurance documentation, along with written warranty information?
The presence of a named material doesn't establish that the whole system is appropriate. Requirements depend on the roof, assembly, conditions, and applicable rules.
If a homeowner shares another proposal, point out omissions neutrally. Say, “This document doesn't specify the flashing work. You could ask them to clarify that.” Don't turn an unanswered question into an accusation of poor workmanship.
Apply the same standard to your own document. If something important is missing, correct it before asking the homeowner to evaluate anyone else.
Agree on a next step that has a purpose
A follow-up should help resolve something specific. Ask when the homeowner expects to have the information they need, rather than choosing a day just to keep contacting them.
Suggested wording:
“Once you've reviewed the other proposals, would a call to clarify our scope be helpful? If so, what day and contact method work for you?”
Confirm what you'll send beforehand. That might be annotated inspection photos, a revised scope, or an explanation of ventilation recommendations.
A written recap can stay simple:
“Thanks for walking through the roof findings with me. I'll send the photos and clarification about the flashing work we discussed. As agreed, I'll call Thursday afternoon to answer questions about our proposal. If your plans change, just let me know.”
Only use the scheduled-call wording when the homeowner has actually agreed. If they decline contact, don't put them into a generic sales sequence that ignores that choice.
Leave a record the next person can use
For an owner-operator, record the unresolved question and next action before moving to another inspection. A note saying “getting quotes” won't remind you whether the homeowner wanted documentation, doubted the recommendation, or asked for space.
For a staffed company, the salesperson should record the concern and own the substantive response. Office staff can send promised documents and coordinate an agreed call. Production staff should confirm installation or scheduling details before sales makes commitments on their behalf.
Keep the status accurate. A homeowner comparing proposals hasn't signed a project, and a follow-up call doesn't change that. Automated reminders can support the task, but your team still needs to read replies and handle the conversation.
The useful outcome is clarity. Know what the homeowner still needs, provide what you can substantiate, and honor the next step they agreed to.