The Real Cost of a Cheap Roof: Why the Lowest Bid Might Cost You the Most

By Nickols Roofing & Gutters LLC

The Coverage You Need. The Care You Deserve.

Getting a new roof is a big investment—and we get it—no one wants to overpay. It’s tempting to go with the cheapest quote, especially when a contractor says things like, “We use the same materials,” or “We do the same thing for less.”

But in roofing, cheap almost always costs more than you thought.

At Nickols Roofing, we’ve seen it all: rushed installs, hidden corners cut, low-grade materials, huge headaches within the installation process, and customers left to deal with the consequences. This post isn’t just about shingles and nails—it’s about what’s really happening on your roof, and why the right people doing the right work make all the difference—whether you're in Appleton, Oshkosh, or anywhere in the Fox Valley.

🚩 What “Cheap” Really Means in Roofing

We hear it all the time: “Oh, we do the same thing they do, just for less.”

But here’s the truth: they don’t.

Sure, they might say they’re using the same shingles—but more often than not, they aren’t. And even if they are, roofing is about the whole system: underlayments, flashing, decking, ventilation, fasteners, install methods—and especially the people involved.

Here’s what cheap roofing typically includes:

• Lower-grade or off-brand underlayments

• Caulk used as a long-term waterproofing method (a temporary fix at best)

• Poorly installed or missing flashing

• Inadequate ventilation that leads to mold, ice dams, or premature shingle failure

• Crews that are overworked, underpaid, or undertrained

• Lack of communication throughout the process

• Unnecessary change orders

Many of these companies hide in the grey areas, using vague language, rushed walkthroughs, and generalities so you won’t know what questions to ask. That’s not a mistake. Sometimes that’s intentional. Other times, small roofing companies—especially in growing areas like Oshkosh, WI—are just overwhelmed and can’t take the time it takes to be clear and set expectations correctly.

Either way, if you don’t know what to expect, you won’t know when they’re cutting corners.

💸 The Hidden Costs of a Cheap Roof

That low quote might feel good today—but here’s what it often leads to tomorrow:

• Roof leaks and internal water damage in 1–5 years

• Voided manufacturer warranties due to incorrect installation

• Expensive repairs or full tear-offs far sooner than necessary

• Miscommunication, missed timelines, and finger-pointing

• Damage you won’t see until it’s too late

You’re not just paying for shingles. You’re paying for peace of mind, protection, and follow-through. When that’s missing, the cost of a new roof is more than financial—it’s frustrating and exhausting.

We’ve worked with plenty of homeowners in Oshkosh who had to re-roof just years after paying for a “deal” that didn’t hold up. That shouldn’t happen. Ever.

Rotten Decking hidden under a new roof

🔎 What Real Value Looks Like

At Nickols Roofing, we define value as: Quality + Communication + Care.

We don't just show up and “get started.” We walk you through the process before we ever lift a shingle:

• We explain the materials we’ll use—by brand and function.

• We tell you what to expect on the day of install—from crew arrival to cleanup.

• We outline the quality checks we have in place while your roof is being installed—not just afterward.

• We invite you to ask questions and hold us accountable—because when you know what to look for, we know we need to bring our best. Every time.

This is what separates us from other roofing companies in Oshkosh and beyond: we’re not afraid of being held to a higher standard. We welcome it.

👷‍♂️ Our Team is the Difference

Materials matter. Process matters. But nothing matters more than the people doing the work.

We don’t use the lowest bidder. We don’t rush jobs. And we don’t allow anyone on your roof who doesn’t reflect our values.

Our crews are trained, supported, and motivated by something bigger: doing what’s right for the customer. We invest in them, because they’re the reason we can deliver consistent, excellent results.

“No other company has the people we have. That’s why they can’t offer what we offer.”

❤️ Care = Value

When we say we care about our customers, it’s not just about being nice—it’s about delivering real value:

• We care enough to explain every detail clearly and honestly.

• We care enough to inspect our own work so you don’t have to discover problems later.

• We care enough to avoid surprise change orders that other companies use to inflate their profits.

• We care enough to do what we said we’d do—every single time.

That’s how we build trust. That’s how we build great roofs. And that’s how we help you sleep easy—even during the next Wisconsin storm.

🧠 Know What You’re Really Paying For

The lowest bid isn’t always the worst choice—but it usually comes with compromises. If someone is offering you a full roof for significantly less, there’s only one way they can afford to do it: by cutting something out—materials, labor, communication, or all three.

At Nickols Roofing, we offer:

• Transparent estimates

• Expert-level installation

• Premium materials chosen for your exact home

• Reliable communication from start to finish

• A team that truly cares about getting it right

We don’t aim to be the cheapest. We aim to be the best value roofing company in Oshkosh, Appleton, and the entire Fox Valley—because we know that a job done right today saves you a whole lot of money and headaches tomorrow.

📞 Ready to See the Difference?

If you’ve been collecting roof bids and wondering who’s telling the truth, let’s talk.

We’ll walk you through everything we do—no grey areas, no pressure—just real answers, real people, and a roof that’s built to last.

📍 Proudly serving Oshkosh, Appleton, and surrounding communities across the Fox Valley📞 Call today (920)841-1069 or visit us at www.nickolsroofing.com to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection